Gas Washout Vent With Diffusing And Blocking Members

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing respiratory therapy devices for treating sleep disordered breathing, such as CPAP therapy, face challenges related to comfort, ease of use, and compliance due to issues with mask design, fit, and noise from vents.

Innovation Solution

The development of a patient interface with a gas washout vent that includes a diffusing member and a blocking member to redirect exhaled CO2, combined with a seal-forming structure and positioning stabilising structure, aims to improve comfort and compliance by reducing noise and enhancing fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a gas washout vent is added to the patient interface, then CO2 washout efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 washout efficiencyVSAvoidvent structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gas washout vent is segmented into multiple functional components: a diffusing member with multiple outlet orifices arranged in a circular array, and a blocking member with corresponding holes. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (diffusion vs. blocking) while collectively achieving efficient CO2 washout through a structured multi-component design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking member is positioned within or alongside the diffusing member, with the holes in the blocking member aligned with the outlet orifices of the diffusing member. This nested arrangement allows the blocking member to be integrated into the vent structure without significantly increasing overall device footprint, while still providing the necessary CO2 redirection function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Stability of the object's composition

If a diffusing member with multiple outlet orifices is used, then gas flow distribution is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas flow distribution uniformityVSAvoidorifice alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The outlet orifices are arranged in a circular array pattern on the diffusing member, creating a symmetric geometric configuration that naturally promotes uniform gas flow distribution in all directions. The blocking member's holes are similarly arranged to match this circular symmetry, ensuring consistent flow characteristics regardless of minor manufacturing variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The circular array configuration serves multiple functions: it distributes gas flow uniformly in all directions, provides a robust manufacturing template that is tolerant to minor dimensional variations, and creates a universal pattern that can be replicated across different vent designs. The circular geometry inherently promotes flow symmetry and reduces sensitivity to precise orifice positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a blocking member is added to redirect gas flow, then noise from vents is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevent noiseVSAvoidvent component count

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking member converts the potentially harmful direct jet flow from the outlet orifices into a beneficial redirected flow pattern. By positioning the blocking member with holes offset from direct alignment with the orifices, it transforms the harmful concentrated jet into a dispersed, redirected flow that exits at an angle, thereby reducing noise while maintaining effective CO2 washout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking member acts as an intermediary element between the diffusing member's outlet orifices and the external environment. It mediates the gas flow by redirecting it at an angle through its holes, preventing direct jet formation and reducing noise. This intermediary component enables noise reduction without eliminating the vent's primary CO2 washout function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 proposed solution enhances patient compliance by providing a more comfortable and effective respiratory therapy experience, with reduced noise from vents and improved fit of the patient interface, thereby improving the treatment of sleep disordered breathing.

Implementation Method 1

a diffusing member covering the outlet orifice

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

a blocking member having an air-impermeable material, the blocking member preventing gas exiting from the outlet orifice from flowing straight through the diffusing member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS20250144360A1Gas washout vent for patient interface

Publication Date: 2025.05.08 RESMED PTY LTD

AI summary

A gas washout vent, and a patient interface with the gas washout vent, configured to allow patient-exhaled CO2 to flow to an exterior of the plenum chamber to minimise rebreathing of exhaled CO2 by the patient, the gas washout vent including at least one outlet orifice; a diffusing member at least partly covering the outlet orifice; and a blocking member having an air-impermeable material, the blocking member preventing gas exiting from the outlet orifice from flowing straight through the diffusing member.