Nested Gas Mask Shell for Escaped Gas Capture and Low Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas masks for administering nitrous oxide and oxygen to patients suffer from inefficiencies in capturing escaping gas, leading to turbulence, high flow rates, noise, and complexity, which affect the administration process.
Innovation Solution
A mask apparatus comprising a shell with defined openings and a coupler for connecting to a gas source, where the shell houses a mask member and captures escaping gas, providing pressure relief and reducing turbulence through strategically placed openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional masks are used to administer gas to patients, then gas can be delivered to the patient, but gas escaping from the mask is not captured efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested mask structure where an inner mask fits over the patient's nose and mouth, and an outer mask surrounds the inner mask. The outer mask captures gas that escapes from the inner mask, creating a nested configuration where one mask is placed inside another to improve gas containment efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a capturing mask as an intermediary component between the gas source and the patient's face. This intermediate mask intercepts and captures escaping gas before it can disperse into the environment, thereby improving overall gas administration efficiency.
2Productivity
If high flow rates are used to evacuate captured gas in the shell, then gas can be removed effectively, but noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the flow rate parameter by introducing a flow regulator or control mechanism that maintains optimal gas flow through the shell. This allows effective gas evacuation while preventing excessive flow rates that would generate noise, thus balancing productivity with noise reduction.
3Reliability
If conventional mask structures are used, then gas administration can be performed, but the mask structure is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mask system into distinct functional segments: an inner mask for direct gas delivery, an outer mask for capturing escaping gas, and a shell for housing components. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell is designed as a multi-functional component that houses the mask members, provides structural support, and facilitates gas flow control. By making the shell universal and multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying the overall mask structure.
4Productivity
If gas flow is increased to ensure adequate administration, then gas can be delivered to the patient, but turbulence increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flow regulator or control mechanism that replaces uncontrolled mechanical gas flow with a regulated system. This substitution allows gas to be delivered at adequate rates while maintaining stable, laminar flow patterns that minimize turbulence and improve delivery efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for administering gas to a patient, wherein the apparatus comprises a mask connectable to a coupler connectable to a gas source. The mask comprises a shell. The shell forms a first opening for receiving at least a portion of a mask member configured to fit over the nose and mouth of the patient for the administration of gas to the patient. The mask member is connectable to the coupler for providing gas to the mask member from the coupler. The shell is configured to house at least a portion of the mask member. The shell is configured to capture gas escaping from the mask member. The shell comprises one or more walls defining the first opening. The wall forms one or more second openings.