Friction-Surface Headgear for Pediatric Nasal Cannula Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a gap in the market for a nasal high flow cannula designed for children aged 2-12 years that is comfortable enough to wear overnight and can deliver high flow and high humidity therapy while securely fastened on the face, particularly for pediatric patients.
Innovation Solution
A headgear system featuring adjustable straps with connectors and additional strap segments, frictional surface materials, and cheek engaging members to securely fasten a nasal cannula, along with a nasal cannula design that includes wing portions and a groove to alleviate pressure on the septum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a nasal cannula is designed for high flow therapy delivery, then the flow rate capability is improved, but the comfort and stability during overnight wear deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear is divided into multiple independent strap segments (first strap, second strap, third strap) that can be adjusted separately. This segmentation allows each strap to be optimized for specific functions: the first strap for securing the cannula body, the second strap for positioning, and the third strap for additional stability, collectively maintaining stability during overnight wear while supporting high flow therapy delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear incorporates adjustable straps with connectors that allow dynamic adjustment of length and tension. The straps can be modified to accommodate different head sizes and positions, enabling the system to adapt to user movement during sleep while maintaining secure retention and proper positioning for effective high flow therapy delivery
2Reliability
If the headgear uses multiple straps and connectors for secure retention, then the retention capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connectors serve multiple functions: they join strap segments together, adjust the effective length of each strap, and provide attachment points for the nasal cannula. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining secure retention through the coordinated action of multiple straps
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear combines multiple strap segments and connectors into an integrated system where the connectors serve as both joining elements and adjustment mechanisms. By merging the functions of connection and adjustment into single components, the design reduces the number of separate parts needed while achieving reliable retention through the combined action of all strap segments
3Reliability
If the cannula applies pressure to secure it on the face, then the retention is improved, but the pressure on sensitive facial areas such as the septum increases
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear applies pressure locally at specific points on the face (cheeks and temples) through the strap system, while the cannula body is designed to minimize pressure on sensitive areas like the septum. The wing portions of the cannula are shaped to distribute pressure evenly across broader, less sensitive facial areas, maintaining retention without concentrating force on vulnerable structures
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 provides secure retention and comfort for pediatric patients, allowing for high flow and humidity delivery with reduced pressure on sensitive facial areas, suitable for both home and hospital use.
Implementation Method 1
the strap, or a section of the strap, to be located upon or to be placed in contact with the face or a portion of a user's face includes a surface region for frictionally engaging with the user's face
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 2B
AI summary
A headgear (200) for a patient interface (100) comprising a strap (200) forming a part of the headgear for assisting in retaining or stabilising of a patient interface (100) upon a user (20), wherein the strap, or a section of the strap, to be located upon or to be placed in contact with the face or a portion of a user's (20) face includes a surface region (271) for frictionally engaging with the user's face, the surface region being of a relatively higher frictional surface material than the remainder of the strap forming the or a part of the headgear.