Larynx Mask Connector With Separating Wall
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing larynx masks face challenges in easy insertion and manufacturing due to rigid supraglottic tubes, which can cause anatomical misalignment and trauma, and the oesophageal outlet passing through the cuff complicates assembly, leading to kinking issues and inadequate aspiration protection.
Innovation Solution
A larynx mask design featuring a dorsal cover plate with a circumferential inflatable cuff and a tube connecting connector that includes a separating wall to create a closed oesophageal lumen and an open respiration lumen, enhancing rigidity against kinking and simplifying manufacturing by forming the oesophageal passage in one piece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid supraglottic tube is used, then insertion ease is improved, but anatomical adaptation and positioning reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The supraglottic tube is divided into multiple sections with different rigidity characteristics. The proximal portion (for insertion) is more rigid, while the distal portion (for positioning) is more flexible, allowing both easy insertion and anatomical adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the supraglottic tube have different mechanical properties. The tube transitions from a stiffer proximal section to a more flexible distal section, providing localized rigidity where needed for insertion and flexibility where needed for positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a highly flexible supraglottic tube is used, then anatomical positioning is improved, but insertion ease and trauma prevention deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is segmented into proximal and distal portions with different rigidity, allowing the proximal part to be easily inserted while the distal part provides flexible positioning and sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube exhibits spatially varying mechanical properties, with the insertion portion being stiffer and the positioning portion being more flexible, resolving the contradiction between insertion ease and positioning reliability.
3Reliability
If the oesophageal outlet passes through the cuff, then aspiration protection is improved, but manufacturing complexity and kinking risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The oesophageal outlet is extracted from the cuff structure and positioned separately in the distal portion of the tube, eliminating the complexity of passing through the cuff while maintaining aspiration protection through the separate oesophageal lumen.
Solution Approach 2:
The oesophageal outlet is repositioned from a central location through the cuff to a distal location, changing its spatial arrangement to simplify manufacturing and reduce kinking risk while maintaining functional effectiveness.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the tip of the larynx mask bends over, then flexibility is improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is pre-formed with an appropriate curvature and rigidity profile that prevents excessive bending at the tip during insertion and positioning, maintaining sealing reliability while allowing necessary flexibility for anatomical adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube has spatially varying rigidity, with the proximal portion being stiffer to prevent tip bending and the distal portion being more flexible for anatomical adaptation, resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and flexibility.
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 design improves insertion ease and manufacturing efficiency, reducing trauma and kinking risks while maintaining flexibility, allowing for reliable sealing and aspiration protection without the need for separate tube insertion through the mask.
Implementation Method 1
a dorsal cover plate with an inflatable cuff (5) circumferentially formed thereon
Implementation Method 2
a tube connecting connector which, after the insertion section, has a separating or supporting wall running in the longitudinal direction of the larynx mask from its distal to at least approximately its proximal end and separating a closed lumen as the oesophageal lumen and an open lumen as a respiration lumen
Data Source
AI summary
A larynx mask is provided that comprises a dorsal cover plate with an inflatable cuff integrally formed thereon and a tube connecting connector having an insertion section for connecting to an insertion tube. Two separate lumens are provided in the region of the insertion section, these being the esophageal lumen and a respiration lumen. These two lumens are separated from each other by a separating and supporting, wall. The separating and supporting wall extends from the insertion section to the tip of the larynx mask. While the esophageal lumen opens into an esophageal outlet at the proximal end of the mask, the respiration lumen opens in the ventral direction and is closed in the proximal direction close to the tip of the mask. Such a larynx mask is produced in one piece by way of injection of molding and is reinforced by the separating or supporting wall to prevent kinking.