Nasal Gas Interface With Inflatable Seal for Facial Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas delivery interfaces for nasal passages, such as nasal masks and pillows, often struggle with comfort and effective sealing, especially under conditions of patient movement, which is a critical issue for individuals with sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable envelope with supple walls and nasal locators that form a seal against the face, including a frame with integral connectors and straps for stabilization, allowing the envelope to conform to facial movements and maintain a seal despite displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid mask frame is used to maintain seal position, then sealing reliability is improved, but comfort and adaptability to facial movements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible cushion member that can deform and conform to facial contours and movements. This cushion acts as a flexible interface between the rigid frame and the patient's face, allowing the seal to adapt to facial movements while maintaining sealing reliability through continuous contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion member is designed to be dynamically responsive to facial movements, allowing real-time adaptation of the seal position and pressure. This dynamic flexibility enables the interface to maintain effective sealing despite changes in facial geometry during sleep.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a supple envelope is used to conform to facial movements, then adaptability is improved, but structural stability and seal maintenance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into distinct functional components: a rigid frame providing structural stability and positioning, and a separate flexible cushion member providing conformity to facial contours. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid frame and flexible cushion are merged into an integrated assembly where the cushion is attached to or receives support from the frame. This combination creates a hybrid structure that exhibits both the stability of rigid components and the adaptability of flexible materials.
3Ease of operation
If the interface structure is simplified for ease of use, then ease of operation is improved, but sealing effectiveness and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion member is pre-formed with a shape and compliance characteristics that facilitate easy placement onto the face. The preliminary configuration of the cushion allows it to automatically conform to facial contours upon application, reducing the complexity of donning while ensuring effective sealing.
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 provides a comfortable and effective seal that maintains contact with the face during movement, ensuring consistent gas delivery by conforming to facial contours and accommodating displacement through supple materials and internal pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the envelope, bag or balloon inflating under internal pressure from a pressurised gases supply
Implementation Method 2
An inflatable envelope with supple walls... conform to facial movements and maintain a seal despite displacement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
The present invention relates to an interface for providing a supply of pressurised gas to a user, the interface comprising a seal body, a frame, and a strap, wherein: the seal body comprises a supple envelope and comprises a sidewall, a seal surface and an inlet opening, wherein either or both of the sidewall and the seal surface are configured to, in use, press against surfaces of the user's face to form a seal that conforms around the user's nose, the seal body is supported by the frame, and the inlet opening is fitted to the frame or directly to a conduit extending through the frame, the frame is formed by injection moulding from an elastomeric material such as silicone or polyurethane, and the frame comprises connection points for connecting the strap to the frame, wherein, in use, the strap extends around the back of the user's head and provides pressure on the frame and helps seal the seal body to the user's face.