Respiratory Mask Fabric Body Conformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional respiratory masks often cause discomfort due to the need for high pressure to achieve a seal, leading to skin irritation and leakage, as they typically incorporate rigid structures that fail to conform to the user's facial contours.
Innovation Solution
A respiratory interface device with a fabric body that accommodates the nasal and oral regions, featuring a fabric connecting member and optional non-fabric support elements to enhance fit and comfort, minimizing the need for rigid structures and reducing pressure points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid faceplate structure is used to support the sealing member, then the mask structure is stable and can maintain fit, but the cushion portion cannot conform to facial contours, causing gaps and gas leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rigid faceplate structure from the mask design, extracting the problematic rigid component that prevented the cushion from conforming to the face. The mask body is constructed entirely from flexible materials, allowing the cushion portion to adapt to facial contours without the constraining rigid framework, thereby eliminating gaps and gas leakage while maintaining structural integrity through the flexible material properties.
2Reliability
If considerable force is applied via straps to close gaps and attain a seal, then the mask-to-face fit is improved, but high pressure points are created on the face, causing discomfort and skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the mask materials, using highly flexible and compliant materials that can deform and conform to the face under minimal force. This parameter change in material flexibility allows the mask to achieve effective sealing without requiring the high strap forces that cause pressure points, skin irritation, and discomfort, thereby maintaining reliability while eliminating harmful effects.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rigid faceplate structure is removed to improve cushion conformity, then the mask can better conform to facial contours, but the mask may lack structural support for maintaining fit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction for the mask body, combining multiple flexible materials with different properties to achieve both conformity and structural support. The composite structure integrates materials that provide adaptability to facial contours while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to hold the mask in position, eliminating the need for a rigid faceplate while preserving mask stability through the synergistic properties of the composite flexible materials.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is relating to various embodiments of a respiratory interface device, such as a mask, that includes a fabric body structured to accommodate one or both of a nasal and oral region of a user's face. The fabric body includes a fabric connecting member extending therefrom structured to receive a coupling device for delivering a gas to the respiratory interface device. In another embodiment, the fabric body includes a non-fabric support element.