Dual Port Diffuser Mask with Rebound Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas delivery masks for oxygen and breathable gases face challenges in maintaining optimal gas concentration and user comfort due to issues with gas velocity and plume shaping, particularly in open mask structures where gas escapes and comfort are compromised.
Innovation Solution
A novel diffuser structure with independently configurable gas nozzles and a rebound chamber within the mask body, which directs gas flow rearwardly to the nose and mouth, optimizing gas concentration and comfort by shaping the plumes to ensure precise delivery and minimize gas loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If gas flow rate is increased to maintain sufficient gas concentration at nose and mouth, then gas concentration is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to overly high velocity
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is divided into multiple nozzles (first gas nozzle, second gas nozzle, and optionally third and fourth nozzles) that separately direct gas flow to different regions (mouth, nostrils). This segmentation allows independent optimization of gas delivery to each respiratory zone, maintaining adequate concentration without excessive velocity at any single point, thereby improving user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
Different nozzles are configured with different characteristics (e.g., first nozzle for mouth, second nozzle for nostrils) to provide locally optimized gas flow properties. Each nozzle can be tailored to deliver appropriate gas concentration and velocity for its specific target region, avoiding the compromise required by a single uniform diffuser design.
2Ease of operation
If gas flow rate is decreased to improve user comfort, then user comfort is improved, but gas concentration at nose and mouth becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the gas delivery system into multiple nozzles targeting different respiratory zones, the system can efficiently deliver gas at lower overall flow rates. Each nozzle directs gas precisely where needed, reducing waste and improving delivery efficiency, thereby maintaining adequate gas concentration even at reduced flow rates that enhance user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser design changes the physical parameters of gas delivery through multiple nozzles with different configurations, optimizing the gas flow characteristics for each target region. This allows the system to achieve effective gas concentration delivery at lower flow rates by improving delivery efficiency rather than relying on high volume.
3Ease of operation
If open mask structure is used to improve user comfort and ease of conversation, then user comfort is improved, but gas concentration maintenance deteriorates due to gas escape
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-nozzle diffuser compensates for the open mask structure by directing gas flow precisely to the user's mouth and nostrils through segmented jets. This targeted delivery ensures adequate gas concentration is maintained at the respiratory zones despite the open mask allowing gas escape, preserving user comfort benefits while overcoming the concentration maintenance challenge.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser provides locally concentrated gas delivery at the mouth and nostril regions through specifically configured nozzles. This local quality enhancement ensures that even though the overall mask structure is open and allows gas escape, the critical respiratory zones receive sufficient gas concentration to maintain effective therapy while preserving user comfort.
4Device complexity
If single diffuser design is used to simplify device complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but gas delivery precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is segmented into multiple nozzles (first, second, and optionally third and fourth nozzles) that independently direct gas flow to different target regions. This segmentation enables precise control over gas delivery to specific anatomical zones (mouth, nostrils), improving gas delivery precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through a modular yet integrated design.
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 enhances user comfort and efficiency by maintaining a stable gas concentration at the nose and mouth, reducing gas escape and allowing for lower flow rates, thus conserving gas and improving overall mask performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first gas nozzle within the diffuser body, communicating with the bore to direct a first portion of gas flow rearwardly in a first plume directed towards the user's mouth; and a second gas nozzle within the diffuser body, communicating with the bore to direct a second portion of gas flow rearwardly in a second plume directed towards the user's nostrils
Implementation Method 2
a rebound chamber within the diffuser body having a rebound surface spaced apart from and opposed to the gas conduit outlet, the rebound surface being configured to rebound and reverse the direction of flow of at least a substantial portion of the gas stream exiting the outlet from the forward direction to a rearward direction towards the user's face
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a mask for administering oxygen or other breathable gas to the nose and mouth of a patient. The invention relates to improvements in gas delivery masks, and specifically an improved diffuser structure which is particularly suitable for use in an open mask system, in which the mask body includes substantial openings that allow the user to freely converse, drink, and perform other functions. The improvements also relate to a rebound chamber within the diffuser body spaced apart from the gas conduit outlet, the rebound surface being configured to rebound and reverse the direction of flow of at least a substantial portion of the gas stream exiting the outlet from the forward direction to a rearward direction towards the user's face.