Nasal Pillow Mask Poka-Yoke and Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users, especially elderly individuals, face difficulties in correctly positioning the flexible cushion of nasal pillow masks, leading to improper coupling and resulting in impaired tightness and gas leaks, which negatively impact the efficacy of respiratory treatments.
Innovation Solution
A nasal pillow mask incorporating a poka-yoke coupling system with a finger element and a magnetic connecting system to ensure correct and secure attachment of the flexible cushion to the mask body, preventing upside-down coupling and minimizing leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple coupling system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of correct coupling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system employs asymmetric geometry where the finger element has a specific hook shape that can only engage with the lodging in one orientation. The lodging includes a base and a wall that form an asymmetric receptacle, ensuring the cushion can only be coupled in the correct orientation, thereby preventing upside-down coupling while maintaining simple construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic connection system provides self-aligning and self-latching functionality. The magnetic attraction automatically guides the cushion into the correct position during coupling, and the combined magnetic and mechanical retention system maintains secure attachment without requiring user intervention or complex adjustment mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a secure coupling system is implemented, then the tightness is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with a magnetic field-based connection system. The magnetic attraction provides automatic alignment and guidance during coupling, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning or complex mechanical guides, thereby maintaining ease of operation while ensuring secure tightness.
3Ease of operation
If a magnetic connection system is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic connection system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides attraction force for automatic alignment, guides the cushion into correct orientation during coupling, and maintains secure retention during use. This multi-functionality compensates for variations in magnet positioning precision, as the magnetic field's directional nature ensures correct orientation even with manufacturing tolerances.
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 combination of the poka-yoke and magnetic systems facilitates easy and secure fixation of the cushion, preventing improper assembly and ensuring a gas-tight connection, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of respiratory treatments by reducing leaks and maintaining optimal tightness.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic connecting system for detachably securing the flexible nasal cushion to the mask body
Data Source
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AI summary
A respiratory nasal pillow mask (1) useable for treating respiratory failures or disorders, such as sleep apnea or the like comprising a mask body (10) comprising a central opening (11) and an outer surface (13), and a flexible nasal cushion (20) comprising a pair of hollow nasal prong (21), said nasal cushion (20) being detachably coupled to the mask body (10). The nasal pillow mask further comprises a poka-yoke coupling system (12, 25) and a magnetic connecting system (2, 3) cooperating together for ensuring an efficient coupling of the flexible nasal cushion (20) to the mask body (10). The invention further concerns a respiratory gas delivering assembly comprising a gas source, preferably a CPAP or BPAP device, delivering a pressurized respiratory gas, such as air under pressure, and a respiratory mask (1) according to the invention.