Patient Interface Arm Connector for Secure, Comfortable Mask Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory therapies for conditions like Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) face challenges due to uncomfortable, difficult-to-use, and aesthetically unappealing masks that lead to reduced patient compliance, along with noisy and bulky respiratory pressure therapy devices and inadequate data management systems.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface with a plenum chamber, seal-forming structure, and positioning and stabilising structure that includes a rigidized arm and strap system to maintain a secure fit, combined with a conduit headgear for easy use and comfort, and a system for efficient data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mask is used for respiratory therapy, then therapy delivery is effective, but patient compliance decreases due to discomfort and difficulty of use
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into separate modular components including a cushion, frame, and headgear that can be independently adjusted and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while improving overall comfort and ease of use, directly addressing the compliance issue without compromising therapy effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including quick-release buckles and adjustable straps that allow patients to easily modify the fit during use. This dynamic adaptability enables the mask to maintain effectiveness while significantly improving ease of operation and patient compliance
2Reliability
If a secure fit is provided to maintain therapy effectiveness, then therapy delivery is effective, but comfort decreases due to restrictive positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning and stabilizing structure incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the secure fit to be customized and modified by the patient. This enables the mask to maintain therapeutic effectiveness while adapting to patient comfort needs, resolving the contradiction between secure positioning and comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear allows adjustment of multiple parameters including strap tension, headgear angle, and cushion position. These parameter changes enable the system to maintain the secure fit necessary for therapy effectiveness while optimizing comfort by allowing patients to adjust to their specific anatomical and comfort requirements
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
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AI summary
A patient interface comprising a plenum chamber pressurisable to a therapeutic pressure, a seal-forming structure constructed and arranged to maintain said therapeutic pressure in the plenum chamber, a positioning and stabilising structure to provide a force to hold a seal-forming structure in a therapeutically effective position on a patient's head. The positioning and stabilising structure comprising at least one arm configured to be positioned adjacent to a cheek of the patient, and a strap removably received around the arm and configured to contact a posterior region of the patient's head. The strap comprising a first coupling having a mechanical connector that is configured to engage the arm and limit movement of the arm into and out of the cavity, a second coupling spaced apart from an outer surface of the first coupling, and a sleeve being folded over the second coupling and positioned between the first and second couplings.