Dual-Chamber NIV Mask Cushion for Sealing and CO2 Flush

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current non-invasive ventilation (NIV) treatments cause discomfort and pressure sores due to the firm application of patient interfaces, and they fail to effectively flush carbon dioxide from anatomical dead space.

Innovation Solution

A non-invasive patient interface with a dividing wall and flow directors that separate oral and nasal chambers, allowing controlled gas flow and reducing pressure sores by distributing pressure more evenly and enhancing dead space ventilation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a patient interface is designed to fit tightly over anatomical landmarks to prevent leaks, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but pressure points and patient discomfort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidpressure points
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion is constructed with different regions having different compliance characteristics. High-compliance material is positioned at areas where anatomical landmarks are located to conform to irregular surfaces without creating pressure points, while lower-compliance material is positioned in regions requiring structural support for sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The cushion incorporates viscoelastic material properties that allow it to dynamically adapt to the patient's anatomy. The material exhibits time-dependent deformation characteristics, initially providing a secure seal and then gradually redistributing pressure over time to prevent discomfort and pressure points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the cushion material is made highly compliant to conform to anatomical surfaces, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but structural support and durability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidstructural support
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cushion utilizes a composite structure combining viscoelastic material with embedded reinforcement elements. The viscoelastic base material provides compliance for conforming to anatomical surfaces, while the reinforcement elements (such as ribs or structural layers) provide the necessary structural support and durability to maintain cushion integrity during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If the headgear is designed to apply high forces to stabilize the patient interface, then positioning stability is improved, but patient comfort and skin health worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidskin irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The headgear system is divided into multiple independent adjustment points and force application zones rather than applying force through a single rigid structure. This allows the stabilization force to be distributed across multiple anatomical locations, reducing the force concentration at any single point and thereby minimizing skin irritation while maintaining positioning stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The headgear incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the applied forces to be modified during therapy sessions. The system can adapt force magnitudes and distribution patterns based on patient feedback and observed comfort levels, maintaining stabilization while preventing skin damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4281154B1Patient interface
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 FISHER & PAYKEL HEALTHCARE LTD
  • EP4281154B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4281154B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4281154B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a patient interface for non-invasive ventilation. The patient interface is configured to seal about the mouth and nares of a patient and includes an outer wall defining an interior volume which includes a first chamber having one or more oral openings to communicate gas with the mouth and a second chamber having one or more nare openings to communicate gas with the nares. The patient interface further includes a dividing wall that separates the first chamber from the second chamber. The patient interface further includes one or more flow directors which enable gas to flow into the second chamber from the first chamber or into the first chamber from the second chamber. The one or more flow directors are configured to direct the gas flow through the one or more nare openings.