Moldable Airway Mask Interface for Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas producing masks, such as anesthesia gas masks, often fail to properly seal against diverse facial features, leading to gas leakage and ineffective gas delivery, especially when high-pressure gases are used.
Innovation Solution
An airway mask interface apparatus with a moldable membrane that covers the middle to lower region of the face, creating a conduit system for gas flow between the mask and the respiratory system, while sealing to both the face and the mask to prevent gas leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a gas producing mask is designed as one size fits all, then manufacturing cost and simplicity are improved, but sealing performance against diverse facial features deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent components: a standardized gas producing mask and a customizable interface member. The interface member is separately molded to match specific facial features, allowing the mask to remain simple while achieving reliable sealing through the customized interface component that bridges the mask and face.
2Reliability
If the gasket volume is adjusted to fit facial features, then sealing performance is improved, but the complexity of adjustment mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface member is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component that is pre-molded to specific facial contours. Instead of implementing complex adjustable mechanisms, the solution uses multiple inexpensive, pre-configured interface members that can be quickly swapped to match different facial features, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms.
3Productivity
If high pressure gas is used to ensure gas delivery, then gas flow effectiveness is improved, but gas leakage through improper seals worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The interface member serves as an intermediary component between the gas producing mask and the patient's face. It creates a sealed transition zone that allows high pressure gas to be effectively delivered while preventing leakage. The interface member's customized fit ensures that high pressure gas flows through the intended pathway rather than escaping through gaps.
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 interface ensures a secure seal with both the face and the gas producing mask, preventing gas leakage and ensuring effective delivery of anesthetic gases or oxygen directly to the respiratory system, regardless of facial features or mask pressure.
Implementation Method 1
The material that comprises the interface apparatus may be moldable to the shape of the person's facial features and to the contours of the gas producing mask so that the interface apparatus seals and prevents any gas produced from escaping. However, the material may also be elastic enough to restore the interface to its original shape after being detached from the person's face and the gas producing mask.
Data Source
AI summary
An airway mask interface apparatus for administering gas to a person's respiratory system is provided. The invention acts as a membrane between the person's face and a gas producing mask and covers and forms to the person's facial features and to the contours of the gas producing mask. The interface includes a first conduit passing through the interface in the region of the user's mouth, and a second conduit passing from the first conduit to the region of the user's nose. In this way, gas delivered to the interface passes through the first and second conduits and into the user's respiratory system with minimal leakage.