Adaptive CPAP Mask Sealing With Electrically Stimulated Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional respiratory assistance systems, such as CPAP devices for treating sleep apnea, often fail to provide an effective seal due to poorly sized masks, leading to leaks, reduced treatment efficiency, and discomfort, as they do not account for individual patient characteristics and environmental variables.
Innovation Solution
The use of shape-changing materials, like electroactive polymers (EAPs) and elastomers, which adjust size and shape in response to electrical stimulation, allowing for customizable fit and improved seal based on patient and environmental factors, including breathing patterns and ambient conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size mask is used for CPAP treatment, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the mask may not fit all patients properly leading to leaks and reduced treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The mask incorporates shape-changing materials that can dynamically alter their dimensions in response to electrical stimulation, allowing the mask to adapt its size and shape to different patient facial characteristics. This dynamic adjustment capability enables a single mask design to serve multiple patient types without requiring multiple fixed-size options.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask utilizes materials whose physical parameters (shape, size) can be changed through electrical stimulation. By controlling the degree of expansion or contraction of the shape-changing material, the mask can be adjusted to different configurations to match various patient anatomies, transforming a static device into an adjustable one.
2Reliability
If a custom-made mask is created from a mold of the patient's face, then the mask fit is precise and leaks are reduced, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mask system performs self-adjustment through electrical stimulation of the shape-changing materials, automatically conforming to the patient's facial features without requiring external customization processes like molding. This eliminates the need for complex manufacturing steps while achieving a customized fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask can be pre-configured with shape-changing materials that are activated during use to achieve the proper fit. The customization action is performed in advance through electrical stimulation before the treatment begins, ensuring proper seal formation without requiring time-consuming on-site adjustments.
3Reliability
If the mask is tightly secured to prevent leaks, then seal effectiveness improves, but patient comfort decreases due to skin irritation and restricted breathing
Solution Approach 1:
The mask employs shape-changing materials that can dynamically adjust the seal pressure applied to the patient's face. By controlling the degree of material expansion, the mask achieves adequate sealing to prevent leaks while avoiding excessive pressure that would cause skin irritation or breathing restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask utilizes shape-changing materials in specific regions where seal formation is needed, rather than uniformly tightening the entire mask structure. This localized adjustment allows the seal areas to apply sufficient pressure for leak prevention while other areas remain comfortable and non-restrictive to the patient.
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
Enhances the effectiveness of respiratory assistance by ensuring a secure and comfortable fit, reducing leaks, and improving treatment efficiency while maintaining patient comfort through adaptive adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The shape changing material may be an electro active polymer (EAPs) or elastomer
Implementation Method 2
a component of a respiratory assistance system out of a shape changing material that changes shape and/or size in at least one dimension associated with the material, upon electrical stimulation
Data Source
AI summary
A respiratory assistance component is disclosed that changes shape when an electrical charge is provided. The amount of electrical charge that is applied may be based on values, characteristics, or user controlled parameters of the respiratory assistance system. The component may be all or part of a patient interface, a tube, a flow generator, and/or a sleep mat.