Open-Bridge Oxygen Mask with Turbulent Diffuser
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oxygen masks and nasal cannulae systems are claustrophobic, inefficient, and limited in oxygen flow rates, causing discomfort and ineffective oxygen delivery, especially for patients requiring higher flow rates, and often result in complications such as nose bleeds and skin sores.
Innovation Solution
A novel oxygen mask design featuring a concave body with a diffuser and baffle system that generates a turbulent oxygen plume, allowing for a wide range of oxygen flow rates, comfortable use, and easy access for eating and speaking, while preventing exhaled air from mixing with inhaled oxygen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional oxygen mask is used to deliver oxygen to the patient, then oxygen can be supplied to the patient, but the mask creates claustrophobia and must be removed for the patient to speak or eat, discontinuing therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The mask body is divided into multiple sections with bridge portions creating an open structure rather than a solid enclosure. This segmentation allows the mask to maintain structural integrity for oxygen delivery while creating openings that reduce claustrophobia and allow patient communication and eating without removal
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of enclosing the patient's face completely as in conventional masks, this invention inverts the approach by creating an open framework structure where the bridge portions form gaps. This inverted design maintains oxygen delivery functionality while eliminating the enclosed feeling that causes claustrophobia
2Reliability
If a conventional oxygen mask is used, then oxygen can be delivered to the patient, but exhaled air from the patient is mixed with oxygen in the mask, creating irregular and inefficient infusion
Solution Approach 1:
The open bridge structure effectively extracts or removes exhaled air from the oxygen delivery path. The gaps in the bridge portions allow exhaled air to escape laterally rather than being trapped and mixed with the oxygen supply, ensuring continuous delivery of fresh oxygen-enriched air to the patient
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge portions act as intermediary structures that facilitate the separation of exhaled air from the oxygen supply path. The open framework creates intermediate spaces where exhaled air can be vented away from the oxygen delivery zones, preventing harmful mixing
3Reliability
If conventional nasal cannulae are used to deliver oxygen, then oxygen can be supplied at low flow rates (0.5 to 4 liters/minute), but the system applies downward pressure on the patient's ears and causes discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is designed to rest on the upper face (forehead and nasal bridge area) rather than hanging from the ears. This dimensional change in support location eliminates the downward pressure on ears caused by ear-hanging cannulae, distributing weight across the forehead and nasal bridge instead
Solution Approach 2:
The open bridge structure copies the supportive function of ear-hanging bands but implements it through a forehead-resting design. The bridge portions provide structural support and positioning without requiring ear contact, eliminating the harmful pressure effects while maintaining proper mask positioning
4Reliability
If nasal cannulae are used for oxygen delivery, then oxygen can be supplied to the patient, but patients often get nose bleeds from the dryness of the oxygen supplied through the nasal cannulae
Solution Approach 1:
The open bridge structure extracts or removes the source of dryness by eliminating the enclosed space that traps dry oxygen against the patient's face. The gaps in the bridge portions allow ambient humid air to mix with the oxygen flow, reducing the drying effect that causes nose bleeds
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge portions serve as intermediary structures that introduce ambient air as a mediator between the dry oxygen supply and the patient's respiratory area. This intermediate layer of ambient air humidifies the oxygen flow, preventing direct contact with dry oxygen that causes nasal irritation and bleeding
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 mask provides efficient and comfortable oxygen delivery across various flow rates, minimizing claustrophobia and complications, with improved oxygen concentration and ease of use for both patients and healthcare professionals.
Implementation Method 1
A baffle positioned within the oxygen flow path within the interior of the tubular diffuser wall disrupts the inflowing gas stream to generate turbulence
Data Source
AI summary
A mask for delivery of oxygen to a patient is disclosed, including a body having a peripheral portion, a central portion, and bridge portions extending between the central portion and the peripheral portion. The central portion has an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface to be oriented towards the patient's face when the mask is in position, the inner surface of the central portion being provided with a wall circumscribing a base. The wall and base circumscribe a centrally positioned oxygen delivery aperture or oxygen diffuser to direct the flow of oxygen generally towards the patient's nose and mouth when the mask is in use. An element associated with the aperture and the central portion releasably receives and secures in position an oxygen delivery tube.