Fluid Coupling Valve Member with Anti-Stick Protrusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anti-asphyxia valve configurations in patient interface devices face challenges in balancing effective flow area with smaller package profiles, particularly with smaller gas delivery tubing, leading to pressure drop issues and potential valve sticking problems.
Innovation Solution
A fluid coupling member with a pivotally attached valve member that includes protrusions to prevent sticking and increase effective flow area, such as posts, ridges, or wedges, which allow the valve to transition smoothly between positions without blocking airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional flap style valve with a shelf is used in the fluid coupling conduit, then the valve can prevent patient from pulling air from the gas delivery tubes, but the shelf blocks part of the airflow to the patient causing pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the shelf component from the conventional flap valve design. By extracting the shelf that was blocking airflow, the patent eliminates the source of pressure drop while preserving the valve's anti-asphyxia function. The flap valve now operates without the obstructive shelf, allowing unobstructed airflow to the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the shelf block airflow and the flap restrict flow when closed, the invention inverts the approach by eliminating the shelf entirely and using only the flap mechanism. The flap opens completely when pressurized, allowing maximum airflow, and closes only when needed to prevent patient suction on the tubing.
2Volume of moving object
If smaller gas delivery tubing is used to reduce package size, then the mask profile is smaller, but the effective flow area is reduced causing increased pressure drop across the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the valve design parameters to accommodate smaller tubing. By removing the shelf and optimizing the flap geometry, the valve creates sufficient effective flow area even within the constraints of smaller diameter tubing. This allows the system to maintain low pressure drop while using compact tubing sizes for reduced package profile.
3Reliability
If the valve member is made flexible to seal properly, then the valve can close completely to prevent air suction, but the valve may become stuck in the downward folded position
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the valve member into distinct functional zones: a flexible sealing portion that contacts the conduit wall to prevent air suction, and a rigid or semi-rigid body portion that maintains structural integrity and prevents sticking. This segmentation allows the valve to both seal effectively and transition smoothly between positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is constructed from composite materials or multi-layer structures combining flexible and rigid properties. The flexible portion enables proper sealing against the conduit wall, while the rigid portion prevents the valve from becoming stuck in the folded position, ensuring reliable operation.
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 solution enhances airflow by maintaining a larger effective flow area while preventing valve sticking, ensuring reliable breathing gas delivery even during power outages or pump failures, and supports smaller package profiles.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the protrusions is structured to prevent the valve member from becoming stuck in a downward folded position against the housing
Implementation Method 2
As the pressure from the ventilator or pressure support device is applied, the flap style valve opens, allowing air flow to the patient. When no pressure comes from the ventilator or pressure support device, the flap seats on a shelf
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid coupling member includes a housing having an interior and an exterior, the interior of the housing defining an airflow path through the fluid coupling member, a valve member pivotally attached to the interior of the housing, and at least one protrusion formed on the valve member or the housing. The at least one protrusion is structured to prevent the valve member from becoming stuck in a downward folded position against the housing.