Movable Patient Interface Frame for Adaptive Therapeutic Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing respiratory therapy devices, such as CPAP masks and humidifiers, suffer from discomfort, poor fit, high noise levels, and difficulty in use, leading to reduced patient compliance and ineffective treatment of respiratory disorders.

Innovation Solution

A patient interface with a customizable seal-forming structure, a flexible frame, and a decoupling mechanism that allows for adjustable positioning and ventilation, combined with a resilient joint structure for improved comfort and ease of use, along with a user-friendly design for home cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid frame structure is used in respiratory therapy devices, then structural stability is improved, but comfort and adaptability to different patient faces deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidcomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is designed with movable joints and flexible segments that allow it to dynamically adapt to different patient face shapes and positions. The frame can flex and move rather than remaining rigid, providing both structural support and comfort during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Flexible materials are used in the frame construction, particularly in areas contacting the patient's face. These flexible elements conform to individual facial contours while maintaining overall structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between stability and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of manufacture

If a fixed seal-forming structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different patient faces and reduced compliance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different patient faces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The seal-forming structure incorporates movable and adjustable components that can adapt to different patient facial geometries. The structure can change its configuration rather than being fixed, enabling it to seal effectively against varied face shapes while remaining manufacturable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The seal-forming structure is divided into multiple adjustable segments or zones that can be independently positioned or configured. This segmentation allows the structure to adapt to different patient faces while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If high pressure is applied to maintain therapeutic seal, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but patient comfort and device wearability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic effectivenessVSAvoidpatient comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Flexible seal elements and cushioning structures are used to distribute therapeutic pressure across a larger area of the patient's face. This flexibility allows the seal to conform to facial contours while reducing localized pressure points, improving both therapeutic effectiveness and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates adjustable pressure mechanisms that can modify the force applied to the seal-forming structure. This allows optimization of therapeutic pressure to maintain effectiveness while reducing excessive pressure that would cause discomfort or skin damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If complex positioning mechanisms are added to improve fit, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and ease of use deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning mechanism utilizes gravity and elastic forces to enable automatic adjustment and self-positioning. Rather than complex mechanical controls, the system employs dynamic elements that self-regulate based on patient position and weight, reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates self-adjusting features that automatically adapt to patient characteristics without requiring manual intervention. The positioning mechanism self-regulates through elastic components and gravity, eliminating the need for complex user-controlled mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12357783B2Patient interface with movable frame

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 RESMED PTY LTD

AI summary

A patient interface may include a plenum chamber pressurisable to a therapeutic pressure; a seal-forming structure constructed and arranged to form a seal with a region of the patient's face; a positioning and stabilising structure to provide an elastic force to hold the seal-forming structure on the patient's head, the positioning and stabilising structure may include a tie; a vent structure; a decoupling structure configured to provide a fluid connection between the plenum chamber and an air circuit for the flow of air at the therapeutic pressure for breathing by the patient; and a frame having at least one tie attachment structure to receive the tie, wherein the frame is configured to be resiliently movable in any direction having at least one of a component parallel to the patient's sagittal plane, a component parallel to the patient's coronal plane, a component parallel to the patient's Frankfort horizontal plane.