Patient Interface Elbow Assembly with Reliable Anti-Asphyxia Valve Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory masks face issues with unreliable AA valves, noise from bias-flow venting systems, discomfort due to headgear pressure on the nose bridge, and difficulty in cleaning, leading to reduced user compliance and hygiene concerns.
Innovation Solution
The elbow assembly features a valve flap with an elongate bead that ensures reliable opening and closing, a bias-flow venting system that diffuses exhausted air while reducing noise and improving ease of cleaning, and a headgear made from 3D spacer fabric for enhanced comfort and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the headgear is tightened to reduce leakage, then the sealing function is improved, but the pressure on the bridge of the nose increases causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear applies different pressure characteristics to different regions: the seal area maintains high pressure for leakage prevention, while the nose bridge area is designed to distribute pressure more evenly. The cushioning material and geometric design of the headgear create localized pressure zones that seal effectively without concentrating force on the nose bridge, resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and comfort.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional materials are used for headgear, then manufacturing is simpler, but drying time after washing is long impacting patient compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear material parameters are changed by selecting synthetic fabrics with lower moisture absorption coefficients and faster evaporation rates. The material composition is modified to include hydrophobic properties that reduce water retention, enabling rapid drying within 24 hours while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard textile processing techniques.
3Reliability
If bias-flow venting systems are used to flush exhaled CO2, then rebreathing is reduced, but noise and drafts increase reducing user compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The venting system creates localized exhaust zones at specific locations on the mask, directing airflow away from the user's face and reducing audible noise. The geometry of the vent openings and adjacent structures is optimized to concentrate the exhaust flow in controlled directions, maintaining CO2 flushing effectiveness while minimizing drafts and noise that would reduce user compliance.
4Reliability
If bias-flow venting systems are used, then CO2 flushing is improved, but the mask bulk increases reducing comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The venting channels are nested within the existing mask structure, utilizing internal cavities and contours of the mask body to route exhaust airflow. The CO2 flushing function is integrated into the mask's structural framework rather than adding external components, maintaining compact dimensions and comfort while achieving effective venting.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface for positive pressure therapy includes a mask assembly, a headgear assembly and a connection port assembly. The headgear assembly includes a component formed from two layers of 3D fabric folded. The mask assembly comprises a seal member that has an upper portion movably connected to an integrated lower portion, wherein the upper portion rolls during hinging movement of the upper portion relative to the lower portion. The headgear assembly allows connection to the mask assembly in a direction substantially normal to a direction of strap tension. The connection port assembly includes a swivel elbow with a valve member that controls flow through a port that opens toward the user. The valve member is provided with a tapered bead that helps prevent the valve member from sticking in a given position. Also, a connector for connecting a respiratory tube to an elbow connector.