Spring-Loaded Forehead Support for Precise Patient Interface Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current patient interface forehead supports are complex and difficult to adjust, leading to discomfort and potential leaks due to inadequate fitting and pressure distribution, which complicates their use for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a head harness with a support body and spring element that allows for precise and simple positioning of the patient interface, utilizing a spring element with varying characteristics to distribute force evenly and adapt to the user's forehead, enabling stepless adjustment and secure latching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complicated adjusting devices are used to ensure secure positioning of the patient interface, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element automatically adjusts the forehead support to the correct position based on the tightening force of the head harness, eliminating the need for manual adjustment by the user. The device serves itself by using the harness tension to compress the spring and position the support body, making the adjustment process intuitive and automatic.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element's compression varies according to the tightening force applied by the head harness, dynamically changing the position of the forehead support. This parameter-based adjustment allows the device to adapt to different users and conditions without complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If forehead supports with complicated adjusting devices are used to ensure secure positioning, then positioning precision is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic adjustment mechanism eliminates the need for users to spend time manually adjusting the forehead support position. The spring element self-adjusts based on harness tension, and the memory function automatically recalls the latching position after cleaning, significantly reducing adjustment time.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is pre-configured to provide automatic adjustment, and the system remembers the latching position for quick reassembly after cleaning. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for time-consuming adjustments each time the device is assembled.
3Device complexity
If conventional forehead supports are used that require manual adjustment, then device complexity is reduced, but wearing comfort deteriorates due to inadequate fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element's compression varies continuously with the harness tightening force, allowing the forehead support to adapt to different head shapes and sizes. This parameter-based adjustment ensures optimal fitting and pressure distribution for each user, significantly improving wearing comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The forehead support position is dynamically adjusted based on the tightening force of the head harness rather than being fixed. This dynamic adaptation allows the device to maintain optimal positioning and comfort as the user's head position or shape varies.
4Device complexity
If forehead supports are not properly adjusted, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element automatically positions the forehead support to ensure proper sealing, eliminating the need for manual adjustment to achieve reliable sealing. The automatic positioning ensures consistent, leak-free performance without requiring user intervention or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element responds to the tightening force of the head harness, using this feedback to automatically adjust the forehead support position to the optimal sealing position. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable sealing by adapting to the actual forces applied during wear.
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 and secure positioning of the patient interface by distributing force evenly and adapting to the user's forehead, ensuring a precise fit and minimizing pressure points, even during changes in position, thus enhancing wearing comfort and reducing leaks.
Implementation Method 1
The tightening force of the head harness is transmitted onto the spring element by the harness receiving element such that the spring element is compressed
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a supporting device for a patient interface on the forehead of the patient. The supporting device has an adjustment by means of a self-acting, incorporated spring element and, depending on the tightening force of the harness, the forehead pad presses onto the forehead of the user as a result of the spring force and thus provides the patient interface at a spacing which is suitable for the patient and provides optimum, fault-free adaptation.