Respiratory Mask Grip Part for Low Operating Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Respiratory masks face challenges in transmitting high operating forces while maintaining a delicate and ergonomic design, as existing solutions require large diameters for circumferential gripping surfaces to handle these forces effectively.
Innovation Solution
The integration of radially extending grip parts configured as pressing surfaces for fingers or hands, allowing for the transmission of both radial and axial forces without enlarging the diameter of the circumferential gripping surface, along with friction-enhancing features like knobs or ribs, and the use of locking mechanisms to secure components in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a circumferential gripping surface is used to transmit high operating forces, then the operating forces can be transmitted safely, but the diameter of the gripping surface must be quite considerable, resulting in a large and heavy design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional circumferential gripping surface to a three-dimensional radially outwardly extending grip part with pressing surfaces. This dimensional change allows force transmission through axial and radial directions rather than relying solely on circumferential rotation, enabling high operating forces to be transmitted with a smaller overall diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip part is designed with differentiated pressing surfaces at different locations (first pressing surface at the end facing away from the interface, second pressing surface at the end facing toward the interface). This local differentiation allows optimized force application points and directions, improving force transmission efficiency without increasing overall diameter.
2Force
If additional locking means are provided in purely mechanical operating elements, then high operating forces can be transmitted, but the construction becomes very solid and heavy with a large number of components
Solution Approach 1:
The locking means are integrated directly into the grip part structure rather than being separate components. The grip part itself forms the locking mechanism through its geometric configuration and engagement with the interface, merging the gripping function and locking function into a single integrated element, thereby reducing component count while maintaining force transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip part serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the gripping surface for operator input, transmits operating forces, and incorporates locking functionality through its structural design. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated locking components, reducing overall device complexity.
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
This design enables the efficient transmission of high operating forces while maintaining a slim and attractive respiratory mask structure, providing sufficient space for operator fingers and enhancing ergonomics through improved haptic feedback.
Implementation Method 1
friction-enhancing features like knobs or ribs
Data Source
AI summary
A respiratory mask with an interface for the connection of at least two components, wherein the interface is round or oval and has a maximum diameter, and the components each make available at least one subregion of the interface. The component has a grip part which extends radially outward from the subregion and which is configured as a pressing surface or gripping means for fingers or the hand of an operator, wherein the component has two grip parts, wherein the subregions are in form-fit engagement with each other in an assembled state and are movable about a rotation axis (DA), for which purpose the grip part is rotatable to different rotation positions relative to the two grip parts.