Vacuum Shield Assembly for Medical Masks During CPAP and Nebulization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical masks lack an efficient means to vacuum exhaled air while simultaneously supporting nebulization or positive pressure procedures, thereby increasing the risk of contagion and contamination from airborne illnesses.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum shield assembly that can be attached to existing masks, functioning as a primary or secondary suction mechanism, utilizing a shield body and retaining assembly to create negative pressure for air extraction, and optionally integrating with nebulizers or oxygen supply tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a medical mask is used for nebulization or positive pressure procedures, then the patient receives respiratory support, but exhaled air containing infectious particles cannot be effectively vacuumed away
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated mask assembly: positive pressure delivery (CPAP/BIPAP), nebulization, and vacuum suction are merged into one device. The mask includes both a positive pressure valve and a vacuum valve with shield assembly, allowing simultaneous or alternating operation of these functions without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple respiratory support functions. The same mask structure accommodates both positive pressure delivery mechanisms and vacuum suction capabilities, making it adaptable for various clinical scenarios including respiratory support, aerosol generation, and infectious particle removal.
2Reliability
If the mask remains in contact with the patient's face during procedures, then proper sealing and delivery is maintained, but the risk of contagion and fomite contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vacuum shield assembly as a separate functional component that can operate independently from the main mask body. The shield assembly with its vacuum valve can be activated to create negative pressure and remove infectious particles without requiring the entire mask to be removed or replaced, thus maintaining sealing while reducing contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum shield assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the patient's exhaled air and the external environment. It creates a controlled pathway for removing infectious particles through negative pressure, mediating the interaction between the sealed mask and the outside world to minimize contamination while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a vacuum mechanism is added to the mask, then exhaled air can be vacuumed away, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum shield assembly is nested within the overall mask structure. The shield assembly with its vacuum valve is positioned inside or integrated with the mask body, allowing the vacuum function to be contained within the existing mask footprint. This nesting approach adds functionality without proportionally increasing external dimensions or structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask utilizes flexible materials and thin-film constructions to accommodate multiple functions within a lightweight structure. The vacuum shield assembly employs flexible sealing elements and thin-walled components that maintain structural integrity while minimizing overall device complexity and weight.
4Reliability
If the mask is designed for specific procedures only, then optimization for that procedure is achieved, but versatility across different respiratory support methods is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mask incorporates universal design elements that enable compatibility with multiple respiratory support procedures. The presence of both positive pressure valves and vacuum valves, along with nebulization capabilities, allows the same mask to be used for CPAP, BIPAP, nebulization, and infectious particle removal across different clinical scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask design allows dynamic switching between different operational modes. The valves and openings can be selectively activated or deactivated depending on the required procedure, enabling the mask to adapt its functionality in real-time based on clinical needs without requiring physical reconfiguration or replacement.
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 vacuum shield assembly effectively reduces the risk of contagion by partially removing exhaled infectious particles, enhancing protection for medical practitioners and reducing contamination of fomites.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum shield assembly may be connected to a negative pressure vacuum
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum shield assembly effectively reduces the risk of contagion by partially removing exhaled infectious particles
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum shield assembly intended for attachment to an existing medical mask for air suction, nebulization, BIPAP, and/or CPAP. The vacuum shield assembly generally comprises a shield body and a retaining assembly. The retaining assembly may attach the vacuum shield assembly to a vacuum tube of the existing mask, which may be connected to a negative pressure vacuum. The retaining assembly may also be attached to a nebulizer unit or component thereof, or to an oxygen supply tube of a BIPAP or CPAP mask. The shield body may comprise a lower segment, which may comprise a connecting component configured and dimensioned for attachment to, and for a fluid communication, with the retaining assembly. The shield body may be configured and dimensioned to correspond to the geometry of the existing mask. As an example, the shield body may comprise a substantially concave configuration with a substantially semi-ovoidal edge.