Compliant CPAP Coupler for Misalignment-Tolerant Air Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CPAP systems face challenges in creating an air seal between the flow generator and humidifier tub, ensuring adequate thermal contact, and aligning these components correctly to prevent air leaks and ensure efficient humidification.
Innovation Solution
A flexible and conformable sealing portion in the connector between the flow generator outlet and humidifier inlet that accommodates misalignment, combined with a cradle mechanism for secure alignment and thermal contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rigid connector is used between flow generator and humidifier, then alignment precision is improved, but adaptability to manufacturing tolerances deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector incorporates a bellows structure that acts as a flexible element, allowing the rigid connector to adapt to manufacturing tolerances and misalignments while maintaining structural integrity and connection stability
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows structure introduces dynamic flexibility to the connector, enabling it to expand and contract to accommodate alignment variations without compromising the rigid connection's precision
2Ease of operation
If a removable humidifier tub is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of air seal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-configured with the bellows structure and sealing surfaces before assembly, ensuring that when the humidifier tub is removed and reattached, the air seal is automatically restored without requiring manual adjustment or compromising reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows structure automatically compensates for misalignments during tub removal and reattachment, maintaining the air seal without requiring user intervention or precise manual alignment
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex alignment mechanism is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows structure provides a simple yet effective flexible element that accommodates alignment variations without requiring complex mechanical alignment mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision
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 reliable air seal, reduces pressure drop, and ensures efficient humidification by accommodating manufacturing tolerances and misalignments, enhancing patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible and conformable sealing portion that is movable to accommodate misalignment
Implementation Method 2
there must be adequate thermal contact between the humidification tub and the heating element
Data Source
AI summary
A CPAP device includes a flow generator, a humidifier, and a connector between the flow generator and the humidifier. The connector includes a connector having an attaching portion and a flexible sealing portion configured to sealingly engage a flat, external surface around a first hole when the humidifier is removably received by a cradle, and the connector forming a passage for pressurized air to flow from the flow generator to the humidifier.