Semi-rigid Infant Headgear with Releasable Interface Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical gas delivery systems for infants face challenges with retention, causing skin reactions, abrasions, and discomfort due to adhesive tapes and complex headgear designs, which complicate switching between treatment therapies and increase the risk of 'snub nosing'.
Innovation Solution
A semi-rigid headgear with a releasable connection system, such as a hook and loop or magnetic attachment, that securely connects to a user interface without the need for adhesive tapes, reducing tension on the infant's head and allowing for easy adjustment and switching between therapies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive tapes are used to position the gas delivery interface, then the interface can be secured in place, but skin reactions, abrasions, and breakdown occur due to repeated application and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes adhesive tapes entirely from the system, extracting the harmful element while preserving the retention function through an alternative mechanism (headgear with straps and buckles) that secures the interface without contacting the skin
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear acts as an intermediary device between the interface and the user's head, providing a retention mechanism that distributes force across the head rather than concentrating it on the skin through adhesives, thereby preventing skin damage while maintaining secure positioning
2Reliability
If complex headgear systems with elasticised straps and buckles are used to hold the interface, then secure positioning is achieved, but the system becomes difficult to apply and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear system is divided into separate adjustable components (straps, buckles, tensioners) that can be independently adjusted and quickly fastened or released, allowing for easy application and removal while maintaining secure retention when properly configured
3Adaptability or versatility
If adhesive tapes are repeatedly applied and removed for cycling between treatment therapies, then different therapies can be implemented, but skin breakdown and abrasion worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By removing adhesive tapes from the system entirely, the patent eliminates the source of skin damage while preserving the ability to cycle between different treatment therapies through the reusable headgear and interface system
4Reliability
If tension is exerted from complex headgear arrangements, then the interface is secured, but stress sores and contact abrasion occur on the user's head
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear design incorporates padded contact surfaces and distributes tension across broader areas of the head rather than concentrating force at single points, reducing local stress and preventing stress sores and contact abrasion while maintaining overall retention
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a headgear comprising a semi-rigid frame engageable with the head of a user and a releasable connection system for releasable connection with a user interface, wherein the frame extends generally about a rear region of a user's head, generally about an upper region of a user's head, and generally about an ear or both ears of a user.