Nasal Mask Seal Rolling Hinge for Lower Bridge Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Full face masks exert excessive pressure on the bridge of the nose, leading to discomfort and potential pressure sores due to the tightening of headgear, which applies increasing load on the nasal bridge.
Innovation Solution
A mask assembly with a mask seal comprising a cup-shaped mask seal clip and a flexible upper portion that can roll, allowing pivoting relative to the mask seal clip, and a mask base with pockets for securing headgear straps, reducing pressure on the nasal bridge while maintaining a secure seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the headgear is tightened to reduce leakage, then the sealing performance is improved, but the pressure on the bridge of the nose increases causing discomfort and pressure sores
Solution Approach 1:
The mask seal is divided into multiple functional zones: a rigid mask seal clip for structural support and attachment, a flexible lower portion for sealing against the face, and a deformable upper portion for pivoting and rolling motion. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function while collectively reducing nasal bridge pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask seal incorporates dynamic elements including a deformable upper portion that can pivot relative to the mask seal clip, and a rolling hinge mechanism that allows the mask seal to roll and adapt to facial movements. This dynamic design maintains sealing effectiveness while accommodating facial anatomy changes during breathing and movement.
2Device complexity
If a single seal circumscribes the nose and mouth, then the mask structure is simplified, but the pressure concentration on the nasal bridge increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the mask seal have different mechanical properties: the mask seal clip is rigid for structural integrity, the lower portion is flexible for face sealing, and the upper portion is deformable for pivoting motion. This local differentiation of material properties allows the seal to distribute pressure appropriately while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the mask seal is made rigid to maintain shape, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to adapt to facial contours and reduce pressure is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mask seal transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with controlled degrees of freedom. The deformable upper portion can pivot and roll, allowing the mask seal to adapt to facial contours and movements while the rigid mask seal clip maintains overall structural stability and attachment integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask seal uses flexible material portions that can deform and conform to the facial surface. The flexible lower portion and deformable upper portion are made from elastomeric materials that provide both compliance for adaptation and sufficient strength for sealing, eliminating the need for completely rigid construction.
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 solution provides a comfortable and secure seal by distributing pressure more evenly, reducing discomfort and the risk of pressure sores, while maintaining effective respiratory gas delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The mask seal upper portion comprises a region of reduced stiffness located between two regions of increased stiffness. The region of reduced stiffness is capable of rolling to allow pivoting of the mask seal upper portion relative to the mask seal clip.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface for positive pressure therapy includes a mask assembly. The mask assembly comprises a mask seal that is adapted to underlie the nose. The mask seal extends up the lateral sides of the nose. The mask seal has a primary seal below the nose and a secondary seal alongside the nose. The mask seal comprises a rolling hinge that permits one portion of the mask seal to deform relative to another portion of the mask seal. In one configuration, the portion of the mask seal that underlies the nose is configured to deform relative to a lower portion of the mask seal.