Respiratory Manifold Elastic Rotational Coupling Stress Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory interface devices experience discomfort and disturbance due to concentrated stress on the patient's face from external forces, particularly when the device moves during use, as they often rely on circular manifolds and tubes that concentrate stress at limited contact areas.
Innovation Solution
A manifold assembly with an elastic portion and a rotational coupling that includes a rigid conduit, where the rotational coupling and elastic portion decouple the manifold body from external forces, and non-circular manifold openings reduce stress by distributing it over a larger area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a manifold with circular cross section is used, then rotational forces can be absorbed through rotational coupling, but stress is concentrated at limited contact areas causing patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the manifold cross-section from circular to non-circular (D-shaped or rectangular). This asymmetric shape increases the contact area with the patient's face, distributing stress more evenly and reducing pressure concentration while maintaining the rotational coupling capability for absorbing rotational forces during patient movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional circular cross-section to a three-dimensional non-circular cross-section (D-shaped or rectangular) that extends in multiple dimensions. This dimensional change allows the manifold to contact the patient's face over a larger surface area, effectively distributing stress while preserving rotational movement capability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the manifold body is decoupled from external forces, then patient comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the manifold body into distinct functional segments: a rigid portion for structural support and force decoupling, and a compliant portion for patient contact and stress distribution. This segmentation allows the device to reduce patient discomfort through force isolation while maintaining manageable complexity through functional modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary compliant portion between the rigid manifold body and the patient's face. This intermediary element absorbs and distributes external forces, protecting the patient from direct force transmission while adding only moderate complexity through the inclusion of a single intermediate component.
3Stress or pressure
If non-circular manifold openings are used, then stress is distributed over larger area, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing non-circular cross-sections (D-shaped or rectangular) specifically at the patient contact portions of the manifold, while maintaining simpler circular cross-sections in internal flow passages and connection interfaces. This localized application of complex geometry achieves stress distribution benefits where needed without unnecessarily increasing manufacturing precision requirements throughout the entire device.
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 solution effectively absorbs and distributes external forces, reducing discomfort and disturbance to the patient by minimizing stress concentration, thereby improving the comfort and effectiveness of respiratory therapy devices.
Implementation Method 1
The manifold body includes an elastic portion. The rotational coupling includes a rigid conduit. The rigid conduit is rotatably coupled to the manifold body elastic portion.
Implementation Method 2
The rotational coupling includes a rigid conduit. The rigid conduit is rotatably coupled to the manifold body elastic portion.
Data Source
AI summary
A respiratory interface device is provided. The respiratory interface device includes a manifold assembly including a manifold body and a rotational coupling. The manifold body includes an elastic portion. The rotational coupling includes a rigid conduit. The rigid conduit is rotatably coupled to the manifold body elastic portion. The rotational coupling and the elastic portion decouple the remaining portions of the manifold body from external forces applied to the rigid conduit.