Low-Profile CPR Mask for Helmet Integration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current CPR mask designs require removal of helmets with face protection to initiate rescue breathing, delaying lifesaving airflow to victims with suspected head, neck, or spinal injuries, as they are not designed to fit under face masks and require complex strap detachment.

Innovation Solution

A low-profile CPR mask that fits under a helmet's face mask, molded to conform ergonomically to a rescuer's palm, with a pliable material for a tight seal and integrated ventilation tube for oxygen-rich air supply, allowing immediate emergency ventilation without removing the helmet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional CPR masks are used with helmets having face protection, then head protection is maintained, but rescue breathing cannot be initiated without removing the helmet

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead protectionVSAvoidaccess to mouth for rescue breathing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The CPR mask is designed with a low profile that allows it to be nested under the helmet's face mask, enabling the mask to be positioned on the victim's face without removing the protective headgear. This nesting arrangement resolves the contradiction by maintaining head protection while enabling access for rescue breathing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the dimensional approach by reducing the mask's profile height in the vertical dimension, allowing it to fit in the limited space under the face mask. This dimensional modification enables the mask to coexist with the helmet structure without interfering with head protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional CPR masks with straps are used, then secure positioning is achieved, but helmet removal is required to attach straps behind the head

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemask positioningVSAvoidtime to attach straps

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the strap attachment function from the traditional behind-head positioning method and relocates it to the helmet structure itself. The straps are configured to attach to the helmet rather than requiring removal of the helmet for behind-head attachment, thereby maintaining stable mask positioning while eliminating the time loss associated with helmet removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If face mask is permanently attached to helmet for enhanced protection, then head protection is improved, but removal requires special tools that delay rescue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehead protectionVSAvoidtime to remove face mask

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The CPR mask nests under the permanently attached face mask of the helmet, eliminating the need to remove the face mask entirely. This nesting approach maintains the enhanced head protection provided by the permanent face mask attachment while enabling immediate access for rescue breathing without requiring special removal tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS8763611B2Low-profile CPR mask

Publication Date: 2014.07.01 BREAKTHROUGH INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

A low profile CPR mask shaped to fit under the face mask of a victim allows immediate emergency ventilation without requiring the helmet be removed. The mask may be molded to fit ergonomically to a rescuer's palm and be pliable upon the application of moderate force to obtain a tight-fitting mask seal against the victim's face.