Wearable Percussive Device for Sinusitis Relief

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing treatments for sinusitis are often ineffective and rely on antibiotics, leading to resistance and health issues due to repeated usage.

Innovation Solution

A hands-free wearable device using percussive therapy with vibrating elements and motors, secured to the face with a medical-grade adhesive, delivers targeted vibrations to the maxillary sinuses to alleviate congestion and pressure without antibiotics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If antibiotics are used to treat sinusitis, then symptoms are alleviated, but antibiotic resistance builds up and health is detrimentally affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesinusitis treatment effectivenessVSAvoidantibiotic resistance and health detriment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical treatment system (antibiotics) with a mechanical vibration system. The percussive device uses motor-driven vibration elements to deliver mechanical pulses to the sinus cavities, creating pressure changes that clear mucus and reduce congestion without introducing any chemical substances into the body, thereby eliminating antibiotic resistance concerns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The core of the invention is the application of mechanical vibration to treat sinusitis. The device contains motor elements that generate controlled vibrations and pulses, which are transmitted through the tissue to the maxillary sinuses. This mechanical vibration creates pressure variations that help break up and clear mucus blockages, providing an alternative to antibiotic treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Reliability

If existing sinusitis treatment devices are used, then treatment is provided, but they are not effective and are expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesinusitis treatment effectivenessVSAvoidtreatment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs a disposable adhesive patch that can be easily replaced. The patch contains the vibration elements and is designed for single-use or limited-use cycles, eliminating the need for expensive cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance procedures associated with reusable medical devices. This approach reduces overall treatment costs while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If a wearable percussive device is used, then non-invasive treatment is delivered, but hands-free operation and secure attachment are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehands-free wearable operationVSAvoidsecure attachment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses a thin, flexible adhesive patch as its housing structure. This patch can conform to the contours of the user's face and secure the vibration elements in place without requiring complex mechanical attachment mechanisms. The flexibility of the thin film allows for easy application and removal while maintaining secure contact with the skin for effective treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device provides non-invasive, effective relief from sinusitis symptoms by breaking down mucus and reducing congestion, reducing the need for antibiotics and minimizing resistance.

Implementation Method 1

one or more vibration elements disposed at least partially within the housing. The one or more vibration elements are configured to be selectively actuated to generate vibration of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS20240299243A1Sinusitis treatment percussive device
Publication Date: 2024.09.12 LEVI NOAH GREYSON
  • US20240299243A1 patent drawing
  • US20240299243A1 patent drawing
  • US20240299243A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An example percussive treatment device is provided. The device includes a housing, one or more attachment means disposed at least partially within the housing, and one or more vibration elements disposed at least partially within the housing. The one or more magnets vibration elements are configured to be selectively actuated to generate vibration of the housing.