Inflatable Support Structure for Respiratory Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current respiratory interface devices for treating obstructive sleep apnea are bulky, heavy, and uncomfortable to wear, especially during sleep, and are impractical for travel due to their size and weight.
Innovation Solution
A respiratory interface device featuring an inflatable support structure that holds a cushion to contact the user's face, providing mechanical stability and a flexible, lightweight design, which can be deflated for storage and transportation, and may include a separate or integrated cushion and gas inlet for inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid mask shell is used to attach the hose and cushion, then mechanical stability is provided, but the mask becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid mask shell with an inflatable support structure that uses gas pressure to provide mechanical stability. The inflatable structure, when inflated, creates a rigid-like framework without the weight and bulk of traditional rigid materials, directly resolving the contradiction between stability and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the support structure from rigid (solid) to inflatable (gas-filled), allowing the structure to transition between a compact deflated state for storage and a stable inflated state for use. This parameter change enables the mask to be lightweight and compact while maintaining mechanical stability during operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid mask shell is used to attach the hose and cushion, then mechanical stability is provided, but the mask becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable support structure uses gas pressure to create a stable framework with minimal material volume. When deflated, the structure collapses to a fraction of its inflated volume, eliminating the bulk associated with rigid shells while maintaining stability when inflated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible inflatable membrane to create the support structure, which can be collapsed to a thin profile for storage and then inflated to provide the necessary mechanical stability during use. This flexible shell approach eliminates the bulk of rigid structures.
3Reliability
If complex mask construction is used, then mechanical stability and sealing are achieved, but the overall weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable support structure provides both mechanical stability and sealing functionality through a single integrated component. The inflation pressure creates both the structural framework and the sealing force against the user's face, eliminating the need for separate heavy components and reducing overall weight.
4Reliability
If the hose is connected to a rigid mask shell, then gas delivery is stable, but additional forces act on the mask structure causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable support structure distributes the forces from hose connection and gas pressure across the entire inflated surface area, rather than concentrating them on specific rigid connection points. This distribution reduces localized forces and discomfort while maintaining stable gas delivery.
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 inflatable support structure results in a lightweight, comfortable, and space-saving respiratory interface device that is easy to handle and transport, offering improved user comfort and practicality for both daily use and travel.
Implementation Method 1
When being inflated with a gas, preferably with air, the gas creates enough pressure allowing to stabilize the structure, thereby providing a mechanically stable holding structure for the one or more cushions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a respiratory interface device for delivering a gas to a user (50), comprising: - a connection interface (24) for connecting a hose to deliver gas to the user (50), - a cushion (12) that is adapted to contact a face of the user (50) and to surround at least a part of a nose and/or a mouth of the user (50), and - an inflatable support structure (14) for holding the cushion (12).