Pliable Patient Interface Valve for Compact Fail-Safe Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient interface devices for sleep apnea treatment, such as CPAP masks, face challenges with entrainment valves that occupy space, are aesthetically unpleasing, and can malfunction due to incorrect operation, compromising patient comfort and safety, especially in case of system failures.
Innovation Solution
The use of pliable materials for valve arrangements that include a first member with apertures and a second movable member, allowing fluid passage or blockage based on pressure changes, eliminating the need for traditional hinge structures and enhancing comfort and aesthetics by allowing ambient air inhalation during system failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional entrainment valves with hinge structures are used in patient interface devices, then the valve function is achieved, but the device occupies space, has poor aesthetics, and can malfunction due to incorrect operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional hinge structure from the entrainment valve, extracting the problematic mechanical component that caused malfunction and complexity. The valve member is directly mounted to the mask body without hinges, eliminating the source of operational errors and mechanical failure points.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is segmented into distinct components: a valve member with aperture, a mounting structure with valve opening, and a fluid passage system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall structure by removing unnecessary mechanical linkages.
2Reliability
If traditional entrainment valves are used in patient interface devices, then the valve function is achieved, but the footprint is increased and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mounting structure is merged with the mask body, integrating the valve assembly into the existing mask structure. The mounting structure serves dual purposes: providing structural support for the valve while also functioning as part of the mask housing, thereby reducing the overall footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member is nested within the mounting structure, with the valve opening positioned within the mask body. This nested arrangement allows the valve components to be compactly arranged within the existing mask volume, minimizing the external footprint and improving aesthetics.
3Ease of operation
If pliable materials are used for valve members, then comfort and aesthetics are improved, but the material selection and manufacturing become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies pliable materials with appropriate mechanical properties for the valve member, changing the material parameter from rigid to flexible. This allows the valve to conform to the mask surface and provide comfort while maintaining functional performance. The material selection balances comfort requirements with manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly uses composite construction combining pliable valve members with rigid mounting structures. This composite approach allows each material to be optimized for its specific function: the pliable material provides comfort and sealing, while the rigid mounting structure provides structural support and ease of manufacturing.
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 solution provides improved comfort, reduced footprint, and enhanced safety by allowing ambient air inhalation during system failures, while maintaining the mask's compactness for travel, thus addressing the limitations of conventional entrainment valves in patient interface devices.
Implementation Method 1
The second member is movable from: a first position in which the second member is sealingly engaged about a periphery of the at least one aperture thus is structured to prevent passage of a fluid through the aperture, and a second position in which at least a portion of the second member is spaced from the periphery of the aperture such that the second member is structured to allow a fluid to pass through the aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A valve arrangement includes a first member formed from a pliable material, the first member having at least one aperture defined therethrough. The valve arrangement also includes a second member coupled to the first member, the second member formed from another pliable material. The second member is movable from: a first position in which the second member is sealingly engaged about a periphery of the at least one aperture, thus preventing passage of a fluid through the aperture, and a second position in which at least a portion of the second member is spaced from the periphery of the aperture such that the fluid is able to pass through the aperture.