Flexible Respiratory Interface with Collapsible Air Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current respiratory therapy mask systems are uncomfortable, clinically aesthetic, and difficult to use, leading to poor compliance and embarrassment for patients, with issues such as skin irritation, creasing, and loss of seal due to rigid materials and complex assembly.
Innovation Solution
A soft, flexible patient interface system with a non-medical appearance, featuring a collapsible air delivery system, a viscoelastic foam interface, and a stabilizing structure that allows for easy use and comfort, including a manifold, tubes, and a back strap for secure positioning, designed to maintain airflow and comfort during movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid or semi-rigid shell and skin-covered foam cushion are used, then structural support and seal are provided, but skin irritation, creasing, and discomfort occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid shells and skin-covered foam with a flexible, form-fitting interface made of soft material that conforms to the patient's face contours. This flexible interface eliminates creasing and skin irritation while maintaining the necessary seal and structural support through its adaptive nature rather than rigidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining a flexible form-fitting interface with an integrated headgear system. The interface itself is a composite of soft material that provides both comfort and seal, eliminating the need for separate rigid shell and skin cover layers, thereby reducing skin irritation while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components (frame, cushion, headgear) are used, then functionality is achieved, but assembly and adjustment become difficult for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the frame, cushion, and headgear into a single integrated patient interface unit. This unified structure eliminates the need for separate assembly of multiple components, making the device easy to put on and adjust while retaining all necessary functions of support, seal, and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated patient interface is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the flexible interface provides both structural support and seal, while the integrated headgear provides both positioning and adjustment capabilities. This multi-functionality within a single unit simplifies operation for patients.
3Reliability
If a clinical aesthetic mask system is used, then therapeutic function is provided, but patient embarrassment and negative perception increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies cosmetic covering materials in skin-tone colors to the patient interface, transforming its appearance from a clinical, noticeable mask to a subtle, aesthetically pleasing accessory. This allows the device to maintain its therapeutic function while significantly reducing patient embarrassment and social stigma.
4Reliability
If the patient interface covers more of the face, then seal is improved, but comfort and aesthetics are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible, form-fitting interface that conforms precisely to the patient's facial contours, achieving an effective seal with minimal coverage. This adaptive seal follows the natural shape of the face rather than requiring extensive coverage, thereby maintaining comfort and aesthetics while ensuring therapeutic effectiveness.
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 system enhances therapy compliance by providing a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, and easy-to-use interface that maintains airflow and stability, reducing skin irritation and improving usability for patients with respiratory conditions like sleep apnea.
Implementation Method 1
a soft, flexible patient interface that has the appearance of an article of clothing
Implementation Method 2
Each tube is structured to allow movement between (1) an open phase in which the tube allows the passage of air and (2) a collapsed phase in which the tube is collapsed. Each tube is structured such that weight of a typical patient's head against bedding apparel (e.g., pillow) is sufficient to collapse the tube from the open phase to the collapsed phase.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses an air delivery system (30) for providing a supply of air from a source of air at positive pressure to a patient, the air delivery system comprising: an interfacing structure (20) located at the entrance to the airways of the patient; and a manifold (70) adapted to connect with the source of air at positive pressure; a pair of tubes (42), each tube being connected to the manifold and adapted to extend along a respective side of the patient's face between a patient's eye and a patient's ear and deliver the supply of air to the interfacing structure, a back strap (60) provided to the tubes and adapted to engage the back of the patient's head; wherein each tube has at least one portion that is structured to allow movement between an open phase in which the tube allows the flow of air without undue resistance and at least a partially collapsed phase in which the tube is at least partially collapsed to substantially impede or prevent the flow of air; wherein each tube has sufficient strength to maintain the open phase without being pressurized.