Mask Adapter for Optical Carbon Dioxide Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory masks that supply air or oxygen to subjects lack a quantitative method for evaluating carbon dioxide concentration without degrading their versatility and popularity.
Innovation Solution
An adapter with a ventilation path and a retainer that removably retains a sensor with a light detecting element, allowing for optical detection of carbon dioxide concentration, which can be coupled with non-dedicated masks, using visible light and a dye-changing holder to provide accurate readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated mask structure with integrated sensor retention is used, then quantitative carbon dioxide detection is achieved, but mask versatility and popularity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented from the mask body and placed in a separate adapter that attaches to the mask. The adapter contains the sensor retention structure and ventilation path, allowing the mask to remain a universal product while enabling quantitative CO2 detection when the adapter is attached.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter serves multiple functions: it provides the ventilation path for respiratory gas flow, retains the sensor for CO2 detection, and interfaces with the mask's exhaust holes. This multi-functional component enables quantitative detection without requiring dedicated mask structures.
2Measurement precision
If additional structures are added to the mask for sensor retention, then quantitative detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor retention structure and ventilation path are extracted from the mask body and consolidated into a separate adapter. This removes the need to modify the mask structure while providing the necessary detection functionality through the attached adapter.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the mask and the sensor. It interfaces with the mask's existing exhaust holes and provides the necessary retention structure for the sensor, avoiding direct modification of the mask while enabling detection.
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
Enables accurate, cost-effective quantification of carbon dioxide levels without altering the mask's functionality or popularity, maintaining versatility and reducing the need for additional mask modifications.
Implementation Method 1
a light detecting element configured to output a signal corresponding to concentration of carbon dioxide as detected optically
Implementation Method 2
The infrared light is absorbed by the carbon dioxide contained in the expiration gas of the subject that flows through the ventilation path
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter is configured to be coupled with a mask that is adapted to be attached on a face of a subject to supply air or oxygen gas to an airway of the subject. A base defines a ventilation path adapted to be communicated with an exhaust hole formed in the mask. A retainer is configured to removably retain a sensor including a light detecting element configured to output a signal corresponding to concentration of carbon dioxide as detected optically. The ventilation path is located on a path of light that is to be incident on the light detecting element.