Patient Interface Device with Limited Facial Support Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient interface devices for non-invasive ventilation and pressure support therapies often suffer from discomfort and gas leaks due to inadequate support and seal around the periphery, particularly in masks with bubble cushions, which can be dislodged easily and cause claustrophobia, especially when wearing glasses.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface device with a support member and sealing assembly that contacts the user at specific muscle junctions, such as the orbicularis oris, zygomaticus, and risorius muscles, providing a stable and adjustable fit without extensive facial coverage, using nasal prongs or a single cushion to minimize material on the face and prevent gas leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mask cushion is compressed against the patient's face to maintain a seal, then gas leaks are reduced, but comfort is compromised and the bubble effect is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into distinct functional zones: a sealing assembly with cushion for gas-tight seal, and separate supporting structures (support member, contacting members) for stabilization. This segmentation allows the cushion to provide sealing without requiring excessive compression that would compromise comfort or bubble effect.
Solution Approach 2:
Contacting members act as intermediaries between the headgear straps and the patient's face. These members distribute the stabilizing force from the headgear to specific facial regions, reducing the need for direct compression of the bubble cushion while maintaining both seal integrity and comfort.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the headgear strap force is increased to improve mask stability, then the mask is less likely to be dislodged, but the bubble cushion effect is diminished and comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization function is separated from the sealing function. Contacting members and support structures handle the mechanical stability provided by headgear straps, while the bubble cushion focuses on sealing. This allows high strap force without compromising cushion comfort or bubble effect.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mask are optimized for different functions: the bubble cushion area provides comfort and sealing, while the contacting members and support structures provide stability. This local differentiation allows each component to perform its function optimally without interference from other functions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a relatively large mask structure is provided to enhance stability, then the mask is less likely to be dislodged, but the amount of material supported on the patient's face and head increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mask structure is segmented into minimal necessary components: support member, sealing assembly, and contacting members. Each component is sized only for its specific function, eliminating excess material while maintaining stability through strategic placement of supporting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Material and structural support are concentrated only where needed for stability (at the contacting member locations on the face), rather than distributing material across the entire face. This localized approach provides stability with minimal material quantity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If structural features are provided near the patient's eyes to enhance stability, then the mask is more stable, but the patient experiences claustrophobia and gas may leak into the eyes
Solution Approach 1:
The mask structure is segmented to exclude the ocular region from structural features. The sealing assembly and contacting members are positioned to provide stability without extending into the eye area, thereby preventing gas leakage to the eyes while maintaining stability through alternative support locations.
Data Source
AI summary
A patient interface device includes a support member, a sealing assembly attached to the support member, and a pair of contacting members. The contacting members are coupled to the support member on each side of the sealing assembly. The contacting members are each configured and arranged to contact the user over a limited contacting region, which corresponds to a junction of the orbicularis oris facial muscle, the zygomaticus facial muscle, and the risorius facial muscle.