Breathing Assistance Support Mount With Accessory Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Breathing assistance apparatuses face challenges such as inadequate storage for accessories, contamination susceptibility, and lack of versatility in support solutions, including being unsuitable for multiple apparatus types and difficult to transport.

Innovation Solution

A support apparatus designed to releasably couple with multiple breathing assistance apparatus configurations, featuring a handle for easy carrying, mechanical features for accessory management, and a compact design to reduce contamination risk, with optional shroud for coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the breathing assistance apparatus is placed on the floor to be out of the way, then it can be positioned away from the patient, but the apparatus is susceptible to dust and particulate ingress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoiddust and particulate ingress
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support apparatus serves multiple functions: it elevates the breathing assistance apparatus to a clean environment, provides structured support, and includes accessory storage. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by maintaining positioning flexibility while eliminating dust exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the apparatus is kept on the floor for home use, then it can be large and noisy without restriction, but there is inadequate storage for accessories

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage availabilityVSAvoidsupport structure requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support apparatus merges the support function with accessory storage by integrating shelves and compartments into the support structure. This combines multiple functions (supporting the apparatus and storing accessories) into a single unified structure, resolving the contradiction between storage availability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a support apparatus is designed for a single breathing assistance apparatus, then it can be optimized for that specific device, but multiple support apparatuses are needed for different apparatuses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with multiple apparatus typesVSAvoidmounting mechanism design
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support apparatus employs a universal mounting mechanism that can accommodate different breathing assistance apparatus types. The adjustable and adaptable mounting system allows a single support apparatus to serve multiple apparatus configurations, resolving the contradiction between versatility and design complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If the conduit is allowed to drape freely, then it can reach from the apparatus to the patient, but it presents a tripping hazard

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconduit accessibilityVSAvoidtripping hazard
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support apparatus includes dedicated conduit routing features and mechanical features that pre-position the conduit along the support structure. This preliminary arrangement ensures the conduit reaches the patient while being contained and organized, eliminating tripping hazards before they can occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

5Ease of operation

If the apparatus is stored on the floor for extended periods, then it can be easily accessible, but it is susceptible to contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidcontamination resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support apparatus vertically elevates the breathing assistance apparatus from the floor level to an elevated position. This dimensional change moves the apparatus from a contaminated environment (floor) to a cleaner environment, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and contamination resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3846889B1Support for a breathing assistance apparatus and/or accessories
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 FISHER & PAYKEL HEALTHCARE LTD
  • EP3846889B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3846889B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3846889B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A support apparatus 200 for a breathing assistance 10 has a base 203, a mount 351, and a handle 309. The mount 351 is configured to releasably couple the support apparatus 200 with a breathing assistance apparatus 10 by lowering the breathing assistance apparatus 10 relative to the mount 351. The handle 309 is configured to enable the support apparatus 200 and a releasably coupled breathing assistance apparatus 10 to be lifted and carried by a user.