Forehead Support Adjustment Mechanism for Patient Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation devices with forehead supports for patient interfaces are often complex and difficult for patients to adjust, leading to instability and discomfort due to inadequate fit, which can result in therapy interruptions and pressure points.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation device with a forehead support adjustment mechanism featuring a slotted or divided forehead support carrier arm and a resilient element with an adjustment knob, allowing for easy and robust adjustment by rolling lateral surfaces on the forehead support shaft, with latching lugs that secure the forehead support in desired positions, enabling easy operation by patients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a complex adjustment mechanism is used for the forehead support, then the positioning precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a simple rolling mechanism. The forehead support arm features rolling surfaces that roll along the forehead support shaft, eliminating the need for complicated detent systems or multiple adjustment steps. This substitution maintains positioning precision while dramatically improving ease of operation, allowing patients to adjust the mask themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the adjustment mechanism from discrete stepped positions to continuous rolling adjustment. The rolling surfaces enable smooth, continuous movement of the forehead support arm along the shaft, providing precise positioning at any point within the adjustment range rather than being limited to predetermined detent positions.
2Ease of operation
If a simple adjustment mechanism is used for the forehead support, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved rolling surfaces on both the forehead support arm and the forehead support shaft. These curved surfaces work together to provide stable, controlled movement while maintaining reliable engagement. The geometry of the rolling surfaces ensures that the arm rolls smoothly along the shaft while preventing unintended movement or detachment, thus maintaining reliability despite the simplicity of the mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the adjustment mechanism into distinct functional components: the forehead support arm with rolling surfaces, the forehead support shaft with corresponding rolling surfaces, and the connection between them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability through precise geometric relationships between the parts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the forehead support is made adjustable, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the forehead support adjustment mechanism to serve multiple functions: it provides height adjustment, lateral positioning, and secure attachment all through a single rolling mechanism. The rolling surfaces on the forehead support arm and shaft work together to accomplish all adjustment needs without requiring separate mechanisms for each function, thus improving adaptability while limiting complexity growth.
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 provides a functional, easy-to-operate adjustment system that ensures a secure and comfortable fit, reducing the risk of mask detachment and pressure points, while allowing for precise adjustment to accommodate individual facial anatomy, thus enhancing both comfort and stability during ventilation therapy.
Implementation Method 1
The arm has lateral, curved rolling surfaces which are either smooth or toothed. wherein the actuator comprises the spring element with the adjustment knob and the lateral rolling surfaces, wherein an adjustment of the forehead support is made possible by the rolling of the lateral, curved rolling surfaces on the slotted or split arm of the forehead support carrier on a corresponding smooth or toothed surface on the outside of the forehead support shaft, and the fixing or blocking of the rolling movement is effected by a geometry in which the spring element has locking lugs that block the rolling movement by engaging in various grooves on the forehead support shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a body (1), which limits an inner space of an outer area, and a sealing area (2) for sealing the device against parts of the face of a patient. The fastening elements are provided for positioning the device at the head of the patient. A connection is provided for supply of oxygen gas (4). The device possesses an actuating element (5b), which changes the distance of a part of the device to a body area of the patient.