Angled Sealing Flap for Patient Interface Cushion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient interface devices for non-invasive ventilation and pressure support therapies suffer from sealing issues, causing pressure on the face, red marks, and discomfort due to traditional sealing flap geometries that apply excessive force across the nose, cheeks, and upper lip, leading to bunching and nostril encroachment, which reduces therapy compliance.
Innovation Solution
A cushion design with an angled sealing flap that extends inwardly from a support wall, featuring a two-plane opening from the nose bridge to the upper lip with a specific geometry that minimizes flap length and pressure on the upper lip, distributing strapping force to less sensitive areas, thereby reducing discomfort and improving seal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional sealing flap geometry is used to provide a seal, then sealing function is achieved, but excessive pressure is applied to the upper lip and face causing discomfort and red marks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the sealing flap, specifically creating a two-plane opening with a first plane from nose bridge to apex and a second plane from apex to upper lip, with the second plane angled at 105-125 degrees relative to the first plane. This geometric parameter change redistributes the contact pressure from concentrated points to distributed areas, reducing harmful pressure on the upper lip while maintaining sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional single-plane sealing flap to a two-plane three-dimensional structure. The first plane extends from the nose bridge to the apex, and the second plane extends from the apex to the upper lip at an angle of 105-125 degrees. This dimensional change allows the sealing force to be distributed across different spatial planes and facial areas, reducing concentrated pressure on sensitive areas while maintaining effective sealing
2Reliability
If a longer sealing flap is used to improve seal coverage, then sealing area is increased, but bunching occurs causing discomfort and potential leak paths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sealing flap into distinct planar sections: a first plane from the nose bridge to the apex, and a second plane from the apex to the upper lip. This segmentation allows each section to function independently with optimized length and orientation, preventing the excess material accumulation and folding (bunching) that occurs in single-plane designs while maintaining comprehensive seal coverage
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing a two-plane three-dimensional structure with the second plane angled at 105-125 degrees relative to the first plane, the patent eliminates bunching by distributing the sealing surface across different spatial dimensions. This dimensional arrangement prevents material overlap and folding while ensuring adequate coverage of the sealing area
3Reliability
If traditional sealing flap geometry is used, then sealing is achieved, but nostril encroachment occurs reducing breathing ease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the sealing flap by creating a two-plane structure where the second plane extends from the apex to the upper lip at a specific angle of 105-125 degrees. This parameter modification positions the sealing edge away from the nostril opening, preventing encroachment and maintaining unobstructed breathing pathways while preserving effective seal quality
Data Source
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AI summary
A cushion (26) for a patient interface device includes a support wall portion and a sealing flap (40) extending in inwardly from the support wall portion and toward a longitudinal axis of the cushion. The sealing flap has a distal edge (44)which defines an opening (46) in the sealing flap. The opening extends from the nose bridge to the upper lip and is created by two planes (hinged nearer the upper lip) that intersect at a large angle (e.g., 90 degrees to 150 degrees) near the upper lip.