Nasal Mask Seal Rolling Hinge for Bridge Pressure Relief
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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 clip that includes a cup-shaped configuration with a more rigid upper portion and a flexible region allowing pivoting, a rolling hinge mechanism, and a mask base with pockets for securing headgear straps, reducing pressure concentration on the nasal bridge.
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 two distinct portions: a flexible upper portion that contacts the nasal bridge and a more rigid lower portion that provides structural support. This segmentation allows the flexible upper portion to conform to facial contours and distribute pressure evenly, while the rigid lower portion maintains seal integrity without concentrating excessive force on the nasal bridge.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mask seal are assigned different mechanical properties: the upper portion adjacent to the nasal bridge is made highly flexible to reduce pressure concentration, while the lower portion is made more rigid to maintain overall seal stability. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between achieving reliable sealing and minimizing harmful pressure on specific facial areas.
2Device complexity
If a single seal circumscribes both nose and mouth, then the mask structure is simplified, but the pressure distribution becomes concentrated on the nasal bridge
Solution Approach 1:
The single seal is segmented into an upper nasal portion and a lower oral portion with different stiffness characteristics. The upper flexible portion distributes pressure across a larger area of the nasal bridge, while the lower rigid portion provides structural support. This segmentation maintains the simplicity of a single-seal design while eliminating pressure concentration through differential material properties.
3Reliability
If the mask seal is made more rigid to maintain seal stability, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the comfort on the nasal bridge deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mask seal exhibits local quality variations with a flexible upper portion for nasal contact and a rigid lower portion for structural support. The flexible upper portion ensures comfort by conforming to the nasal bridge contours, while the rigid lower portion maintains seal stability. This spatial differentiation of mechanical properties simultaneously achieves both reliability and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is segmented into regions with different rigidity: the upper segment contacts the nasal bridge with flexible material for comfort, while the lower segment uses rigid material for stability. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
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 fit by distributing pressure more evenly, minimizing discomfort and preventing pressure sores while maintaining a secure seal for positive pressure respiratory therapy.
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 includes 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 includes 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.