Angled Breathing Mask Fitting Single Rotary Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ventilation systems require complex activation and deactivation of anti-suffocation valves and carbon dioxide exhalation openings, necessitating multiple switching elements, which complicates handling and operation.

Innovation Solution

An elbow with a single switching element, a rotary ring, that activates and deactivates both the anti-suffocation valve and carbon dioxide exhalation openings through a mechanical connection, allowing for easy operation by moving between multiple switching positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switching elements are used to control anti-suffocation valve and carbon dioxide exhalation openings, then each function can be controlled independently, but the device complexity and handling difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent control of anti-suffocation valve and CO2 exhalation openingsVSAvoidnumber of switching elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple switching functions into a single switching element (rotary ring) that can control both the anti-suffocation valve and carbon dioxide exhalation openings. The rotary ring has different positions that correspond to different combinations of valve states, allowing independent control of both functions while using only one switching mechanism instead of multiple separate switches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single rotary ring switching element serves multiple functions: it controls the anti-suffocation valve opening/closing, controls the carbon dioxide exhalation openings opening/closing, and provides different operational modes (normal ventilation, emergency breathing, CO2 discharge). This multi-functional design reduces the number of components while maintaining full control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple switching elements are used for controlling different valve functions, then each valve can be activated independently, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent activation of valve functionsVSAvoidhandling of switching elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple switching operations are merged into a single rotary ring mechanism. The user rotates the ring to different positions to achieve different valve configurations, eliminating the need to manipulate multiple separate switches and simplifying the user interface while preserving independent control of each valve function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The switching element transitions from static multiple switches to a dynamic rotary ring with multiple positions. This dynamic design allows the user to select different operational modes by rotating the ring to appropriate positions, making the system more adaptable and easier to operate while maintaining independent control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a single switching element controls multiple functions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of individual valve states may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of switching elementsVSAvoidvalve state control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary ring switching element incorporates distinct, well-defined positions that correspond to specific valve states. Each position of the rotary ring mechanically actuates the appropriate valves to achieve precise control configurations. The mechanical design ensures clear positioning and reliable valve actuation, maintaining measurement precision despite using a single switching mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary ring is segmented into distinct positions, each corresponding to a specific operational mode. This segmentation ensures that each valve state can be precisely controlled and maintained, as the rotary ring can be positioned accurately at each discrete position, preventing ambiguity in valve control states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2724743B1Angled component for a breathing mask
Publication Date: 2016.03.23 DRAGERWERK AG
  • EP2724743B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2724743B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2724743B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In an angled fitting (1) for a ventilation mask for the artificial ventilation of a patient, comprising an angled tube section (30) which defines a breathing gas channel (10), with a hose connection (11) having an inlet opening (12) for connecting a ventilation tube (7) and a mask connection (13) with an outlet opening (14) for connecting the ventilation mask (9), an anti-suffocation valve (18), and carbon dioxide exhalation ports (19), the angled fitting (1) should be easily switchable between different open and closed states for the anti-suffocation valve (18) and the carbon dioxide exhalation ports (19). This requirement is met by the angled fitting (1) comprising only one switching element (20) for activating and deactivating the anti-suffocation valve (18) and the carbon dioxide exhalation ports (19).