Heat Moldable Nose Mask with Flanking Flaps for Stable Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional respiratory masks for delivering treatments like air for sleep apnea or liquid nutrition are uncomfortable, prone to dislodging, and cause pressure marks due to concentrated pressure points, making them unsuitable for long-term use, especially at night.
Innovation Solution
A wearable medical support featuring a heat moldable thermoplastic nose mask with flanking flaps that extend across the cheekbones, providing stability and comfort by distributing pressure, and a removable device for easy cleaning and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional respiratory masks with triangular facial components are used to seal against the skin, then the mask can deliver treatment effectively, but concentrated pressure is applied to the skin causing pressure marks and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is designed with different structural zones: a triangular sealing component for effective sealing, flanking flaps extending to cheekbones for stability, and a forehead component for additional support. Each zone serves a specific function with appropriate pressure distribution characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask is divided into separate functional segments: a triangular facial component for sealing, flanking flaps for lateral stability, and a forehead component for superior anchoring. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function while distributing pressure across larger areas.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional respiratory masks are worn for limited periods to avoid pressure marks, then skin comfort is maintained, but the duration of treatment delivery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mask segments pressure distribution across multiple contact zones (forehead, cheekbones, nose bridge) rather than concentrating it on one area, enabling comfortable wear throughout the night.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask extends into the third dimension by adding flanking flaps that wrap around the cheekbones and a forehead component, creating a three-point stabilization system that prevents dislodging during sleep movements.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional masks are designed to cover a large surface of the face for stability, then the mask is less prone to dislodging, but the wearer experiences reduced comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The mask uses a segmented design with a forehead component, flanking flaps, and triangular sealing component, each serving specific stabilization functions while minimizing overall face coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The flanking flaps are pre-positioned to extend across the cheekbones before the mask is secured, creating preliminary anchor points that prevent lateral dislodging without requiring excessive face coverage.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the mask is made from heat moldable thermoplastic material for custom fitting, then the mask conforms to unique facial features improving comfort, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mask utilizes heat moldable thermoplastic material that transitions from a rigid state during manufacturing to a soft, conformable state when heated, allowing custom fitting to individual facial features through simple heating and molding processes.
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 enhances comfort and stability, allowing for prolonged use without pressure marks or dislodging, while maintaining hygiene and reducing the need for frequent replacement of the entire mask.
Implementation Method 1
a sheet of heat moldable thermoplastic material for molding a mask directly on a subject's nose via thermoforming
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a wearable medical support for delivery of a treatment to the nose of a subject comprising: a nose mask formed from a heat moldable sheet of thermoplastic material, said nose mask comprises an aperture dimensioned to fit the nose of the subject, said aperture is flanked by two flaps whereby each flap is configured to be in contact with at least part of a lateral side of the nose; and a device configured to close fit said aperture, said device is provided at one end with an opening for receiving the nose and at the other end with at least one coupling suitable to be connected to one or more tubes for delivery of the treatment to the nose. The present invention further provides a sheet of heat moldable thermoplastic material for molding a mask directly on a subject's nose.