Patient Interface Headgear Sliding Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory interfaces often cause discomfort and leakage due to poor fit and asymmetrical loading, especially in acute care settings, and require significant time for effective sealing, which affects patient compliance and treatment efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface with a sliding adjustment mechanism and ergonomic design that accommodates various head sizes and shapes, featuring a soft compliant seal member and support member with displaceable elements for even pressure distribution, reducing leakage and enhancing comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional headgear configurations are used to secure the interface, then the interface can be fixed to the patient's face, but significant discomfort is experienced and the seal becomes temporary due to asymmetric loading when the patient moves
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear incorporates a sliding adjustment mechanism that allows dynamic repositioning of the interface along the headgear strap. This enables the interface to adapt to patient movement and maintain effective sealing without creating asymmetric loading, resolving the contradiction between seal stability and patient comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear system separates the sealing function from the securing function, allowing independent optimization. The interface provides the seal while the headgear with sliding mechanism provides adjustable positioning, enabling both reliable sealing and patient comfort
2Reliability
If considerable pressure is applied to achieve a good seal, then sealing effectiveness improves, but patient discomfort increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding adjustment mechanism allows the interface to move to optimal sealing positions without requiring excessive pressure. This dynamic adjustment capability achieves effective sealing at lower pressure levels, reducing patient discomfort while maintaining seal reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the interface is designed to accommodate various head sizes and shapes, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear with sliding adjustment mechanism serves multiple functions: it secures the interface, allows positioning adjustment, and adapts to various head sizes and shapes. This single universal design achieves versatility without significantly increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding mechanism provides continuous adjustment capability that accommodates different head dimensions. Rather than requiring multiple fixed-size options, the dynamic adjustment allows one design to fit various patients, achieving adaptability without complexity
4Ease of operation
If the interface provides even pressure distribution, then patient comfort and compliance improve, but the sealing effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding adjustment mechanism enables the interface to self-position for optimal sealing while the headgear distributes pressure evenly across the head. This dynamic positioning combined with even pressure distribution achieves both seal integrity and patient compliance
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an interface comprising: a mask, headgear, an adjustment line, a left sliding connection between the adjustment line and a left portion of the mask, a right sliding connection between the adjustment line and a right portion of the mask, the adjustment line forming connections between the left side portion of the headgear and the left portion of the mask and the right side portion of the headgear and the right portion of the mask, and an adjustment mechanism for securing at least a first portion of the adjustment line relative to a second portion of the adjustment line either directly or indirectly with the path of the adjustment line between the first and second portions including the left and right side connections, the adjustment mechanism being configured such that the length of at least part of the path of the adjustment line can be altered.