Headgear Connector With Loop-Back Strap Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing respiratory therapy headgear systems require adjustable straps to fit various user sizes, leading to issues such as exposed ends flapping, impeding vision or catching on objects, and are prone to misuse or mis-adjustment due to complexity and difficulty in fine adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A headgear connector system with integrated or separable components that allow the headgear strap to loop back on itself, utilizing gripping elements and frictional forces to secure the strap in place, reducing the need for excessive material and user interaction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable straps are used to fit various user sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit for various user sizesVSAvoidadjustment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The headgear system is divided into separate components: a headgear assembly with integrated connector and straps, and a separate user interface assembly. The connector acts as an interface between these segments, allowing the headgear to be adjusted independently of the user interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The headgear connector incorporates a self-retaining mechanism with a strap retention arrangement that automatically secures the headgear strap when tension is applied. The resilient arm with clamping engagement provides automatic locking without requiring user intervention, making the system self-adjusting and self-securing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable straps are used to fit various user sizes, then adaptability is improved, but harmful factors increase due to exposed ends flapping and catching objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit for various user sizesVSAvoidexposed ends flapping and catching

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The connector design extracts and contains the strap end within the headgear assembly structure. The strap retention arrangement captures the free end of the headgear strap, preventing it from extending beyond the headgear assembly and causing harmful flapping or catching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The design converts the potentially harmful exposed strap end into a beneficial feature by using it as the adjustment mechanism. The free end of the strap that could cause flapping is instead used to engage with the retention arrangement, allowing easy adjustment while securing the end in place when adjusted.

Inventive Principle:

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

3Reliability

If resilient arms with clamping engagement are used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure strap retentionVSAvoidconnector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides structural connection between headgear and user interface, incorporates the strap retention mechanism, and includes the resilient clamping arm all in one piece. This reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural connector, a retention mechanism, and an adjustment interface. The resilient arm provides both the clamping force for retention and the release mechanism when pressed, combining securing and releasing functions in one component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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, adjustable, and user-friendly headgear fitting that minimizes strap exposure and simplifies adjustment, enhancing comfort and usability for respiratory therapy devices.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient arm configured to engage the headgear strap to connect the headgear to the user interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the passage being configured to frictionally engage the return portion of the headgear strap

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12594393B2Headgear connectors and headgear for use with or comprising part of a user interface assembly

Publication Date: 2026.04.07 FISHER & PAYKEL HEALTHCARE LTD

AI summary

A headgear connector is provided for connecting a user interface to a headgear strap. The headgear connector comprises a headgear receiving passage configured to receive a headgear strap from a first direction and to enable the headgear strap to loop back onto itself in a second direction substantially opposed to the first direction, and a gripping element configured to grip a portion of the headgear strap to secure the headgear strap with respect to the user interface. Headgear is also provided.