Elastomeric Headgear Yoke for Stable Respiratory Mask Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory masks suffer from instability due to ill-fitting yokes, which can cause discomfort and reduced effectiveness in maintaining an airtight seal, particularly for patients with smaller or differently shaped faces.
Innovation Solution
A headgear assembly with a yoke made from elastomeric material, featuring a middle region and angled transitional walls, and a yoke channel with a C-shaped cross-section, ensures a secure fit by using retention members and engagement mechanisms to stabilize the yoke within the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the yoke is made flat and wide to provide stable support, then the cushion module stability is improved, but the yoke creates a moment arm that reduces stability for patients with small heads or narrow faces
Solution Approach 1:
The yoke is designed with flexibility to adapt its shape to different patient faces. The yoke can be made from flexible materials or include flexible segments that allow it to bend and conform to various facial geometries, enabling it to maintain stability while accommodating diverse patient requirements without creating harmful moment arms
Solution Approach 2:
The yoke dimensions and curvature are optimized to change based on patient characteristics. By adjusting parameters such as yoke width, curvature radius, and length, the design can adapt to different facial shapes and sizes, maintaining optimal stability for each patient while avoiding the moment arm problem for those with smaller faces
2Stability of the object's composition
If the yoke is curved to position ends closer to the patient's face, then the moment arm is reduced and stability is improved, but the ends may dig into the patient's cheeks during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The yoke design incorporates localized features such as padding, cushioning, or pressure-distributing surfaces at the regions where the yoke contacts the patient's face. This local quality enhancement prevents the yoke ends from digging into the cheeks while maintaining the curved shape needed for stability
Solution Approach 2:
Cushioning elements are incorporated into the yoke structure in advance to prevent discomfort. By providing cushioning at potential contact points before use, the design prevents the harmful effect of yoke ends digging into cheeks during patient movement
3Strength
If the yoke is made from rigid material to maintain structural integrity, then the yoke provides stable support, but it cannot adapt to varied facial shapes and causes discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The yoke is constructed using flexible materials or flexible structural elements that can bend and conform to different facial shapes while maintaining sufficient structural integrity. This flexible construction allows the yoke to adapt to varied patient faces without causing discomfort, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability
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 elastomeric yoke provides a stable and comfortable fit, maintaining an airtight seal and reducing discomfort, even for patients with varied facial shapes, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of respiratory therapy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
the yoke is at least partially formed from an elastomeric material
Data Source
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AI summary
The apparatus, method, and system disclosed relates to a headgear assembly for a respiratory system wherein the headgear comprises a yoke at least partially formed from an elastomeric material. The yoke is configured to be stretched under tension to attach the yoke to the headgear assembly.