Ventilation Mask Elbow Secure Connection Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ventilation masks disconnect when a large torque is applied to the connection elbows, leading to a loss of therapy and small leaks due to increased air pressure pushing the connection elbow out.
Innovation Solution
A ventilation mask design with a frame that interlocks with the mask body, featuring under-cuts, rib members, and snap protrusions to securely attach the elbow, preventing disconnection and leaks by using a press-fit mechanism that secures the elbow to the interface member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a snap connection or separate components such as snap rings are used to attach the connection elbow, then the assembly process is simplified and the connection can be easily made, but the connection elbow may become disconnected when large torque is applied or when air pressure increases, resulting in loss of therapy or small leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The connection elbow is inserted through the mask body from the interior side, with the distal end positioned inside the mask body and the proximal end extending outward. The elbow is nested within the mask body structure, creating a more secure connection that resists disconnection under torque and pressure while maintaining ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attaching the connection elbow from the exterior side of the mask body as in conventional designs, this invention attaches the elbow from the interior side. This inversion of the attachment direction allows the elbow to be secured against the inner surface of the mask body, preventing disconnection while maintaining assembly simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the connection elbow is attached from the outside of the mask body using conventional methods, then the assembly process is straightforward, but the increased air pressure inside the mask body pushes the connection elbow out, causing small leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The connection elbow is nested within the mask body structure, with its distal end positioned inside the mask body. This nesting arrangement ensures that the elbow is retained by the mask body structure itself, preventing pressure-induced displacement and eliminating the source of small leaks while keeping the assembly process simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment direction is inverted from the conventional exterior attachment method. By attaching the connection elbow from the interior side of the mask body, the design allows the elbow to be secured against the inner surface, preventing it from being pushed outward by internal pressure and thereby eliminating small leaks.
Data Source
AI summary
A ventilation mask (10) includes a mask body (100), a frame (200) and an elbow (300). The mask body has a first opening (130) and a sealing member (110) configured to engage the face of a patient so as to surround at least a mouth and a nose of the patient. The frame is connected to an outer surface of the mask body, and has an interface member (220) configured to interlock with the mask body at the first opening. The elbow has a first end (310) connectable with a gas supply, and a second end (320) configured to be fixedly secured to the interface member of the frame and to enable flow of gas from the elbow into the mask body through the first opening.