Respiratory Mask Frame Assembly to Prevent Seal Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional respiratory masks suffer from detachment and relative movement between the rigid mask frame and flexible mask body due to head rotation, affecting performance.
Innovation Solution
A respiratory mask design featuring a rigid mask frame unit with an annular frame and connecting rib, a single-piece flexible mask body, and an engaging unit with engaging sets that include engaging rods and holes, allowing secure assembly and disassembly by applying forces perpendicular to the left-right direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single size of rigid mask frame is used for different sizes of flexible mask body, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to detachment and relative movement between components
Solution Approach 1:
The mask frame is divided into a rigid mask frame and a flexible mask body as separate components that can be assembled together. The rigid mask frame includes a front portion and a rear portion connected by connecting ribs, while the flexible mask body has a corresponding structure with engaging portions. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with optimized properties while maintaining reliable connection through the engaging structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible mask body is nested within the rigid mask frame structure. The flexible mask body has engaging portions that fit into corresponding recesses on the rigid mask frame, creating a nested assembly where the flexible component is contained within the rigid framework. This nesting arrangement ensures secure connection while allowing the flexible mask body to maintain its compliance.
2Device complexity
If the rigid mask frame and flexible mask body are connected without engaging structures, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to detachment during head rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple discrete engaging structures distributed around the mask assembly. These engaging structures include engaging portions on the flexible mask body, corresponding recesses on the rigid mask frame, and connecting ribs that bridge the front and rear portions. This segmentation provides multiple connection points that collectively prevent detachment while maintaining relatively simple individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging structures merge the rigid mask frame and flexible mask body into a unified assembly. The engaging portions and recesses work together with the connecting ribs to create an integrated connection system that combines the structural integrity of the rigid frame with the compliance of the flexible mask body, preventing relative movement during use.
3Reliability
If multiple engaging structures are added to prevent detachment, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting ribs serve multiple functions: they connect the front and rear portions of the rigid mask frame, provide structural support, and incorporate engaging structures that prevent detachment. The engaging portions on the flexible mask body also serve dual purposes by securing the mask body to the frame while allowing for assembly and disassembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging structures are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow them to adapt during assembly and use. The engaging portions can be inserted into the recesses with some flexibility, and the connecting ribs can accommodate minor misalignments. This dynamic design enables reliable connection without requiring precisely engineered complex mechanisms.
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
Prevents detachment and relative movement between the rigid and flexible components, ensuring effective mask performance by maintaining a secure fit even with head rotation.
Implementation Method 1
an engaging rod that extends forwardly from the second flange, is flexible, and that has a retained part removably engaged with the engaging hole
Data Source
AI summary
A respiratory mask include an annular frame having has a front flange surface and a rear flange surface. A single-piece flexible mask body include a second flange. Four engaging sets each of which has an engaging hole defined by an inner peripheral surface extending from the front flange surface to the rear flange surface, and an engaging rod extending from the second flange and having a retained part, a free part, and an impeding part connected between the free part and the retaining part. When the respiratory mask is in an assembled state, the retained part of the engaging rod of each engaging set is deformed by the inner peripheral surface corresponding to the engaging set, and the impeding part of the engaging rod of each engaging set impedes removal of the engaging rod from the engaging hole of the engaging set.