Double-Membrane Cushion for Ventilation Interface Seal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ventilation interfaces with cushions for face sealing often suffer from gas leakage and user discomfort due to suboptimal seal fits, leading to increased pressure and skin irritation, especially when high positive pressure is applied.

Innovation Solution

A double-membrane cushion design with an outer sealing membrane and an inwardly oriented inner membrane, which can be outwardly curved, provides improved sealing and comfort by allowing for effective engagement with the user's face without excessive pressure, using a frame that can be triangularly shaped and adaptable to various mask types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If greater force is applied to compress the sealing surface against the user's face, then gas leakage is reduced, but user discomfort and skin irritation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal effectivenessVSAvoiduser discomfort and skin irritation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion is divided into two separate membranes: an outer sealing membrane that contacts the user's face and an inner membrane that provides structural support. This segmentation allows the sealing function to be optimized independently from the support function, enabling effective sealing without excessive pressure on the user's face.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner membrane acts as an intermediary element between the rigid frame and the outer sealing membrane. It provides the necessary structural support and distributes forces, allowing the outer sealing membrane to maintain effective contact with the user's face without transmitting excessive pressure that would cause discomfort or skin irritation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If high positive pressure is applied to maintain adequate oxygen flow, then ventilation effectiveness is improved, but gas leakage through the seal increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation effectivenessVSAvoidseal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion employs flexible membranes (both inner and outer) that can deform and adapt to the contours of the user's face. This flexibility allows the sealing surface to maintain intimate contact with the face even when high positive pressure is applied, preventing gas leakage while ensuring adequate ventilation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The cushion combines different material properties in a composite structure: the outer sealing membrane uses a soft, compliant material for effective sealing, while the inner membrane uses a more rigid material for structural support. This composite approach enables the cushion to maintain seal integrity under high positive pressure conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If a rigid sealing surface is used to ensure good seal fit, then sealing performance is improved, but adaptability to different user faces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal fit qualityVSAvoidadaptability to different user faces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The outer sealing membrane is constructed from a flexible, compliant material that can deform to match the unique contours of different user faces. This flexibility enables the cushion to adapt to various face shapes and sizes while maintaining effective sealing, overcoming the limitations of rigid sealing surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The cushion design allows dynamic deformation of the outer sealing membrane in response to different face geometries and pressure conditions. This dynamic adaptability enables the same cushion to achieve good seal fits across diverse user faces, improving both sealing performance and adaptability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 double-membrane cushion design enhances the seal's effectiveness and user comfort by maintaining a seal without relying solely on high pressure, reducing skin irritation and allowing for more flexible and comfortable fitting, even under increased tension.

Implementation Method 1

The outer sealing membrane can have a face-contacting portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

provides improved sealing and comfort by allowing for effective engagement with the user's face

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 3

The cushion can be a double-membrane cushion having an outer sealing membrane and an inner membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8813749B2Cushion for ventilation interface

Publication Date: 2014.08.26 SALTER LABS LLC

AI summary

In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a cushion for a ventilation interface is disclosed. A ventilation mask can include a mask body adapted to matingly engage with the cushion. The cushion can be a double-membrane cushion having an outer sealing membrane and an inner membrane, both of which can extend from a frame. The outer sealing membrane can have a face-contacting portion. The inner membrane can be outwardly oriented from the frame.