Elastic Headgear Rigidizer Segmentation for Strap Stretchability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rigid elements attached to stretchable headgear materials limit the elastic properties, affecting the stretchable length and comfort of the headgear, particularly in patient interfaces for sleep disordered breathing treatments.
Innovation Solution
A headgear design that positions a rigidizer to impart a predefined shape and rigidity to the strap while allowing it to move relative to the rigidizer, with limited affixation points to maintain flexibility and comfort, using a combination of elastic materials and strategic fixation techniques to ensure a wide fit range without compromising elasticity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigidizer is attached to stretchable headgear material, then the headgear gains increased rigidity and predefined shape, but the stretchable length and elastic properties are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear is divided into distinct segments: rigidizer portions that provide structural shape and stretchable strap portions that provide elasticity. These segments are connected through transition zones, allowing each portion to perform its specific function independently while maintaining overall headgear functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the headgear have different mechanical properties: the rigidizer portions provide rigidity and predefined shape where needed, while the strap portions provide stretchability and comfort where needed. This local differentiation allows the headgear to simultaneously achieve both rigidity and elasticity without compromise.
2Shape
If rigid elements are used to define headgear shape, then the headgear can frame the face and direct pressure to desired sections, but the comfort and adaptability to various head sizes are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear incorporates dynamic elements where the stretchable strap portions can expand and contract to adapt to different head sizes and shapes, while the rigidizer portions maintain their predefined shape to frame the face. This dynamic capability allows the headgear to be versatile across various patients while maintaining its structural integrity and shaping function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the strap is made fully stretchable, then the headgear can accommodate various head sizes, but the ability to impart predefined shape and rigidity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear is segmented into rigidizer portions and stretchable strap portions, allowing the stretchable portions to accommodate various head sizes while the rigidizer portions maintain predefined shape. The transition zones between these segments enable smooth integration of both functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear exhibits local quality differentiation where specific portions are designed for rigidity and shape definition, while other portions are designed for stretchability and adaptation. This localized property assignment allows the headgear to achieve both fit versatility and shape precision simultaneously.
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 headgear maintains its stretchable length, provides comfort and support, and allows for easy adjustment and fitting across various head sizes, ensuring effective treatment without compromising the elastic properties or comfort.
Implementation Method 1
a stretchable headgear material... the strap... allowing the strap to move relative to the rigidizer... expanding and/or contracting relative to the rigidizer
Data Source
AI summary
Headgear, comprising at least one strap; and at least one rigidizer, the headgear being arranged to position one of the at least one strap and one of the at least one rigidizer, with regard to one another such that the rigidizer imparts a desired shape to at least a portion of the strap while allowing said portion of the strap to move relative to the rigidizer.