Small Animal Anesthesia Mask With Integrated Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anesthetization gas masks for small animals lack an integrated valve function, leading to gas spillage when not in use and requiring adjustments in test setups.
Innovation Solution
The anesthetization gas mask incorporates a movable second mask part connected to a first mask part with an inlet, allowing for a rotatory or translatory movement to block the gas passage, thereby integrating a valve function within the mask system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If no valve function is integrated in the mask system, then the mask structure remains simple, but anesthesia gas spills when not in use and test setups require adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve function directly into the mask structure by making the first mask part movable relative to the second mask part. The first mask part can be rotated or translated to block the gas passage, integrating the valve functionality within the existing mask components rather than adding a separate valve mechanism. This merging approach prevents gas spillage while minimizing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic mask structure where the first mask part is movable relative to the second mask part through rotatory or translatory movement. This dynamic configuration allows the mask to transition between an open state (during use) and a closed state (when not in use) to control gas flow. The movable design enables easy operation to block or allow gas passage without requiring complex fixed valve mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If a separate valve is used to control gas flow, then gas flow can be controlled, but the test setup requires adjustments and the valve is not within easy reach of the mask
Solution Approach 1:
The valve control function is merged into the mask structure itself through the movable first mask part. Since the first mask part is already positioned at the animal's mouth for gas delivery, moving it to block the passage provides immediate local control of gas flow right at the point of use. This eliminates the need for separate valves located elsewhere in the test setup, improving accessibility while reducing overall system complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the mask is designed to be compact for easy application, then it fits small animals well, but integrating a valve function may increase size
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is segmented into two functional parts: the first mask part that can move to control gas flow, and the second mask part that remains stationary. This segmentation allows the valve function to be distributed across existing structural components rather than adding a separate valve assembly. The first mask part's movement capability provides valve functionality while maintaining the compact overall size needed for small animal application.
Solution Approach 2:
The first mask part serves multiple functions: it delivers anesthesia gas to the animal's mouth during operation and acts as a valve by blocking the gas passage when moved to the closed position. This multi-functionality allows the mask to integrate valve control without requiring additional components that would increase its size. The same structural element performs both gas delivery and flow control functions.
Data Source
AI summary
An anesthetization gas mask for a small animal includes a first mask part providing an inlet for an anesthetization gas and a second mask part for transmitting the anesthetization gas. The first and the second mask part define an anesthetization volume for receiving an animal's mouth part. The second mask part transmitting the anesthetization gas is movably connected to the first mask part having the inlet for an anesthetization gas. The anesthetization gas mask is geometrically constructed such that a movement of the first mask part from a working position to a blocking position relative to the second mask part blocks the passage of anesthetization gas into the anesthetization volume. This anesthetization gas mask has a valve function integrated in the mask system itself, so that anesthesia gas is not spilled when not in use and with a fixed geometry so that the extraction is always present when handled.