Patient Interface Alignment Markers for Gas Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient interfaces, such as facial masks, face challenges in reassembling correctly after disassembly, leading to misalignment and potential air leaks or pressure issues, which are not intuitive for users, especially children, and lack effective guidance for proper alignment.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface design featuring first and second alignment markers that combine to form a distinct third alignment marker upon correct connection, allowing users to visually verify proper alignment through color mixing or icon formation, enhancing intuitive assembly and reducing misalignment risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple alignment symbols are used on mask parts, then the device complexity is reduced, but the alignment precision and user understanding become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded alignment markers (first color on the frame, second color on the cushion) that visually indicate proper alignment when the colors are properly positioned relative to each other. This provides intuitive visual feedback to users without adding mechanical complexity to the mask assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment markers serve as intermediary visual elements between the frame and cushion components. These markers mediate the alignment process by providing a visual reference system that guides users in correctly positioning components during assembly and reassembly.
2Ease of operation
If alignment guidance is added to mask parts, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Color-coded markers are applied to the frame and cushion components to provide intuitive visual guidance during reassembly. The color system enables users to quickly understand proper alignment without requiring complex mechanical guides or additional structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment guidance system is segmented into separate visual markers on different components (frame and cushion) rather than integrating a complex alignment mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to maintain its simple structure while collectively providing comprehensive alignment information.
3Manufacturing precision
If visual alignment indicators are implemented, then the measurement precision of alignment improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs color-coded visual indicators that can be applied through standard manufacturing processes such as printing or coloring during cushion fabrication. This approach achieves precise alignment indication without requiring complex manufacturing steps or specialized materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment markers are designed as simple visual copies or representations of the desired alignment state rather than physical embodiments of complex alignment mechanisms. This allows for easy reproduction during manufacturing while maintaining high alignment precision.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a patient interface for delivering gas to a user (50), with a first member (22) and a second member (24) that can be releasably connected to each other, wherein the first member (22) comprises a first alignment marker (26) and the second member (24) comprises a second alignment marker (28), wherein the first and the second alignment markers (26, 28) cooperate to create a third alignment marker (30) when the first member (22) and the second member (24) are connected to each other, and wherein the third alignment marker (30) is adapted to indicate proper alignment of the first and second member (22, 24).