Multi-part Breathing Mask with Rotatable Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ventilation masks for premature babies and small children are complex to use due to the need for individual lung volume determination for oxygen adaptation and are prone to losing fit when the patient moves, leading to inefficient gas flow and potential lack of oxygen.

Innovation Solution

A multi-part ventilation mask with a soft, elastic nasal connection element and a rigid, rotatable coupling element that maintains a secure fit and minimizes stale air inhalation, featuring a Y-shaped hose connection element with inner partitions and a latching mechanism to ensure draught-free gas flow and secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid connection structure is used between the ventilation mask and hoses, then structural stability is improved, but the mask loses fit when the patient moves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidfit security
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into separate modular components: a nasal connection element, a hose connection element, and a coupling element. This segmentation allows each component to independently perform its function - the nasal element maintains seal through elasticity while the hose connection maintains structural stability through rigid coupling, resolving the contradiction between stability and fit security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hose connection element is designed with rotational capability relative to the coupling element, allowing dynamic adjustment. This rotational degree of freedom enables the system to adapt to patient movement while maintaining both structural stability through the rigid coupling and secure fit through the elastic nasal element, eliminating the need for rigid fixed connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If the connection area and hoses are rigidly connected, then structural stability is improved, but the mask cannot adapt to patient movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to patient movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hose connection element incorporates a rotational joint that allows it to move relative to the coupling element. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to patient movement in multiple directions while maintaining structural stability through the rigid coupling between the nasal element and hose connection element, eliminating the need for complete rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the connection system have different mechanical properties: the nasal connection element uses elastic material for adaptability to facial contours, while the hose connection element uses rigid material for structural stability. The rotational joint provides localized flexibility where needed, allowing the system to simultaneously achieve both adaptability and stability without compromising either aspect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If a multi-part design with rotatable coupling is used, then adaptability to patient movement is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to patient movementVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into three main components: nasal connection element, hose connection element, and coupling element. Each component is relatively simple in design, and the modular architecture allows for easy assembly and disassembly. The rotatable joint is integrated into the coupling element, adding minimal complexity while providing significant adaptability benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If the nasal connection element is made elastic, then fit security is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit securityVSAvoidsealing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The material properties of the nasal connection element are optimized by selecting elastic materials with appropriate durometer ranges. This parameter selection allows the element to deform and conform to various facial shapes while maintaining reliable sealing. The elastic properties enable the element to accommodate manufacturing variations without requiring extremely tight tolerances, thus reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining fit security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 stable, reliable ventilation mask that securely fits the patient's nose, reduces stale air inhalation, and ensures consistent gas flow, improving operational reliability and oxygen delivery.

Implementation Method 1

a soft, elastic nasal connection element (3)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the rigid coupling element (2) is rotatably latched on one side to the third branch (1c) of the hose connection element (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 3

the rigid coupling element (2) is rotatably latched on one side to the third branch (1c) of the hose connection element (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 4

The Y-shaped hose connection element (1) has an inner partition that continuously separates the gas inlet channel (K1) and the gas outlet channel (K2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical Partitioning:

Implementation Method 5

The ventilation pump is permanently active, so that a constant flow of air flows through the two hoses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure Gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 6

The connection hose between the connection area of the ventilation mask and the branch of the T-shaped adapter piece is flushed by the active breathing of a patient

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure Gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3144026B1Multi-part breathing mask, associated nose closure element and related combination of a hose connecting element and a coupling element
Publication Date: 2019.01.02 MEDIN MEDICAL INNOVATIONS
  • EP3144026B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3144026B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~1d
  • EP3144026B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present invention provides a multi-part ventilation mask (1) for respiratory support of a patient, comprising an elastic nasal connector element (3) with a nasal cavity (R) for at least partially accommodating the patient's nose and an adjacent receiving chamber (A) for receiving a rigid coupling element (2); a rigid Y-shaped hose connector element (1) with a first branch (1a) having a gas inlet channel (K1), a second branch (1b) having a gas outlet channel (K2) for connecting a gas purge device and a third branch (1c) for connecting the rigid coupling element (2); and the rigid coupling element (2) in which the third branch (1c) of the hose connector element (1) is rotatably locked on one side and which is non-rotatably clamped in the receiving chamber (A) of the nasal connector element (3) on another side.