Respiratory Mask Headgear Locking Clip Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Patients with poor dexterity face difficulties in using existing connectors for respiratory mask assemblies, as they can be awkward to assemble and may disengage or become stuck, and the connectors are often positioned close to the eyes, making them hard to see and use correctly.
Innovation Solution
A headgear connection assembly with a locking clip system that includes a main body with a rear portion for attachment to a headgear strap and a front portion with resiliently flexible spring arms, allowing for easy attachment and detachment while preventing accidental disengagement, and is positioned in a convenient location for intuitive use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional connector is used to join the frame and headgear assembly, then the connector can provide a secure connection, but it becomes difficult for patients with poor dexterity to assemble and may become stuck or disengage accidentally
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate components: a locking clip attached to the frame and a corresponding receiver on the headgear assembly. This segmentation allows the patient to easily attach and detach the headgear by simply connecting these separate parts, while the locking mechanism ensures secure connection. The segmented design also prevents the connector from becoming stuck as each part can be independently manipulated.
Solution Approach 2:
A resilient arm acts as an intermediary element between the locking clip and the receiver. The resilient arm provides a flexible connection that allows for easy attachment while maintaining secure engagement. This intermediary component absorbs mechanical stress and prevents the connector from becoming stuck, while still ensuring reliable connection through its elastic properties.
2Ease of manufacture
If the connector is positioned on the frame close to the eyes, then it can be integrated into the frame structure, but it becomes difficult for the patient to see and use correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking clip is positioned on the lateral sides of the frame rather than directly in front of the patient's eyes. This spatial repositioning in another dimension allows the connector to remain integrated into the frame structure while being easily visible and accessible to the patient from the sides, improving both manufacturing integration and user visibility.
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is used to prevent accidental disengagement, then the connection reliability is improved, but the connector may become stuck and difficult to detach
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses a resilient arm that can dynamically change its state between locked and unlocked positions. The resilient nature of the arm allows it to provide strong locking force to prevent accidental disengagement, while also allowing easy detachment when the patient intentionally applies force to release it. The dynamic flexibility of the resilient arm prevents the connector from becoming stuck.
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 locking clip system enables quick and secure attachment/detachment of the headgear assembly, reducing the risk of accidental disengagement and improving usability for patients with limited dexterity by providing a clear and intuitive connection mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the front portion of the locking clip includes at least one resiliently flexible spring arm that is flexible within the plane of the main body
Data Source
AI summary
A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and at least one locking clip. The frame has a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body, at least one of the side frame members including a locking clip receiver assembly. The at least one locking clip has a main body providing a front portion adapted to be removably coupled with the at least one locking clip receiver assembly and a rear portion adapted to be removably coupled to a headgear assembly. The rear portion includes a cross bar that forms an opening through which a strap of the headgear assembly can pass and be removably coupled with the cross bar, and the front portion includes at least one resiliently flexible spring arm that is flexible within the plane of the main body.