Respiratory Mask Support Member Bead Segmentation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing respiratory interface devices for non-invasive ventilation and PAP therapies face challenges in providing a comfortable and customizable fit for patients, leading to increased manufacturing costs due to the need for multiple mask sizes to accommodate varying facial structures.

Innovation Solution

A support member for a patient interface device is designed with a sidewall formed from a plurality of beads of different cross-sectional areas and materials, allowing for customization and the creation of voids to enhance fit and comfort, which can be readily produced and adapted to individual facial geometries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple mask sizes are produced to accommodate varying facial structures, then patient fit and comfort are improved, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit customizationVSAvoidnumber of mask sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is divided into multiple discrete beads arranged in rows, where each bead can be independently adjusted or removed. This segmentation allows customization of the support member to fit different facial structures without requiring multiple complete mask sizes, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different beads in the support member can have different properties (size, shape, material) to provide localized adaptation to specific facial features. This allows a single support member design to accommodate varying facial structures through selective bead adjustment rather than producing multiple complete mask sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple mask sizes are produced to accommodate varying facial structures, then patient fit and comfort are improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit customizationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is divided into multiple discrete beads arranged in rows, where each bead can be independently adjusted or removed. This segmentation allows customization of the support member to fit different facial structures without requiring multiple complete mask sizes, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single support member design with adjustable beads can serve multiple patients with different facial structures, replacing the need for multiple specialized mask sizes. This universal design reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to customize fit for individual patients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed support member design is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but patient comfort and fit are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidpatient comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is divided into multiple discrete beads arranged in rows, where each bead can be independently adjusted or removed. This segmentation allows customization of the support member to fit different facial structures without requiring multiple complete mask sizes, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11559649B2Support member for cushion of respiratory interface device

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

A support member for use in a sealing assembly of a patient interface device for delivering a flow of a breathing gas to the airway of a patient. The support member includes: a first end structured to be coupled to a frame member of the patent interface device; a second end structured to sealingly engage the face of a patient or to underlie a sealing flap which is structured to sealingly engage the face of a patient; and a sidewall which extends between the first end and the second end. The sidewall is formed from a plurality of beads of material.