Conforming Nasal Pillow for Non-Invasive Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional non-invasive ventilation masks are cumbersome and uncomfortable due to their large size, which is necessary to accommodate large-bore breathing tubes, and require energy-absorbing devices or headgear for a secure fit.
Innovation Solution
A nasal pillow design with an inner and outer wall that compresses in one direction and expands in another, allowing it to conform to various nasal shapes and sizes, eliminating the need for large mask designs and headgear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional non-invasive ventilation masks are designed with large size to accommodate large-bore breathing tubes, then the breathing tube can be properly connected and secured, but the mask becomes cumbersome and difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the ventilation system into separate components: a small nasal pillow for delivery and a separate headgear assembly for securing the breathing tube. This segmentation allows the nasal pillow to be small and comfortable while the headgear provides the necessary structural support for tube connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional mask plane to a three-dimensional headgear structure that extends above and below the patient's head. This dimensional change allows secure tube attachment without increasing the footprint of the nasal pillow itself.
2Quantity of substance
If traditional ventilation masks are designed with large size to provide adequate flow area and exhalation area, then gas flow requirements are met, but the mask volume increases creating dead space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the exhalation function from the mask body by providing dedicated exhalation ports in the headgear assembly. This allows the nasal pillow to be minimal in size while still providing adequate gas flow and exhalation pathways through the separated headgear structure.
3Reliability
If energy-absorbing devices or headgear are used to form a compression seal around the patient's nostrils, then the nasal pillow remains securely in place, but patient comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies compression force locally at specific points on the headgear assembly rather than distributing pressure across the entire mask. The headgear uses strategic placement of adjustment points and elastic elements to secure the nasal pillow without creating uncomfortable pressure zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear assembly incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the compression force to be customized and adapted to each patient's anatomy. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains secure retention while minimizing discomfort by distributing force appropriately.
4Ease of manufacture
If the nasal pillow is designed with a fixed shape, then manufacturing is simplified, but it cannot conform to various nasal shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The nasal pillow is constructed from flexible, elastomeric material that can be molded into a consistent manufacturing shape but deforms to conform to the patient's unique nasal anatomy. This flexible material property resolves the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and anatomical adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the pillow material to be viscoelastic, allowing it to deform under compression and temperature changes. This parameter change enables a single manufactured shape to adapt to multiple nasal configurations through physical deformation rather than requiring multiple custom-shaped pillows.
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 nasal pillow design reduces the size of the ventilation mask and associated nasal pillows, making the breathing support device less cumbersome and more comfortable for patients, while also providing a secure seal without the need for head straps.
Implementation Method 1
the outer wall is configured to conform to the nostril by compressing in a first direction and expanding in a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure include a nasal pillow apparatus having a first nasal pillow, a second nasal pillow, and a connecting bar that connects the first nasal pillow to the second nasal pillow, the connecting bar being disposed below a bottom surface of the first nasal pillow and a bottom surface of the second nasal pillow. Each of the first nasal pillow and the second nasal pillow includes an inner wall having a first end and a second end opposite the first end; and an outer wall connected to the second end of the inner wall. When inserted into a nostril of a patient, the outer wall is configured to conform to the nostril by compressing in a first direction and expanding in a second direction.