Elastic Band Coupling for Respiratory Interface Floatation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional respiratory interface devices face challenges in maintaining an effective fit against the user's face during movement, leading to discomfort and difficulty in cleaning due to the use of flexible couplings that occupy additional space.
Innovation Solution
An elastic coupling assembly using elastic bands is introduced to floatably couple the patient interface device to the frame, allowing for movement relative to the frame while maintaining a seal, thereby reducing discomfort and simplifying cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid frame with support members is used to position the patient interface device, then the device provides a stable fit against the user's face, but the frame shifts relative to the user's face when the user moves during sleep, disturbing the fit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid, fixed coupling between the frame and patient interface device with a dynamic, flexible coupling system using elastic bands. This allows the interface device to move relative to the frame while maintaining contact with the user's face, accommodating user movements during sleep without disturbing the fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical properties of the coupling from rigid to elastic by using elastic bands. This parameter change allows the coupling to deform and adapt to user movements while maintaining the necessary positioning and seal, resolving the contradiction between stability and movement accommodation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible couplings are used to allow movement between the frame and patient interface device, then the device can accommodate user movement, but the flexible couplings occupy additional space and make the device uncomfortable and unwieldy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin elastic bands as flexible couplings instead of bulky flexible mechanisms. These thin film-like elastic bands provide the necessary flexibility and movement accommodation while occupying minimal space, thus avoiding the discomfort and unwieldiness associated with larger flexible couplings.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible couplings are used to allow movement between the frame and patient interface device, then the device can accommodate user movement, but the folds of the flexible couplings make cleaning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs smooth elastic bands without folds or complex structures. This thin film implementation allows for easy cleaning as there are no folds to trap debris, while still providing the necessary flexibility for movement accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple elastic bands that can be easily removed and replaced if needed, effectively using a simple copyable component rather than a complex folding mechanism that is difficult to clean.
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 elastic coupling assembly provides a comfortable and secure fit that minimizes leakage and enhances user mobility, while also simplifying the cleaning process by reducing the complexity of the device's structure.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic bands are coupled to the frame and the patient interface device in a manner that the elastic bands floatably couple the patient interface device to the frame
Data Source
AI summary
A floatable coupling between a patient interface device and a frame body is provided. The floatable coupling includes a number of elastic bands extending between the patient interface device and the frame body. The elastic bands couple the patient interface device and the frame body in a manner that allows the patient interface device to float relative to the frame body.