Breathing Mask Forehead Support Automatic Adjustment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing breathing masks for respirators require manual adjustment of forehead brackets, which is cumbersome and costly due to complex structures, and does not easily accommodate varying patient anatomies.

Innovation Solution

A breathing mask with a forehead support that automatically adjusts through a deformable elastic portion, allowing the forehead support to swing relative to the forehead, reducing the need for manual adjustment and simplifying the structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a fixed forehead bracket is arranged to ease pressing feeling, then patient comfort is improved, but adaptability to different patients deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressing feelingVSAvoidadaptability to different patients
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The forehead bracket is designed with a rotating joint that allows it to pivot between a first position (protruding forward to reduce pressing on the nose) and a second position (retracted to reduce pressing on the forehead). This dynamic adjustment enables the same bracket to adapt to different patient anatomies and comfort needs without requiring multiple sizes or angles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable forehead bracket with manual adjustment is used, then adaptability to different patients is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different patientsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The forehead bracket incorporates a rotating joint with a ball and socket configuration that enables automatic adjustment through simple rotation. The bracket can be easily repositioned by the user or clinician without complex mechanisms, motors, or electronic controls. The simple rotational mechanism provides adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity and low manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable forehead bracket with manual adjustment is used, then adaptability to different patients is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different patientsVSAvoidadjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating joint design allows the forehead bracket to be easily repositioned by simply rotating it to the desired angle. The ball and socket mechanism provides smooth rotation without requiring threading, clicking, or complex locking mechanisms. This makes the adjustment process intuitive and easy to perform by patients or clinicians without technical expertise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If a complex forehead bracket structure is used, then adaptability to different patients is improved, but manufacturing cost deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different patientsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The forehead bracket is divided into separate components: a bracket body, a rotating joint with ball and socket, and a connecting mechanism to the headband. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes, then assembled together. The modular design reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the adaptability provided by the rotating joint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The simple rotating joint mechanism requires minimal precision manufacturing compared to complex adjustable mechanisms. The ball and socket design can be produced using standard machining or molding processes, reducing manufacturing cost while providing the necessary adaptability for different patient anatomies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The breathing mask achieves comfortable, automatic adjustment of the forehead support, reduces manufacturing complexity and costs, and enhances patient comfort by distributing the headband's force effectively, while maintaining stability and ease of use.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic deformable portion for connecting the engagement portion with the connection portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10314998B2Breathing mask
Publication Date: 2019.06.11 BMC MEDICAL CO LTD
  • US10314998B2 patent drawing
  • US10314998B2 patent drawing
  • US10314998B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a breathing mask for use in a respirator, comprising a receiving cover comprising an engagement portion for engaging a patient's mouth portion and/or nose portion, a connection portion connected to a breathing pipe, and an elastic deformable portion for connecting the engagement portion with the connection portion; a bracket assembly, comprising a forehead support disposed external of the connection portion and a receiving cover fixing frame fixedly disposed external of the engagement portion, and an elastic member for connecting the forehead support with the receiving cover fixing frame from a bottom of the receiving cover. The breathing mask for use in a respirator according to the present invention may achieve automatic adjustment of the forehead support without manual assistant adjustment.