Adaptive Respiratory Mask Pressure Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous positive pressure respirators for treating obstructive sleep apnea often cause discomfort due to tight binding forces on the face and head, leading to inadequate airtightness and poor user comfort during extended use.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive system integrated into a respiratory mask, comprising a forehead pressure diffusing portion, cheek buffering portion, and connecting portion, which distributes pressure evenly across the face using deformable side wings and a cushion module with varying elasticity regions to alleviate pressure points and enhance comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a binding strap is used to fix the mask on the face to provide airtightness, then airtightness is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to tight binding forces on the face and head
Solution Approach 1:
The binding strap is divided into multiple segments: a headgear portion for the head and a facegear portion for the face, connected by a connector. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently - the headgear can provide strong binding for airtightness while the facegear with pressure-diffusing structure reduces local pressure discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimensional approach by adding a connector component that bridges the headgear and facegear, creating a three-dimensional force distribution system. The connector with its specific geometry (including inclined surfaces and engagement structures) distributes forces across multiple dimensions, reducing concentrated pressure on the face while maintaining overall airtightness
2Reliability
If the binding strap is tightened to maintain airtightness during extended use, then airtightness is preserved, but user comfort deteriorates due to increased discomfort from tight binding forces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pressure distribution parameters by introducing a facegear portion with specific geometric features (inclined surfaces, engagement structures) that transform the pressure profile. Instead of uniform high pressure, the system creates a distributed pressure pattern with reduced peak pressures, making extended wearing tolerable while maintaining airtightness through the overall system configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves as an intermediary element between the headgear and facegear, mediating the force transmission. It allows the headgear to provide strong binding forces while transforming these forces into a gentler distribution pattern on the face, enabling extended wear comfort without sacrificing airtightness
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 adaptive system automatically adjusts pressure distribution, reducing discomfort and improving user experience by evenly distributing forces across the facial region, thus providing a more comfortable and effective treatment environment for patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
Implementation Method 1
two side wings deformable by a pressure applied on the headgear
Implementation Method 2
the connecting portion is configured to transmit pressure between the forehead pressure diffusing portion and the cheek buffering portion
Implementation Method 3
a cushion module with varying elasticity regions to alleviate pressure points
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a patient interface having an adaptive system, a respiratory mask and a cushion module adapted with the adaptive system. The adaptive system includes a forehead pressure diffusing portion, a cheek buffering portion and a connecting portion. The forehead pressure diffusing portion is disposed in a frame module. The cheek buffering portion is disposed in a cushion module. The connecting portion is positioned between the forehead pressure diffusing portion and the cheek buffering portion. The connecting portion is configured to transmit pressure between the forehead pressure diffusing portion and the cheek buffering portion. Thus, when a user wears a mask or other devices with the adaptive system, a force received by the face of the user could be automatically and appropriately distributed, further improving comfort of the wearer.