Respiratory Mask Headgear with Keyed Buckle and Rigidizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory masks, such as the HYBRID™ mask, face challenges in maintaining stability and comfort during respiratory therapy, particularly in preventing mask displacement and ensuring effective sealing, especially when patients move or change positions.
Innovation Solution
The proposed improvements include the integration of a rigid element in headgear straps for enhanced stability, adjustable and elastic materials in headgear for better fit, a buckle system with a keyed portion to prevent rotation, and features like a lotion dispenser and adjustable nasal prongs to enhance sealing and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard buckle system is used to secure the headgear, then the mask can be easily attached and detached, but the buckle may rotate relative to the post causing misalignment and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The buckle opening and post are designed with keyed portions that have asymmetric geometries. The keyed opening in the buckle strap and the keyed post on the frame feature complementary asymmetric shapes that prevent rotational movement. When engaged, the asymmetric keyed portions mate in a specific orientation, locking the buckle in a fixed position relative to the post and eliminating rotation-induced misalignment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the headgear uses flexible materials for comfort, then the mask adapts to patient movement, but the mask may become unstable and displace
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear system employs a composite construction combining flexible strap materials with rigid structural elements. The straps contact the patient's head with flexible materials for comfort and adaptation, while the buckle assembly and frame connection points use rigid materials with precise keyed geometries. This composite approach allows the flexible portions to accommodate patient movement and head shape variations, while the rigid keyed connection maintains stable, rotation-free attachment to the mask frame.
3Reliability
If the nasal prongs are fixed in position, then the mask structure is simple, but the seal may be ineffective when patient anatomy varies or patient moves
Solution Approach 1:
The nasal prongs are designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities allowing rotation relative to the cushion. Each prong can be rotated to different angles to accommodate variations in patient nasal anatomy and to maintain effective sealing during patient movement. The rotational mechanism enables the prongs to adapt their orientation dynamically, ensuring continuous seal effectiveness without requiring complex multi-component adjustment systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A mask for delivery of respiratory therapy to a patient may include one or more of the following improvements: rigidizer provided to headgear strap, locking clip/clip receptacle headgear connection, keyed headgear buckles, lotion dispenser on frame, rotatable prongs to adjust orientation, alignment indicators provided to prong, cushion and/or frame, chin flap with bellows arrangement, vent holes positioned away from gas entry port, and vent holes to direct washout gas at an angle.