CPAP Mask Pivot Arm with Threaded Slider for Leak Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) masks often experience leaks due to variations in human head and face shapes, leading to reduced air pressure delivery, eye dryness, and discomfort, with traditional solutions either failing to prevent leaks or causing discomfort due to overly tight fits.
Innovation Solution
A CPAP mask system featuring a base, pivotally coupled arm, and intermediate member with threaded portions, allowing for adjustable positioning to accommodate different head shapes and sizes, combined with a flexible gasket and ball joint for improved fit and reduced leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tighter compressive fit of the mask against the nose and face is provided to reduce leaks, then leakage is reduced, but comfort deteriorates due to excessive tightness
Solution Approach 1:
The mask assembly incorporates adjustable components including a pivotally coupled arm with intermediate members that can slide and rotate, allowing the fit to be dynamically adjusted to different head shapes and sizes. This enables the system to achieve an optimal balance between leak reduction and comfort for each user, rather than forcing a fixed tight fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows adjustment of multiple parameters including arm position, intermediate member position, and mask angle through threaded portions and pivot joints. These parameter changes enable customization of the fit to reduce leaks while maintaining comfort across different user anatomies.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mask assembly is made adjustable to accommodate different head shapes and sizes, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The mask assembly is divided into separate adjustable segments including the base, pivotally coupled arm, intermediate members, and mask portion. Each segment can be independently adjusted, allowing complex adaptability to be achieved through simple modular components rather than a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanisms use simple pivot joints and sliding intermediate members with threaded portions that allow easy manual adjustment. These dynamic components provide adaptability without requiring complex automation or control systems.
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 system effectively reduces air leaks and eye dryness while maintaining comfort by allowing for customizable fit adjustments, enhancing the delivery of continuous positive airway pressure and user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The arm may include a first threaded portion, and the intermediate member may include a second threaded portion coupled to the first threaded portion. Rotation of the second threaded portion relative to the first threaded portion may slide the intermediate member along the arm and relative to the base such that the arm pivots relative to the base.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for adjusting a gas delivery mask is provided. The system may include a base, an arm pivotally coupled to the base, and an intermediate member slidably coupled to both the base and the arm. The arm may include a first threaded portion, and the intermediate member may include a second threaded portion coupled to the first threaded portion. Rotation of the second threaded portion relative to the first threaded portion may slide the intermediate member along the arm and relative to the base such that the arm pivots relative to the base.