Breathing Mask Coupling Layout for Stable, Easy Headgear Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Breathing masks for patients, especially those with limited mobility, the elderly, or children, are difficult to put on correctly, leading to instability and discomfort, which is critical for safe and efficient ventilation.
Innovation Solution
A breathing mask design featuring a unique arrangement of strap attachments and coupling elements that allow easy application and removal, with a locking mechanism to ensure a secure fit, eliminating the need for a forehead support and enhancing wearing comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional headgear straps are attached directly to the mask body, then the mask can be secured to the patient's face, but the mask becomes difficult to put on and take off independently, especially for patients with limited mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear system is segmented into modular coupling elements that can be independently attached to and removed from the mask body. Each coupling element includes a coupling section that interfaces with a coupling receptacle on the mask, allowing the headgear to be detached from the mask entirely. This segmentation enables patients to easily put on and remove just the mask without having to manipulate the entire headgear system, while still maintaining secure attachment when worn.
Solution Approach 2:
Coupling elements serve as intermediary components between the mask body and the headgear straps. These intermediaries include coupling sections with coupling receptacles that receive corresponding coupling elements on the headgear. The intermediaries provide a standardized interface that simplifies the attachment and detachment process while ensuring reliable mechanical connection through features like locking mechanisms and strain distribution across multiple attachment points.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple straps are used to secure the mask, then the mask fit can be adjusted and stabilized, but the complexity of the headgear system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements are designed as universal components that serve multiple functions: they provide attachment points for multiple straps, enable easy connection and disconnection of the headgear from the mask, distribute mechanical loads across multiple attachment points, and maintain mask position stability. Each coupling element includes a coupling section with a receptacle that can accommodate various strap configurations while providing consistent mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple strap attachment functions are merged into integrated coupling elements that combine multiple receptacles and anchoring points into single modular units. Rather than having separate attachment mechanisms for each strap, the coupling elements consolidate these functions, allowing multiple straps to be attached to a single coupling element or distributed across coordinated coupling elements on the mask body.
3Reliability
If the mask requires precise positioning for proper fit, then ventilation effectiveness is improved, but the difficulty of correct application increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling elements and receptacles are pre-positioned on the mask body at optimal locations that ensure correct mask positioning when attached to the patient's face. The coupling sections include pre-configured attachment points that guide proper orientation and placement. This preliminary positioning of the coupling mechanisms eliminates the need for patients to manually adjust or precisely position the mask during application, as the pre-positioned coupling elements naturally guide correct placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to self-align and self-position during attachment. The coupling sections include features such as tapered receptacles, guiding surfaces, or complementary geometric shapes that automatically orient the coupling element correctly as it is inserted into the receptacle. This self-service positioning mechanism ensures proper mask placement without requiring the patient to have specialized knowledge or perform complex alignment maneuvers.
Data Source
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AI summary
A breathing mask (1) for supplying a patient with respiratory gas comprises: a mask body (2) for placing on the mouth and/or nose of the patient, wherein the mask body (2) comprises a first coupling receptacle (3a), a second coupling receptacle (3b) and a tube connector (4) for connecting a breathing tube; a head strap (5) for fixing the mask body (2) to the face of the patient, wherein the head strap (5) comprises a first strap (6a) and a second strap (6b) for tensioning around the head (K) of the patient; a first coupling element (7a) for coupling the head strap (5) to the first coupling receptacle (3a); a second coupling element (7b) for coupling the head strap (5) to the second coupling receptacle (3b).Each coupling element (7a, 7b) comprises a coupling section (8) for coupling the coupling element (7a, 7b) with the respective coupling receptacle (3a, 3b), a first strap receptacle (9a) for attaching the first strap (6a) and a second strap receptacle (9b) for attaching the second strap (6b) and is designed such that - when the mask body (2) is fixed relative to the patient's face by means of the head straps (5) - the first strap receptacle (9a) is located at least partially between the patient's chin and an ear when viewed in the direction of a sagittal axis (H) of the patient and at least partially between the patient's chin and the patient's temple region when viewed in the direction of a longitudinal axis (V) orthogonal to the sagittal axis (H) of the patient, and the second strap receptacle (9b) is located at least partially opposite the patient's temple region.