Respiratory Mask Diffuser Structure for Quiet Vent Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing respiratory therapy systems face challenges in minimizing noise and air drafts from patient interface vents while maintaining effective carbon dioxide removal, and issues arise from diffuser material wear leading to fiber detachment and obstruction of vent holes.

Innovation Solution

A mask assembly with a diffuser material featuring localized joint regions where fibers are bonded or interlocked, strategically positioned to avoid airflow paths and maintain diffuser integrity, combined with an auxiliary vent passage for backup gas flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the patient interface size is reduced to make it less invasive, then patient comfort and invasiveness are improved, but the spacing between vent holes must be decreased which increases noise and air drafts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepatient comfortVSAvoidnoise and air drafts
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the vent holes into multiple groups (first group and second group) with different orientations. The first group of vent holes is oriented at a first angle relative to the patient interface, while the second group is oriented at a second angle. This segmentation allows each group to handle airflow independently, reducing the harmful effects of air drafts and noise while maintaining effective CO2 removal, thus resolving the contradiction between compact size and noise reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different orientations and angles to different groups of vent holes based on their local functional requirements. By orienting the first group at a first angle and the second group at a second angle, each local region of the vent structure is optimized for its specific airflow pattern, allowing the overall system to reduce noise and air drafts while maintaining compact dimensions for patient comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If multiple vent holes are provided for effective carbon dioxide removal, then CO2 removal efficiency is improved, but the complexity of the vent structure and potential for fiber obstruction increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbon dioxide removal efficiencyVSAvoidvent structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vent holes are segmented into multiple groups with different orientations, which organizes the complex structure into manageable functional units. This segmentation maintains high CO2 removal efficiency through multiple openings while reducing structural complexity by creating a systematic arrangement that is easier to manufacture and maintain, and less prone to fiber obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces angular orientation as an additional dimension for organizing vent holes. Instead of simply increasing the number of holes in a single plane, the vent holes are distributed across different angles and orientations, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space. This dimensional approach allows for efficient CO2 removal through multiple pathways while maintaining a compact and organized structure that reduces complexity and minimizes the risk of fiber obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 effectively reduces noise and air drafts while ensuring consistent carbon dioxide removal, preventing fiber detachment and maintaining vent functionality, thus enhancing patient safety and comfort.

Implementation Method 1

a diffuser, associated with such a vent, comprising diffuser material having the characteristic of diffusing the vent flow through the bias vent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS20260034327A1Diffuser for a component of a respiratory therapy system
Publication Date: 2026.02.05 FISHER & PAYKEL HEALTHCARE LTD
  • US20260034327A1 patent drawing
  • US20260034327A1 patent drawing
  • US20260034327A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A mask assembly for respiratory therapy, which includes a vent for exhausting gas flow from an interior of the mask assembly. The vent includes at least one vent hole and a diffuser material defining a diffusing area sufficient to cover the vent hole and having a periphery. A region of the diffusing area of the diffuser material includes a localised joint region in which multiple fibres of the diffuser material are bonded or interlocked together. The location of the localised joint region is offset from the vent hole. In further embodiments, the shape of the diffusing material matches the shape of a vent hole array, or has other properties related to the vent hole array or the shape or other features of the vent.