Forehead Support Looping Headgear Straps for Respiratory Masks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional respiratory masks often cause discomfort due to high pressure contact regions on the forehead, and existing forehead supports can be costly and complex to assemble, with conventional pads being redundant.
Innovation Solution
The use of flexible headgear straps that form loops or bifurcate to act as padding between the forehead and the forehead support, distributing load and providing a soft contact surface, thereby reducing pressure and simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional forehead pads are used, then patient comfort is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear strap is merged with the forehead pad function. The strap itself is constructed with a soft inner layer that directly contacts the forehead, eliminating the need for separate forehead pads. This combines the support function (headgear) with the comfort function (forehead pad) into a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear strap serves multiple functions: it provides structural support to hold the mask, distributes tension forces, and simultaneously acts as the forehead pad through its soft inner layer construction. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed in the system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional forehead pads are used, then patient comfort is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear strap is merged with the forehead pad function. The strap itself is constructed with a soft inner layer that directly contacts the forehead, eliminating the need for separate forehead pads. This combines the support function (headgear) with the comfort function (forehead pad) into a single integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The separate forehead pad component is extracted from the system entirely. Its function is transferred to the headgear strap itself, which is modified to include a soft inner layer. This eliminates the need to manufacture, inventory, and assemble separate pad components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If headgear tension is applied, then mask stability is improved, but pressure concentration on forehead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear strap exhibits different material properties at different locations: the outer layer provides structural strength and tension resistance, while the inner layer provides softness and pressure distribution. This local differentiation of material qualities allows the same component to both stabilize the mask and reduce pressure concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear strap is constructed as a composite structure with an outer strong layer and an inner soft layer. This composite construction allows the strap to simultaneously provide the structural integrity needed for mask stability and the soft contact surface needed for pressure distribution.
4Stability of the object's composition
If rigid forehead support is used, then mask stability is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear strap exhibits different material properties at different locations: the outer layer provides structural strength and tension resistance, while the inner layer provides softness and pressure distribution. This local differentiation of material qualities allows the same component to both stabilize the mask and reduce pressure concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear strap is constructed as a composite structure with an outer strong layer and an inner soft layer. This composite construction allows the strap to simultaneously provide the structural integrity needed for mask stability and the soft contact surface needed for pressure distribution.
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
This design enhances patient comfort by distributing pressure evenly, reduces the need for separate forehead pads, and lowers production costs by simplifying the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
interposing a deformable medium between the forehead support and the patient's forehead to ensure that the largest possible portion of the forehead is contacted by the forehead support, reducing the average pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A respiratory mask includes a mask frame, a forehead support provided to the mask frame and including a forehead member, and headgear including at least one strap adapted to connect to the forehead member. The forehead member includes one or more holes configured and positioned to allow at least one strap to form a strap loop that loops around at least a portion of the forehead member and arrange one or more layers of the strap loop between the headgear member and the patient's forehead in use.