Inhalation Mask Segmented Chambers for Pediatric Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inhalation masks are uncomfortable and unsuitable for young patients, hindering the effective inhalation of therapeutic molecules and being complex to manufacture and use, especially when designed to force mouth breathing.
Innovation Solution
A facial mask with a watertight partition separating an upper chamber for the nose from a lower chamber for the mouth, ensuring inhalation occurs only through the mouth, featuring a one-way expiratory valve and ergonomic design to enhance comfort and usability, made from materials like silicone for biocompatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional single-chamber mask is used, then the structure is simple, but therapeutic molecules cannot be directed preferentially towards one entrance of the respiratory system
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into two separate chambers: a first chamber for the nose and a second chamber for the mouth. This segmentation allows therapeutic molecules to be directed preferentially towards the mouth chamber, improving adaptability for oral inhalation treatment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that can be manufactured as a single piece.
2Ease of operation
If an intra-oral piece is used to force mouth breathing, then mouth breathing is ensured, but the patient experiences real discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using an intra-oral piece, the mask uses a watertight partition to separate nasal and oral chambers externally. This allows mouth breathing to be ensured by directing gas flow to the mouth chamber while avoiding direct contact with the patient's oral cavity, thereby eliminating the discomfort associated with intra-oral devices.
3Ease of manufacture
If a tube penetrating into the oral cavity is used, then medication administration is achieved, but the solution is not fully comfortable for children and infants
Solution Approach 1:
The medication delivery function is achieved through the second chamber designated for the mouth, where gas flows containing therapeutic molecules are directed. The watertight partition prevents nasal inhalation, ensuring oral delivery without requiring tubes to penetrate the oral cavity. This external separation maintains patient comfort while achieving effective medication administration.
4Reliability
If the mask encompasses the entire face, then breathing is supported, but the structure becomes complex and less suitable for children
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is designed to cover only the relevant portions of the face - specifically areas for the nose and mouth - rather than encompassing the entire face. The watertight partition creates functional segmentation within this reduced scope, maintaining reliable breathing support through separate nasal and oral chambers while simplifying the overall structure for better suitability with children's smaller faces.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a face mask for inhalation, suitable for delivering a therapeutic gas or molecule as part of a treatment by inhalation. In particular, the invention relates to a mask (M) including a body (C), a wall (P1, P2, P3) of which defines an inner space (Vi) intended for engaging with a portion of the face of a user, including the nose and mouth thereof, the body (C) having a first opening (01) which is in communication with a means (R1) for connecting to a source of a therapeutic gas or molecule, and a second opening (02) surrounded by a lip (L1) intended to be placed against said portion of the face of the user, characterised in that said mask comprises a sealing partition (C1) which defines, in the inner space (Vi), an upper chamber (B1) intended for accommodating the nose of the user and a lower chamber (B2) containing said first opening (01) and intended for accommodating the mouth of the user while said mask is being worn.