Magnetic Coupling for Patient Interface Cushion and Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient interface devices for non-invasive ventilation and pressure support systems face challenges in providing a secure and easy-to-assemble coupling mechanism between the cushion and frame, which is essential for effective gas delivery while allowing for cleaning and replacement, without compromising the seal or stability.
Innovation Solution
The use of magnetic coupling features between the frame and cushion, where the frame and cushion each have multiple magnetic elements positioned for secure alignment and anti-rotation, ensuring a consistent and reliable connection that maintains the seal and facilitates easy disassembly for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mechanical coupling mechanisms (screws, clips, latches) are used to connect the cushion and frame, then the connection strength is sufficient, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical coupling mechanisms (screws, clips, latches) with a magnetic coupling system. The frame includes magnetic elements that magnetically attract and hold the cushion in place, eliminating the need for complex mechanical fasteners. This substitution provides sufficient connection strength while enabling simple one-handed assembly and disassembly operations.
2Strength
If the cushion and frame are tightly coupled to prevent unexpected separation, then the connection strength increases, but the ease of disassembly for cleaning and replacement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling system provides dynamic coupling characteristics where the magnetic force maintains strong attachment during normal use and patient movement, but allows controlled separation when deliberate user action is applied. The cushion can be easily pulled away from the frame by overcoming the magnetic attraction, enabling simple disassembly for cleaning and replacement while maintaining strong connection during operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple magnetic elements are used for secure alignment and anti-rotation, then the connection stability improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple magnetic elements into a single molded frame structure, combining several magnetic components into one manufactured part. This merging approach provides secure alignment and anti-rotation capabilities through the distributed magnetic field of multiple elements, while simplifying manufacturing by producing the frame as a single integrated component rather than assembling separate parts.
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
This magnetic coupling arrangement provides a secure, reliable, and easy-to-assemble connection between the cushion and frame, enhancing the stability and seal integrity of the patient interface device, ensuring effective gas delivery and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of magnetic elements, each magnetic element of the first plurality of magnetic elements being secured on or in the patient facing side; and a cushion comprising: a patient contacting side which is structured to sealingly engage about an orifice or orifices of a patient; a frame contacting side disposed opposite the patient contacting side, the frame contacting side including a second aperture defined therein which is sized and configured to engage about the hub of the central portion of the frame and is structured to provide for passage of the flow of breathing gas passing through the first aperture of the central portion of the frame to enter a cavity defined in the cushion generally between the patient contacting side and the frame contacting side; and a second plurality of magnetic elements, each magnetic element of the second plurality of magnetic elements being secured on or in the frame contacting side of the cushion in a corresponding position to each magnetic element of the first plurality of magnetic elements of the frame such that the cushion is magnetically coupled to the frame.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient interface device includes a frame having a central portion with a patient facing side, an opposite outward facing side, a first plurality of magnetic elements secured on or in the patient facing side, and a first aperture defined therethrough. The first aperture having a first portion extending from the outward facing side toward the patient facing side which is structured to be coupled to a delivery conduit and a patient side portion defined by a wall which extends outward from the patient facing side forming a hub. The device further includes a cushion having a patient contacting side which is structured to sealingly engage about an orifice or orifices of a patient, an opposite frame contacting side including a second aperture defined therein which is sized and configured to engage about the hub, and a second plurality of magnetic elements for magnetically coupling the cushion to the frame.