Adjustable Respiratory Mask with Dynamic Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional respiratory mask systems require multiple sizes to fit a wide range of patients, leading to complexities in fitting, inventory management, and potential leaks during use, particularly in CPAP therapy for Sleep Disordered Breathing.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable mask system with a flexible frame and cushion that can change shape and size to accommodate different facial dimensions, allowing for a single mask size to fit a wide range of patients without the need for multiple components, enabling easy adjustment and sealing while maintaining positive airway pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes of mask components are provided to fit different patients, then the mask system can accommodate a wide range of facial dimensions, but the device complexity and inventory management become more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The mask system incorporates an adjustable frame with telescoping or expandable structures that allow dynamic resizing of the mask to fit different facial dimensions. This dynamic adjustment mechanism eliminates the need for multiple static mask sizes, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal mask design incorporates adjustable components that enable one mask to serve multiple patients with different facial geometries. The frame and cushion are designed with variability features allowing a single component to perform the function of multiple specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes of mask components are provided, then different patients can be fitted, but inventory management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mask system is designed as a universal single-size mask with adjustable features that can accommodate multiple patient sizes. This eliminates the need to maintain inventory of multiple specialized mask components, reducing storage requirements and simplifying supply chain management.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functionality of multiple mask sizes into a single adjustable mask design. By combining the features of different sized masks into one versatile component, the system reduces the total quantity of mask components needed in inventory.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional fixed-size masks are used, then manufacturing and inventory are simpler, but leaks occur during use due to poor fit
Solution Approach 1:
The mask incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the frame and cushion to be resized to match the patient's facial dimensions. This dynamic fitting capability maintains reliable sealing performance across different patients while preserving manufacturing simplicity through a standardized base design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask system allows changing of geometric parameters such as frame dimensions and cushion shape through adjustable mechanisms. This parameter variability enables the same manufactured component to achieve optimal sealing performance for different patients by adjusting rather than redesigning.
4Quantity of substance
If a single mask size is used for all patients, then inventory management is simplified, but the mask cannot accommodate varying facial dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The single mask size incorporates dynamic adjustment features including expandable frames and reconfigurable cushions that allow the mask to adapt to varying facial dimensions. This dynamic capability enables one standardized component to fit multiple patient sizes, resolving the contradiction between inventory simplicity and fitting versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask is segmented into adjustable components such as separable frame sections and modular cushions that can be independently positioned or resized. This segmentation allows a single mask to be configured for different facial geometries while maintaining inventory simplicity through a single standardized product.
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 3-1~3-2
Figure 3-3~3-4
AI summary
A mask system for delivery of air at positive pressure to a patient's airways, the mask system comprising a cushion configured to seal against the patient's face, the cushion further comprising an undercushion constructed from silicone and/or TPE and a foam sealing portion supported by the undercushion, wherein the cushion is configured such that a cushion size is adjustable, wherein the undercushion is configured as a spring to accommodate the different contours of the patient's face without adding bulk to the mask.