Unidirectional Flexion Clip for Respiratory Mask Strap Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Respiratory interface devices often face issues with mask fit due to inconvenient placement of support assembly couplings, leading to potential leakage and discomfort, especially when flexible straps are positioned close to the eyes.
Innovation Solution
A flexion coupling system for respiratory interface devices, comprising an elongated flexure body with mask and strap couplings, designed to flex primarily in one direction while maintaining rigidity to prevent interference with the user's vision and comfort, using a combination of flexible and rigid materials to adjust the strap positioning without breaking the mask seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If rigid support assembly couplings are used to reposition straps away from the user's eyes, then strap positioning comfort is improved, but the clips may engage the user's face and lift the mask off the face, breaking the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates a rigid portion for structural support and strap positioning, combined with a flexible portion that conforms to the mask surface. This local differentiation of rigidity allows the coupling to maintain strap position while adapting to the mask's curvature, preventing seal disruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is constructed as a composite structure with both rigid and flexible portions integrated together. The rigid portion provides the necessary stiffness for strap coupling and positioning, while the flexible portion allows adaptation to the mask surface geometry, resolving the contradiction between positioning capability and seal integrity.
2Reliability
If flexible support assembly straps are positioned close to the user's eyes for optimal mask fit, then mask seal is improved, but user comfort and vision are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is segmented into multiple components: flexible straps for seal creation, rigid coupling devices for strap positioning, and flexible portions for mask adaptation. This segmentation allows the straps to be positioned optimally for sealing while the coupling devices extend the strap attachment points away from the user's eyes, distributing the functional requirements across separate elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary between the support straps and the mask, allowing the straps to be positioned for optimal sealing while the coupling structure extends the attachment points to more comfortable locations on the user's head, mediating between seal requirements and comfort considerations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rigid clips extend past the edge of the mask for strap attachment, then strap repositioning capability is improved, but the clips engage the user's face and act as a lever to lift the mask
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device has a rigid portion for strap attachment and positioning, combined with a flexible portion that contacts the mask surface. This local differentiation allows the rigid portion to extend for strap repositioning while the flexible portion conforms to the mask, distributing forces and preventing the lever action that would lift the mask.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device changes the physical parameters of the support assembly by introducing a composite rigid-flexible structure. The rigid portion provides the necessary stiffness for strap coupling and positioning versatility, while the flexible portion allows adaptation to the mask surface, changing the force distribution parameters to eliminate mask lifting.
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 flexion coupling system allows for a comfortable and secure fit of respiratory interface devices by adjusting strap placement without compromising the seal, ensuring effective gas delivery and user comfort.
Implementation Method 1
the flexion coupling includes an elongated flexure body with at least one mask coupling and at least one strap coupling, the at least one mask coupling structured to be coupled to the mask, and the at least one strap coupling structured to be coupled to the at least one strap
Data Source
AI summary
A flexion coupling (50) for a respiratory interface (8) device is provided. The respiratory interface device includes a mask (10) and a support assembly (30) having at least one strap (40). The flexion coupling includes an elongated flexure body (52) with at least one mask coupling (54) and at least one strap coupling (56). The coupling may include a flexible softer first material (60) and an inflexible harder second material (62) in form of a plurality of elements (80) disposed within the flexure body first material web pockets (71) in an interference pattern.