Modular Patient Interface with Magnetic Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient interfaces for respiratory therapy systems are often uncomfortable, difficult to use, and poorly fitting, leading to reduced compliance and poorer patient outcomes due to their obtrusive design and material limitations.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface designed to be easily disassembled and reassembled, featuring a cushion module with a cushion and cushion clip that can be readily separated, allowing for easy cleaning and recycling, and a frame that connects with the cushion module via interlocks, facilitating flexible assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If patient interfaces are designed with fixed, integrated components, then structural stability is improved, but ease of disassembly and recycling is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patient interface is divided into distinct modular components including a headgear assembly, mask assembly, cushion module, and connector assembly. Each module can be independently removed and reattached through standardized interfaces, enabling easy disassembly for cleaning and recycling while maintaining structural integrity during use. The cushion module specifically separates the cushion from the mask frame, allowing independent cleaning of the cushion component.
2Reliability
If patient interfaces use complex fastening mechanisms, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of assembly by users with limited dexterity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly replaces traditional mechanical fastening mechanisms with a magnetic coupling system. Magnets embedded in the connector components provide automatic alignment and secure attachment through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for complex manual fastening operations. This magnetic system maintains reliable connections during therapy while allowing users with limited dexterity to easily assemble and disassemble components without requiring precise manual manipulation of small fasteners.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to a patient interface for use in delivering breathable gas to a patient. The patient interface may comprise a cushion module and a frame. The cushion module may comprise a cushion and a cushion clip. The cushion clip may be configured to hold the cushion module in a substantially fixed position relative to the frame in use. In some forms, the frame and the cushion module are configured to connect together interlocks between the cushion module and the frame is configured to flex to alter a distance between interlocks, and wherein flexing the frame enables the cushion module to be disconnected from the frame.