Respiratory Mask Valve Disk Segmentation for Low Exhalation Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas masks with exhalation valves experience increased exhalation resistance and potential leaks due to position-dependent closing actions, particularly during head movements, compromising their filtering and protective functions.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a valve disk featuring integral, pretensioned spring elements formed by notches on the disk, allowing for a low resistance flow direction by transitioning between an inoperative and operating position based on airflow direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the valve diaphragm is fastened centrally in the outflow area, then the valve structure is simplified, but the opening diameter is reduced and exhalation resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve diaphragm is divided into multiple segments radiating from the center, with each segment fastened independently at different radial distances. This segmentation allows the central area to remain open for flow while providing multiple fastening points for structural stability, resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and low exhalation resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the valve diaphragm have different fastening characteristics - outer segments are fastened at larger radial distances while inner segments are fastened closer to the center. This local differentiation optimizes both the opening diameter for low resistance and the structural integrity for reliability.
2Reliability
If the valve diaphragm is fastened off-center, then the opening diameter is increased and exhalation resistance is reduced, but position-dependent closing action occurs during head movements
Solution Approach 1:
The valve diaphragm is segmented into multiple radial sections, each fastened at different distances from the center. This segmentation creates a balanced distribution of fastening points that maintains consistent closing action regardless of valve orientation, eliminating the position-dependent behavior while preserving the large opening diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening points are deliberately arranged asymmetrically at different radial distances from the center rather than all at the same distance. This asymmetric arrangement compensates for gravitational effects during head movements, ensuring consistent closing action in all orientations while maintaining low exhalation resistance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple fastening points are added to the valve diaphragm, then closing action consistency is improved, but the valve structure becomes more complex and the opening diameter is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve diaphragm and holder are designed as an integrated assembly where the diaphragm segments are directly connected to the holder structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate fastening components, reducing overall structural complexity while providing multiple fastening points for consistent closing action.
Solution Approach 2:
Fastening points are strategically positioned at specific radial distances for different segments - outer segments fastened at larger distances and inner segments at smaller distances. This local optimization provides closing action consistency without requiring excessive fastening points, thereby avoiding unnecessary structural complexity.
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 valve assembly maintains low exhalation resistance and reliable filtering by ensuring consistent airflow through the valve, minimizing leaks and maintaining protective function during user movements.
Implementation Method 1
The holding elements are configured as pretensioned spring elements. The spring elements exert an action of force on the housing by means of the pretension in case of an incoming flow from a blocking direction
Implementation Method 2
The spring elements are raised from an inoperative position into a second state of an operating position in case of an incoming flow from a flow direction located opposite the blocking direction
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly (101) includes a valve disk (3) for a gas mask (respiratory mask). The valve disk (3) is configured with holding elements (5), which are configured in the form of spring elements (7). The spring elements (7) bring about an inoperative position (8) of the valve disk in the valve assembly (101) in case of an incoming flow from a blocking direction (13). The spring elements (7) bring about a raising of the valve disk (3) into an operating position (10) in case of an incoming flow from a flow direction (15), so that an opening state (9) of the valve assembly (101) is obtained.