Annular Strap Headgear for Respiratory Mask Leak Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory nasal masks suffer from discomfort due to gas leaks, poor positioning, and inadequate tightness, particularly when used overnight for treating conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, often caused by loose or poorly designed headgear settings.
Innovation Solution
A headgear structure for a minimal contact mask (MCM) featuring an annular-shape strap structure with curved elements and multi-layer construction, including Velcro-type fixation, ensures a secure fit and reduces gas leaks by maintaining mask position and cushion tightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional headgear with simple strap structures is used, then the device complexity is low, but the gas tightness and sealing effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear is divided into multiple functional strap elements (first lateral strap, second lateral strap, annular strap) with distinct functions. Each strap element can be independently adjusted and positioned, allowing optimized sealing force distribution across different regions of the mask, thereby improving gas tightness without requiring a completely complex integrated structure
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear transitions from a simple planar strap arrangement to a three-dimensional annular configuration that wraps around the user's head. This dimensional change enables the headgear to apply sealing force from multiple directions and angles, significantly enhancing the gas tightness and seal effectiveness between the mask and user's face
2Reliability
If the headgear applies sufficient force to achieve gas tight seal, then the sealing effectiveness improves, but the patient comfort deteriorates due to tightness
Solution Approach 1:
Different strap elements are designed with different local properties: the annular strap provides stable positioning with moderate tension, while the lateral straps provide adjustable localized sealing force where needed. This local differentiation allows sufficient sealing force to be applied at the mask-cushion interface without requiring excessive overall tension that would cause discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear incorporates adjustable mechanisms allowing the tension and positioning of each strap element to be dynamically modified. Users can adjust the lateral straps to achieve optimal sealing force at different times of day, and the annular strap can be repositioned to accommodate changes in head shape or comfort needs, maintaining both seal effectiveness and comfort throughout extended wear periods
3Reliability
If the mask is secured tightly to prevent gas leaks, then the gas tightness improves, but the positioning stability deteriorates due to mask displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear merges the positioning function and sealing function into a single integrated system. The annular strap structure provides stable mask positioning by distributing tension evenly around the head, while the lateral straps simultaneously provide the localized sealing force needed for gas tightness. This merging eliminates the need for separate positioning and sealing mechanisms, achieving both objectives together
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a headgear structure (30) for a respiratory mask (1), comprising several flexible elongated strap elements (31) comprising two lateral strap elements (32) each comprising a proximal end (32a) comprising fixation means (36) configured to be attachable to headgear-connecting structures (15) of the respiratory mask (1), and further a distal end (32b), characterized in that it further comprises an annular-shape strap structure (37) comprising a first curved strap element (33) and a second curved strap element (34), wherein the distal ends (32b) of the two lateral strap elements (32) are firmly attached to the annular-shape strap structure (37). Respiratory nasal mask (1) comprising such a headgear (30).