Mask Cushion Deformation Area for Facial Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional full face masks lack adaptability to various face shapes and sizes due to the large variability in nose and chin dimensions, resulting in inadequate fit and leak-tightness.
Innovation Solution
A mask cushion with a deformation area having distinct height and wall thickness variations, including a thinner nose bridge area and thicker side areas, and a single sealing lip, designed to accommodate different facial features, combined with a steplessly adjustable forehead support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional masks are available in sizes S, M and L, then a large number of masks must be offered to cover all different shapes and sizes of faces, but this increases device complexity and does not provide optimal adaptability to individual facial features
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is designed with spatially varying wall thicknesses, where the deformation area has different thicknesses in different regions (thinner in the nose bridge area, thicker in the paranasal area). This local variation in material distribution allows the cushion to adapt to different facial geometries without requiring multiple mask sizes, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion incorporates a deformation area with specific height parameters (first height H1 at the base, second height H2 at the top in the nose bridge area, third height H3 laterally in the paranasal area) where H1 is at least twice as high as H3. By optimizing these geometric parameters, the cushion achieves high adaptability to various face shapes while maintaining a single unified mask design.
2Device complexity
If a single sealing lip is used, then the mask structure is simplified, but achieving effective sealing across diverse facial shapes becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion features a single sealing lip that is strategically positioned and shaped to accommodate diverse facial geometries. The deformation area's varied height profile (H1 ≥ 2×H3) creates localized sealing zones that adapt to different nose and chin configurations, maintaining effective sealing with a simplified single-lip structure rather than requiring multiple sealing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation area is designed to dynamically adapt its shape through the height variations (H1, H2, H3) when the cushion is worn. The cushion deforms to match the patient's facial features, allowing a single sealing lip to maintain reliable contact and sealing across diverse face shapes without increasing structural complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the cushion material is made uniformly thin and soft, then wearing comfort is improved, but the structural support and sealing capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion employs non-uniform wall thickness distribution: the deformation area has controlled thickness to provide comfort and adaptability, while the paranasal area has greater thickness (W3) for enhanced structural support and sealing capability. This local differentiation allows the cushion to be both comfortable and structurally sound without requiring uniform material thickness throughout.
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 cushion provides a high degree of adaptability and comfort by ensuring a secure fit and effective sealing across diverse facial shapes and sizes, enhancing wearing comfort and leak-tightness.
Implementation Method 1
The mask cushion may be made of an elastomeric plastic and may have at least two different wall thicknesses
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a mask cushion for a full face mask with a single sealing lip for sealing contact with the face of a user.