Facial Mask Internal Support Structure for Uniform Sealing Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing facial and nasal masks for PAP devices are bulky, heavy, and uncomfortable due to the pressure required to maintain a seal, making them difficult to secure and use effectively.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight mask system with a unique internal support structure and attachment mechanisms that distribute force uniformly to secure the mask around the mouth and nasal area, featuring a semi-flexible design, malleable sealing membranes, and interchangeable components such as a rigid coupler and CO2 washout vents for improved comfort and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bulky mask system is used to maintain a seal for PAP devices, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the weight and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin-shell mask structure made of flexible material that can conform to the user's face contours. This thin-shell design maintains sealing effectiveness through flexibility and conformability rather than bulk, significantly reducing mask weight while preserving the seal required for PAP device effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask incorporates an adjustable headgear system with movable components that allow dynamic adaptation to different user faces. The headgear can be adjusted to apply optimal sealing force, and the mask material itself dynamically conforms to facial contours, maintaining seal integrity without requiring bulky construction.
2Reliability
If high pressure is applied to secure a bulky mask, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible thin-shell mask material distributes sealing force evenly across the contact area with the user's face. This flexibility allows the mask to conform to facial contours and maintain seal integrity through distributed contact pressure rather than concentrated high pressure, significantly improving user comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable headgear system allows users to optimize the fit and sealing force for their individual faces. The dynamic adjustability enables finding the optimal balance between seal integrity and comfort, allowing lower overall pressure while maintaining effective sealing through personalized fit.
3Weight of moving object
If a thin-shell mask is used to reduce weight, then the mask weight is reduced, but the structural support and sealing capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The thin-shell mask is constructed from flexible material that derives its structural support from flexibility and conformability rather than rigidity. The shell's ability to bend and conform to facial contours provides the necessary structural support for sealing, eliminating the need for bulky rigid reinforcement while maintaining seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask structure dynamically adapts to facial contours through its flexible nature, providing the necessary structural support at each point of contact. This dynamic adaptation allows the thin shell to maintain seal capability without requiring additional structural reinforcement, as the structure itself is optimized through flexibility.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a positive airway interface system which includes a facial mask having an internal support structure and an external shell disposed over the internal support structure and a plurality of attachment mechanisms provided about an external surface of the external shell. The positive airway interface system can thus be configured to transform a sealing force applied by a strap assembly in a uniform-like manner so as to sealingly engage the facial mask around a user's mouth and nose when a sealing force applied to the attachment mechanisms.