Breathing Mask Forehead Support Pivot Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breathing masks have complex structures and high manufacturing costs due to intricate adjusting mechanisms for forehead support, which can lead to discomfort and treatment failure in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) patients, as they require precise forehead height adjustment for optimal wearability and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A breathing mask with a pivotally connected forehead support member and a rotatably connected adjusting member, utilizing a ball and socket connection structure with limit parts to allow single-handed adjustment of the forehead support height, simplifying the mechanism and reducing the number of components, thereby lowering manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a screw-drive adjusting mechanism is used to adjust forehead support height, then the adjustment precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the adjustment mechanism from a continuous screw-drive system to a discrete stepless adjustment system using a pivotable forehead support frame connected to the mask body through a pivot joint, allowing the forehead support height to be adjusted to different positions without requiring complex threading mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the complex screw-drive components (threads, nuts, adjustment screws) from the adjusting mechanism, replacing them with a simpler pivot joint connection that achieves the same height adjustment function with fewer parts
2Measurement precision
If a screw-drive adjusting mechanism is used to adjust forehead support height, then the adjustment precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the manufacturing process by changing from precision-machined screw threads and mating components to simpler pivot joint connections that require less precise manufacturing tolerances and fewer machining operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the expensive screw-drive components that require complex manufacturing processes, replacing them with a more cost-effective pivot joint system that uses simpler materials and assembly methods
3Measurement precision
If a complex adjusting mechanism with many parts is used, then the adjustment precision is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the multiple components (knobs, threads, adjustment screws, locking mechanisms) from the adjusting mechanism, leaving a simpler pivotable connection that can be adjusted with minimal parts and easier user interaction
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a mechanism that requires active tightening and locking (screw-drive), the patent inverts the approach by using a pivot joint that naturally maintains position through its mechanical connection while allowing easy repositioning when force is applied
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 solution provides a convenient, comfortable, and cost-effective way for patients to adjust the forehead support height, enhancing wearability and treatment efficacy by allowing easy adjustment of the forehead support member's position without additional assistance, while maintaining a simple structure and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a ball and socket connection structure
Implementation Method 2
the forehead support member is pivotally connected to the frame to allow the forehead support member to swing toward the forehead of a patient or swing away from the forehead of the patient
Implementation Method 3
the forehead support member and the frame are respectively provided with a limit part fitted with each other to limit the swing direction of the forehead support member
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A breathing mask (200, 200'. 200''). The breathing mask (200, 200'. 200'') comprises: a frame (210, 210"); a forehead support frame (230) which is connected to the frame (210, 210'') pivotally to allow the forehead support frame (230) to shift toward the forehead (100) of a patient or shift away from the forehead (100) of the patient; and an adjusting member (220, 220' , 220' ') which is connected to the frame (210, 210' ') rotatably and has an adjusting slope. The forehead support frame (230) has a joining part (235, 235') in contact with the adjusting slope so that the forehead support frame (230) is driven to rotate pivotally through the rotation of the adjusting member (220, 220' , 220"). Through the matching between the adjusting slope and the joining part (235, 235'), the breathing mask (200, 200'. 200") converts the rotation of the adjusting member (220, 220', 220' ') to the shifting of the forehead support frame (230); and through rotating the adjusting member (220, 220', 220"), the height of the forehead support frame (230) relative to the forehead (100) of the patient can be adjusted. When the breathing mask is used, the forehead support frame (230) can be shifted by rotating the adjusting member (220, 220', 220") with a single hand, so that the patient can find the most comfortable position according to own feelings without help from others conveniently. The breathing mask is simple in structure and comprises a few parts; therefore, the manufacture process is simple, and the manufacture cost is low.