Custom Patient Interface Modeling for Respiratory Fit and Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory therapy devices, such as patient interfaces and RPT devices, suffer from discomfort, poor fit, noise, and difficulty in use, leading to reduced patient compliance and ineffective treatment of respiratory disorders.
Innovation Solution
Customization of patient interface components, including frames, sealing elements, and headgear, based on collected patient data, along with the development of portable and easy-to-clean RPT devices, to enhance comfort and efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard patient interfaces are used, then manufacturing and distribution are simplified, but patient comfort and fit are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary scanning and measurement of the patient's face geometry before manufacturing the patient interface. This advance preparation enables customization without complicating the overall manufacturing process, as the custom components are produced based on pre-collected data
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the patient interface components (frame, sealing element, headgear) based on patient-specific measurements. This allows standard manufacturing processes to produce customized components by varying dimensional parameters rather than changing the manufacturing method itself
2Ease of operation
If patient interfaces are customized for each patient, then comfort and fit are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patient interface is divided into separate customizable components (frame, sealing element, headgear), each of which can be independently tailored to patient needs. This segmentation allows customization without requiring complete redesign of the entire device
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a universal platform and standardized components that can be configured for different patients. The same basic design framework serves multiple patients with different anatomical requirements, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining customization capability
3Ease of operation
If RPT devices are made portable and easy to clean, then patient compliance improves, but device functionality and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The RPT device is divided into removable and separable components that can be easily detached for cleaning while maintaining the core functional integrity of the device. This segmentation enables simplified maintenance without compromising overall device reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates self-cleaning capabilities or features that allow patients to easily clean the device themselves without requiring specialized equipment or services. This self-service approach maintains hygiene while preserving device functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a patient interface for sealed delivery of a flow of air at a continuously positive pressure with respect to ambient air pressure to an entrance to the patient's airways includes collecting anthropometric data of a patient's face. Anticipated considerations are identified from the collected anthropometric data during use of the patient interface. The collected anthropometric data is processed to provide a transformed data set based on the anticipated considerations, the transformed data set corresponding to at least one customised patient interface component. At least one patient interface component is modelled based on the transformed data set.