Conduit Support Device with Offset Weight for CPAP Hose Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CPAP or oxygen hose support devices fail to provide consistent and adjustable tension to prevent mask leaks during sleep, as they do not effectively accommodate variations in hose weight and flexibility, leading to issues like hose slack, tension on the mask, and disturbance of sleep.
Innovation Solution
A conduit support device with a movably coupled support leg and boom arm, featuring a vertical and horizontal pivot, an offset weight, and conduit restraints, allowing for adjustable positioning and tensioning to maintain optimal hose alignment and reduce tension on the mask.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed lift device is used to suspend the hose from a fixed point above the sleeper, then the device is simple, portable, and low cost, but the hose slack is not removed when the sleeper rolls to the back position, causing mask leaks or disturbance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by replacing the fixed suspension point with a movable boom arm that can swing horizontally and adjust vertically. The boom arm moves dynamically to follow the sleeper's position changes, automatically removing hose slack when the sleeper rolls to the back position while maintaining support when in side position, thus preventing mask leaks without requiring complex adjustable mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flex rod support device is used to support the hose over the sleeper, then the device can accommodate large sleeper movements, but the flexibility of the shaft cannot be optimized for the variation in hose weight and flexibility, resulting in mask leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principle by attaching a weight to the boom arm that balances the hose weight. This allows the boom arm to maintain a horizontal position and apply consistent, optimized tension to the hose, accommodating sleeper movements while preventing mask leaks. The counterweight enables the system to adapt to different hose weights by adjusting the counterbalancing force.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a hose support arm with counterweight is used to compensate for mask movement in the z direction, then the device can adapt to different hose weights, but weights must be stacked to change the counterweight which is not convenient and rolling friction increases hose tension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the boom arm itself movable rather than using a fixed arm with adjustable counterweights. The boom arm can swing horizontally and adjust its vertical position dynamically, eliminating the need to stack weights for adjustment. The single counterweight remains fixed, reducing rolling friction while the movable arm provides the necessary adaptation to different hose weights and lengths.
4Reliability
If a spring loaded pulley is used to remove hose slack in the z direction, then the device can work well if the spring tension is correct, but since spring tension is not adjustable, the hose tension on the mask cannot be optimized for different hose weight and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the non-adjustable spring tension mechanism with an adjustable counterweight system. The counterweight can be positioned at different locations along the boom arm or replaced with different weights, allowing the user to optimize the hose tension for different hose weights and flexibilities. This maintains reliable hose slack removal while providing the necessary adaptability.
5Adaptability or versatility
If a biased swinging arm is used to provide good coverage along the x and y directions, then the device provides good coverage, but there will be tension on the mask when the sleeper rolls from the back to side position due to extension of the coiled support in the z direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a movable boom arm that can swing horizontally to follow the sleeper's position changes in x and y directions, eliminating the need for a coiled support that extends in the z direction. The boom arm maintains a relatively constant vertical position, preventing z-direction extension and the associated mask tension, while still providing good coverage across different sleeper positions.
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 device provides adjustable support and positioning that minimizes hose tension on the mask, reducing leaks and improving sleep quality by accommodating various hose weights and flexibilities, ensuring consistent alignment and tension adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
An offset weight may be removably coupled to the boom arm between the proximal end and the vertical pivot
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit support device may include a support leg that may be movably coupled to a boom arm with a vertical pivot and a horizontal pivot. The vertical pivot and horizontal pivot may be disposed between the distal end and the proximal end of the boom arm. An offset weight may be removably coupled to the boom arm. The offset weight may comprise a first end, a second end, and a center of balance, and the center of balance may be closer to the first end than to the second end. The first end may be configured to be positioned proximate to the boom arm to position the center of balance relatively closer to the boom arm, and the second end may be configured to be positioned proximate to the boom arm to position the center of balance relatively farther from the boom arm.