Magnetic Interconnect for Patient Mask Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient interface devices require excessive time to connect and disconnect the mask frame from the headgear due to cumbersome clips, especially when reversing the mask frame, which is inefficient and uncomfortable for patients.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly with a magnetic interconnect system comprising female and male interconnect members with reversed polarities, allowing for quick and easy connection and disconnection of the mask frame to the headgear strap, reducing the need for multiple clips and minimizing pressure on the patient's face.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional clips are used to connect the mask frame to the headgear, then the connection can be made, but the connection time and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical clip connection system with a magnetic connection system. The male and female interconnect members with magnetic properties enable automatic attraction and secure connection when brought together, eliminating the need for manual clipping operations and significantly reducing connection time while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic connection system enables self-aligning and self-securing connection. When the male and female interconnect members are brought together, the magnetic attraction automatically draws them into proper alignment and secures them without requiring manual manipulation or tools, making the connection process intuitive and time-efficient.
2Strength
If multiple clips are used to secure the mask frame, then the connection strength increases, but the device complexity and pressure on patient's face increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the connection function into a single integrated magnetic interconnect assembly rather than using multiple separate clips. The male and female interconnect members are designed as unified components that provide sufficient connection strength through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for multiple discrete fastening elements and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary mechanical clip components from the connection system. By removing the complex multi-part clip mechanism and replacing it with a simpler magnetic attraction system, the design achieves the required connection strength with fewer parts, thereby reducing device complexity and minimizing pressure points on the patient's face.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional clips are used for reversing the mask frame, then the connection can be maintained, but the time required for disconnection and reconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connection system enables rapid reversal of the mask frame by simply bringing the male and female interconnect members together again. The magnetic attraction provides immediate secure connection without requiring manual unclipping and reclipping operations, reducing the time required for frame reversal while maintaining connection integrity.
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 magnetic interconnect system significantly reduces the time and effort required for connecting and disconnecting the mask frame, providing a more comfortable and efficient solution for non-invasive ventilation and pressure support therapies.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet located within the female interconnect member and a magnet located within the male interconnect member, wherein the magnet in the female interconnect member and the magnet in the male interconnect member are attracted to one another
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A support assembly (2) comprising a mask frame (4) for a patient interface device; a headgear strap (6) structured to be connected to the mask frame; and an interconnect assembly (100, 300, 400). The interconnect assembly includes a number of female interconnect members (110, 210, 310, 410), a first body member (112, 212, 312) and a first magnet (116, 216, 316, 416) coupled to the first body member. The first body member is connected to the mask frame and has an aperture (114, 214, 314, 414). The interconnect assembly also includes a number of male interconnect members (150, 250, 350, 450), a second body member (152, 252, 352) and a second magnet (160, 260, 360, 460) coupled to the second body member. The second body member is connected to the strap member and includes a protrusion (154, 254, 354, 452, 454) structured to be located within the aperture. When the protrusion is located within the aperture, the first magnet is attracted to the second magnet, thereby removably connecting the first body member to the second body member.