Mask Headgear Sealing with Elastic Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mask systems for respiratory therapy suffer from leaks, discomfort, and claustrophobia due to inadequate sealing around the nasal bridge, mouth leaks, and inability to accommodate varying facial shapes, leading to reduced treatment effectiveness and patient discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A mask system with a headgear assembly that includes a serpentine stabilizing element to maintain the nasal prongs and mouth cushion in position, featuring articulated nasal prongs with dual walls and a swiveling elbow with an anti-asphyxia valve for effective sealing and quiet gas washout, accommodating a range of facial shapes and reducing eye exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the headgear is tightened more to prevent leaks, then leak reduction is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates and skin breakdown occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear incorporates elastic straps with adjustable tension distribution, allowing the system to dynamically adapt to patient movements and facial shape changes during sleep. The elastic material provides continuous adjustment capability without requiring overtightening, maintaining seal integrity while distributing pressure evenly to prevent skin damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the headgear by using elastic materials with specific tension characteristics and designing strap configurations that distribute force across multiple contact points. This parameter optimization allows achieving adequate sealing pressure without exceeding skin tolerance thresholds.
2Reliability
If the cushion is made to adapt to individual patient shapes, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is designed with universal adaptability features including elastic materials, adjustable straps, and contoured shapes that can accommodate a wide range of facial geometries. This multi-functional design allows a single cushion model to serve multiple patient types without requiring custom manufacturing for each individual, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion incorporates adjustable parameters such as elastic modulus, thickness variations, and strap lengths that can be modified within a standard manufacturing process to accommodate different patient sizes and shapes, avoiding the need for completely custom-designed cushions for each patient.
3Reliability
If the mask seals around the nasal bridge, then nasal sealing is improved, but the patient cannot wear spectacles and feels claustrophobic
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into separate functional zones: nasal prongs that seal within the nasal passages, a mouth cushion that seals around the lips, and a headgear that provides structural support. This segmentation allows the nasal sealing function to be achieved without requiring a continuous seal around the nasal bridge, thereby creating space for spectacles while maintaining nasal seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sealing function from the nasal bridge area and relocates it to the nasal passages themselves through the use of nasal prongs. This extraction removes the obstruction to wearing spectacles while preserving the essential nasal sealing function needed for effective respiratory therapy.
4Reliability
If full face masks are used to prevent mouth leaks, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but claustrophobia increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into separate components: a mouth cushion for oral sealing and nasal prongs for nasal sealing. This segmentation allows mouth breathing patients to receive adequate sealing without the need for a large full-face mask structure, thereby reducing the claustrophobic effect while maintaining mouth leak prevention through the dedicated mouth cushion.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a headgear assembly for a mask system, comprising: a two-dimensional first headgear section; and a two-dimensional second headgear section, wherein the two-dimensional first and second headgear sections are attached to one another to form a three-dimensional anatomically-shaped headgear assembly.