Patient Interface Color-Changing Indicator for Wear Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing patient interfaces, such as masks for CPAP systems, lack reliable indicators for determining when components need replacement due to material degradation and functionality loss, relying on external factors that do not accurately reflect the remaining lifespan.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating functional materials with embedded indicators, such as color-changing agents, that correlate with the material's functionality, allowing users to assess the condition and remaining lifespan of the interface through color comparison with a wheel or diagram, providing both qualitative and quantitative feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If patient interface components are used for long-term usage, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to material degradation and functionality loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous usage durationVSAvoidmaterial functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates indicators into the patient interface components during manufacturing, before the components are put into use. These indicators are pre-positioned to track material degradation and functionality loss throughout the component's service life, enabling proactive replacement before reliability deteriorates to unacceptable levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where indicators (such as color-changing materials or sensors) continuously monitor the condition of patient interface components and provide visual or electronic feedback to users. This feedback system tracks material degradation and functionality loss, alerting users when components need replacement to maintain reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If external factors are used to determine replacement timing, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereplacement indication systemVSAvoidremaining lifespan assessment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs color-changing indicators embedded within patient interface components that visually reflect material degradation and functionality loss. These indicators undergo specific color transitions based on the degree of material deterioration, providing a simple yet precise visual measurement of remaining component lifespan without requiring complex electronic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

3Reliability

If functional materials with embedded indicators are incorporated, then reliability is improved through accurate lifespan indication, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereplacement timing accuracyVSAvoidcomponent structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functional materials with the indicator materials into a single integrated component structure. The indicators are embedded within or combined with the patient interface materials themselves, eliminating the need for separate indicator devices or complex monitoring systems. This integration maintains reliability while minimizing additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables accurate and timely identification of when patient interface components require replacement, ensuring continued effectiveness and hygiene by correlating indicator concentration with material functionality, addressing the limitations of existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

at least one indicator, wherein concentration of the at least one indicator in the member correlates with the predefined functionality of the at least one functional material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectColor change indication: Thermochromism

Data Source

PatentUS10751495B2Patient interface

Publication Date: 2020.08.25 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

The present invention relates to patient interfaces optically indicating a user that a member of the patient interface needs to be replaced due to wear. In particular, the present invention relates to a member for patient interface which includes at least one functional material having a predefined functionality and at least one indicator wherein the concentration of the at least one indicator in the member correlates with the predefined functionality of the at least one functional material.