Respiratory Mask Frame Lateral Compliance and Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing full-face mask assemblies for respiratory therapy face issues such as gas leakage during side sleeping, noise from inspiratory gas, and discomfort due to movement and deformation.
Innovation Solution
The mask assembly features a cushion with a proximal face contacting portion, a distal inlet aperture, and a side wall, connected to a frame with inlet opening, upper, and lower headgear connectors. The frame is designed to be laterally compliant to accommodate side sleeping and resist longitudinal deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mask assembly is designed with a rigid frame structure, then the sealing performance is improved, but the comfort and adaptability to side sleeping position deteriorates due to movement and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed with lateral compliance that allows it to flex and adapt to the user's head position when side sleeping, while maintaining structural integrity to prevent mask deformation and gas leakage. This dynamic characteristic enables the frame to adjust to different sleeping positions without compromising sealing performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the frame is made laterally compliant to accommodate side sleeping, then the adaptability is improved, but the resistance to longitudinal deformation may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The frame exhibits different mechanical properties in different directions: it is laterally compliant to accommodate side sleeping position changes, while maintaining longitudinal rigidity to resist deformation along the mask length. This anisotropic design allows the frame to be soft where needed and stiff where required simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If the headgear connectors are positioned above the cushion uppermost portion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the comfort deteriorates due to pressure on the upper face
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear connectors are asymmetrically positioned below the cushion uppermost portion, specifically located on the lower portion of the frame. This asymmetric placement moves the connection point away from the upper face area, eliminating pressure and discomfort on the user's upper face while maintaining ease of operation for connecting and disconnecting the mask.
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 design enhances comfort and sealing performance by minimizing gas leakage and noise, while improving patient adherence by reducing discomfort during side sleeping.
Implementation Method 1
the frame is configured to be laterally compliant so as to resiliently deform
Implementation Method 2
the frame is configured to resist deformation of the mask frame when subject to longitudinal forces
Data Source
AI summary
A mask assembly is provided comprising a cushion with a proximal face contacting portion, a distal inlet aperture, and a side wall between the proximal face contacting portion and the distal inlet aperture, a frame; and an inlet connector configured to connect to a source of pressurised gas. The frame comprises upper and lower headgear connectors both of which are below the cushion uppermost portion. The frame comprises a central connection portion removably connected to the cushion and the inlet connector. The central connection portion is relatively inflexible, whilst the remainder of the frame may be relatively flexible. The inlet connector comprises an inlet port for connection to a gas delivery conduit, and comprises a downwardly directed central axis.