Patient Interface Storage Shell With Attachment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current non-invasive ventilation therapies face challenges in controlled storage and transportation of patient interface devices, leading to contamination risks and wasteful packaging practices.

Innovation Solution

A storage system comprising a patient interface device and a storage shell with a secure attachment mechanism, allowing the device to be safely stored and transported while minimizing contamination and preventing damage, using a shell designed to fit the mask component and attach to a gas delivery device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the patient interface device is placed on a bedside table or hung from nearby equipment for storage, then the device is easily accessible, but the risk of contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of patient interface deviceVSAvoidContamination risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The storage shell is designed to nest over the patient interface device mask, creating a protective enclosure that contains the device while maintaining portability. The shell encapsulates the mask component, protecting it from environmental contamination while allowing easy access when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage shell is constructed from flexible yet protective material that can conform to the shape of the patient interface device while providing a barrier against contamination. The shell acts as a protective film or enclosure that prevents harmful environmental factors from reaching the mask.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If the packaging cover is removed and discarded after shipping, then the device is ready for use, but material waste occurs and clinician convenience is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveClinician convenienceVSAvoidPackaging material waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of discarding the packaging material after shipping, the design recovers and repurposes it as a functional storage shell. The original protective packaging is transformed into an reusable storage component that provides ongoing protection and portability benefits throughout the device's service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The packaging shell serves multiple functions: it protects the device during shipping, provides a clean storage enclosure during use, and offers portability when attached to the gas delivery device. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate packaging and storage solutions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the patient interface device is left hanging from the ventilation hose, then storage is simple, but contamination of the mask portion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveStorage system complexityVSAvoidMask contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mask nests within the storage shell, creating a protective enclosure that prevents contact with contaminated environments. This nested configuration maintains simplicity while effectively isolating the mask from harmful factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2608831B1Patient interface device storage system
Publication Date: 2017.05.10 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP2608831B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2608831B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2608831B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A patient interface storage system (2) includes a patient interface device (4) structured to deliver a flow of breathing gas to a patient, the patient interface device including a mask, and a storage shell (6) having an outer peripheral wall and a bottom wall which together define a cavity. The cavity is sized and configured to receive and hold at least a portion of the mask. The bottom wall includes a first attachment member structured to be selectively engaged with a second attachment member associated with a gas delivery device in a manner such that the storage shell and the patient interface device are coupled to and held by the second attachment member.