Nasal Mask with Deformable Cushion and Adjustable Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nasal masks lack versatility and comfort due to inadequate fit for varying nasal contours and fixed frame designs, leading to discomfort and poor universality across different age groups.
Innovation Solution
A nasal mask design featuring a shell with protruding latching and concaved fastening portions, a cushion with a deformable buffer structure to adapt to nasal bridge heights, and a removably sleeved frame that suspends on the forehead, allowing for adjustable fit and reduced pressure on the nasal bridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed frame design is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the adaptability to different nasal contours is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is designed to be adjustable and removable, allowing it to adapt to different nasal bridge heights and contours. The frame can be positioned at different heights and angles to accommodate varying patient anatomies, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, adaptable component.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into separate adjustable components that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows each part of the frame to be optimized for different nasal contours and provides flexibility in fitting various patient types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single cushion design is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the comfort for different age groups is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion incorporates different density regions with varying softness levels. The higher density region provides support for the nasal bridge area, while the lower density region provides comfort for the nasal wing area. This local differentiation allows a single cushion design to accommodate both low and high nasal bridges across different age groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion uses composite materials with different densities integrated into a single structure. This combination of materials with varying properties enables the cushion to simultaneously provide support and comfort for diverse nasal contours without requiring multiple cushion designs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the frame is fixed to the shell, then the structural stability is improved, but the adjustability for different patients is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frame connection system allows dynamic adjustment during fitting, enabling the frame to be positioned at different heights and angles. Once positioned, the connection provides stable fixation. This dynamic adjustability during application resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame and shell are designed with universal connection features that work together to provide both adjustability and stability. The same connection mechanism accommodates various frame positions while maintaining secure attachment, serving multiple functions within a single design.
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 design enhances comfort and universality by accommodating different nasal contours, reducing pressure on the nasal bridge, and preventing red imprints, while maintaining air tightness and allowing for multiple frame configurations to meet individual needs.
Implementation Method 1
the inwardly concave surface is deformable to adjust the distance between the first buffer portion and the second buffer portion
Implementation Method 2
the cushion is adhered to the skin in the contact area to form air tightness by the action of the headgear and the pressure difference between inside and outside of the nasal mask
Data Source
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AI summary
A nasal mask (100, 100'), comprising a connector (10), a bent tube (20), a casing (30), a flexible mask casing (50), a support (60, 80) and a strap (70, 90). The bent tube (20) is connected to the connector (10), the casing (30) is connected to the bent tube (20), a plurality of protruding clamping positions (3311, 3313, 3333) and recessed fastening positions (3331) are arranged at intervals on the casing (30), at least a portion of the clamping positions (3311, 3313, 3333) and the fastening positions (3331) form at least two matching structures, the flexible mask casing (50) is arranged at the end of the casing (30) away from the bent tube (20), a cushioning structure (58) is arranged on the flexible mask casing (50), the support (60, 80) is detachably sleeved on the casing (30) and comprises a combining portion (61, 81) and a connecting portion (63) extending outwards from the combining portion (61, 81), the combining portion (61, 81) is provided with a combining hole (611, 811), and the combining portion (61, 81) of the support (60, 80) may be matched with at least one of the at least two matching structures of the casing (30) by sleeving the combining hole (611, 811) on the casing (30).