Full-Face Cushion With Variable Spring Characteristic
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient interface cushions for Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NPPV) in treating Sleep Disordered Breathing (SDB) lack optimal customization and flexibility to accommodate varying patient facial structures, leading to inadequate sealing and comfort issues.
Innovation Solution
A full-face cushion with a frame connector, a membrane of uniform or variable thickness, and integrated foam inserts or ribs to provide a customizable spring characteristic, along with an angled side wall and thinned undercushion in sensitive regions, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit by varying the spring characteristic and flexibility across different facial areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a uniform cushion design is used, then manufacturing is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying patient facial structures leading to inadequate sealing and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion incorporates regions of varying membrane thickness (thinner in less sensitive areas, thicker in sensitive areas) and variable foam density to provide different levels of spring characteristic and flexibility in different facial regions, allowing adaptation to varying patient facial structures while maintaining overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion is divided into multiple functional regions with different properties (varying membrane thickness zones, different foam density areas) that can independently adapt to different facial contours, enabling customized fit without requiring completely different cushion designs for each patient
2Strength
If membrane thickness is increased for durability, then strength is improved, but comfort and adaptability to facial contours deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane thickness is varied locally across different regions of the cushion - thinner (0.15-0.30mm) in less sensitive regions to maximize flexibility and comfort, and thicker in more sensitive or high-stress regions to maintain strength and durability where needed
3Strength
If foam density is increased for support, then cushioning support is improved, but comfort and flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The foam insert incorporates regions of varying density - higher density foam in areas requiring maximum support (such as cheek regions) and lower density foam in areas where flexibility and comfort are priorities (such as nasal bridge or chin regions), optimizing both support and comfort simultaneously
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
Enhances respiratory therapy by providing a customizable and comfortable fit, improving seal integrity and patient compliance through tailored cushion designs that adapt to individual facial contours, thereby optimizing the delivery of breathable gas.
Implementation Method 1
a foam insert provided to the membrane to support the membrane. The foam insert is structured to provide a variable spring component to the membrane
Implementation Method 2
The foam insert is structured to provide a variable spring component to the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A full-face cushion for a patient interface that delivers breathable gas to a patient includes a frame connector adapted to engage the cushion with a mask frame. A clip is provided to maintain the cushion to the frame. The clip includes clip portions that connect to the frame with a snap-fit.