Fabric Loop CPAP Seal with Elastic Band
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Solution Overview
Problem
CPAP masks are uncomfortable to wear due to their plastic seals, which can irritate the face and fail to provide a proper seal, leading to air leakage and ineffective treatment of sleep apnea.
Innovation Solution
A CPAP comfort seal made of fabric loops with an elastic band that secures the mask, providing additional cushioning and a secure fit to the face, accommodating different mask types and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a plastic seal is used in CPAP masks, then the seal structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the comfort and sealing performance deteriorate due to irritation and improper sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining fabric material with the seal structure. The fabric-based seal integrates the softness and comfort of fabric with the structural functionality of a seal, eliminating the harmful irritation effect of plastic while maintaining sealing effectiveness and manufacturability.
2Device complexity
If a plastic seal is used in CPAP masks, then the device structure is simple, but the sealing performance deteriorates causing air leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by altering the material properties of the seal from rigid plastic to flexible fabric. This parameter change in material flexibility and softness enables the seal to better conform to the wearer's face contours, improving sealing effectiveness and preventing air leakage while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fabric material is used for the seal, then comfort and sealing performance are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the seal into multiple fabric loops (first loop, second loop, third loop) with distinct functions. Each loop serves a specific purpose in achieving the seal and comfort objectives, allowing the complex functionality to be distributed across simpler, modular fabric components rather than requiring a single complex structure.
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 fabric-based seal enhances comfort and ensures a tight seal, preventing air leakage and improving the effectiveness of CPAP treatment by reducing discomfort and ensuring continuous airflow.
Implementation Method 1
An elastic band is disposed on the inner perimeter edge of the second loop of fabric
Data Source
AI summary
A CPAP comfort seal. The CPAP comfort seal includes a base comprising a first loop of fabric secured to a second loop of fabric, wherein the first loop of fabric and the second loop of fabric are secured to one another along a common perimeter edge. An opening is defined by an inner perimeter edge of the first loop of fabric and the second loop of fabric. An elastic band is disposed on the inner perimeter edge of the second loop of fabric. The opening is configured to receive a CPAP mask therethrough, such that elastic band contacts an outer side of the CPAP mask. The first loop of fabric contacts the wearer's face when the CPAP mask is secured thereto, providing additional sealing properties and increased comfort for the wearer.