Cheekbone-Stabilized Patient Interface Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient interface devices face challenges in achieving a secure and comfortable fit, as they often require high strapping forces for an airtight seal, leading to discomfort and reduced patient compliance, especially during extended use for conditions like obstructive sleep apnea.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface device with cheek mount supports that apply force to the cheekbones while avoiding the apex, combined with a seal member and conduit coupling system, to create a stable and comfortable fit by utilizing the cheekbones as both a locator and stabilizer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mask is tightened firmly against the patient's face to achieve an airtight seal, then the seal reliability is improved, but the user comfort deteriorates due to high strapping forces
Solution Approach 1:
The mask system is divided into multiple functional components: a headgear with straps for overall securing, cheek mount supports for lateral stabilization, and a seal member for the airtight interface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without requiring excessive force throughout the entire mask structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cheek mount supports act as intermediary elements between the headgear and the seal member. They distribute and redirect the strapping forces laterally to the cheekbones, preventing direct concentration of force on the seal interface and thereby maintaining seal reliability while reducing discomfort at the seal location.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the mask is fit loosely on the patient's face to enhance comfort, then the user comfort is improved, but the seal reliability deteriorates due to potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the securing function (headgear) from the sealing function (seal member), the system allows the seal to remain relatively loose and comfortable while the headgear provides the necessary overall retention. The cheek mount supports bridge these functions by providing lateral anchor points.
Solution Approach 2:
The cheek mount supports introduce a lateral dimension to the force distribution, moving the primary retention mechanism from a vertical/medial direction (direct strapping on the seal) to a lateral direction (cheekbone engagement). This dimensional shift allows the seal to be less constrictive while maintaining reliability through lateral anchoring.
3Reliability
If high strapping forces are applied to ensure secure attachment, then the seal reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional strapping mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into a headgear component and cheek mount support components, each with simplified fastening mechanisms. This modular approach achieves secure attachment without requiring complex multi-component strapping systems, as each segment can be independently and simply fastened.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient interface device (30, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 730) that includes a support member (34, 234, 334, 434, 534, 634) comprising a central support portion and of cheek mount supports (70) coupled to the central portion. Each cheek mount support is configured to apply a force a side a user's cheekbone while applying substantially no force over an apex of such a user's cheekbone responsive to the patient interface being worn by a user. A seal member (36, 236, 336, 436, 536, 636, 736) is coupled to the support portion. The seal member is adapted to seal against a surface of a user to communicate a flow of gas with an airway of such a user. A conduit coupling member (38, 355, 438a, 438b, 538) is coupled to the seal member.