Respiratory Mask Forehead Support with Spring Guide Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forehead supports for respiratory masks lack versatility and ease of use, particularly when adjusted by patients themselves, as they are not adequately flexible or simple to operate.
Innovation Solution
A forehead support with a guide bar that can be guided over a resilient element, such as a spring, integrated into the forehead support stem, allowing for adjustable and lockable positioning of the forehead rest relative to the mask.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical adjusting mechanisms or elements with mutually different suitable sizing are used, then adaptability to different facial geometries is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The forehead support incorporates a resilient element (spring) that enables dynamic adjustment of the forehead rest position. The guide bar can be guided over the resilient element to move between different positions, allowing adaptation to various facial geometries without requiring multiple discrete sized elements or complex mechanical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the resilient element (spring) to enable adjustment. By compressing or extending the spring, the guide bar can be positioned at different locations along the forehead support stem, providing continuous adaptability rather than discrete adjustment steps.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable mechanisms are incorporated, then versatility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element (spring) provides self-adjusting capability. When the guide bar is guided over the spring, the spring's elasticity automatically allows movement to different positions and maintains the adjusted position without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex operation sequences. The spring itself provides the adjustment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic nature of the spring allows for simple, intuitive operation. Users can easily guide the guide bar to desired positions by applying minimal force to compress or extend the spring, making the adjustment process straightforward and user-friendly without complex mechanical operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate components are used for adjustment, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the resilient element directly into the forehead support stem as an integrated component. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the adjustability function through the spring mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The forehead support stem serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the resilient element, and guides the guide bar for adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby easing manufacturing requirements.
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 provides enhanced adjustability and usability, allowing for precise fitting to different facial geometries, improved comfort for patients, and easier cleaning and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient element is in the form of a spring or in the form of a resilient portion which can be produced by the injection molding process, which forms a movable connection between the guide bar and the forehead rest.
Data Source
AI summary
A forehead support for supporting a respiratory mask having a forehead support stem and a forehead rest. The forehead rest comprises a guide bar which can be guided over a resilient element that is formed in the forehead support stem. The forehead support stem may be forked.