Elastomeric Pediatric Mask with Visual Seal Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inhalation masks for children and infants are suboptimal due to poor fit, high dead space, and agitation issues, leading to ineffective delivery of inhalable medications and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, ergonomically shaped molded elastomeric face mask with a nasal alignment for drug delivery, a contoured mouth section to minimize dead space, and an optional soother device orifice, along with a visual seal indicator for biofeedback, designed to fit various facial sizes and reduce agitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional masks are used for children, then the mask can deliver medication to the child's lungs, but the mask causes agitation and distress in the child
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent window is introduced as an intermediary element in the mask design, allowing parental interaction and visual contact with the child. This mediator reduces child agitation by enabling parental reassurance while maintaining the medication delivery function, thus resolving the contradiction between effective treatment and child comfort
2Productivity
If the mask is designed to fit tightly to prevent leakage, then medication delivery efficiency improves, but the mask becomes more uncomfortable and causes more agitation
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is segmented into distinct functional zones: a contoured sealing section for preventing leakage, a transparent window section for parental interaction, and a soft comfort section for child comfort. This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its function independently, maintaining medication delivery efficiency while reducing agitation through parental visual contact
3Reliability
If the mask covers the entire face to ensure good seal, then medication delivery is effective, but the mask obscures vision and covers the eyes
Solution Approach 1:
The mask design segments the face coverage into a contoured sealing section that ensures effective seal around the nose and mouth, and a transparent window section that maintains visibility. This segmentation allows the mask to maintain reliable medication delivery while preserving visual contact between parent and child, resolving the contradiction between seal quality and visible area
Data Source
AI summary
A breathing mask for use in administering inhalable medications to a patient in need of an inhaled drug is provided. The mask disclosed herein is particularly useful for use with very young children. The mask is made from a flexible molded plastic silicone or elastomeric material, and has an anthropometrically/anatomically/ergonomically contoured shape to provide a good seal, a comfortable fit, and minimal dead space within the mask. The airway is aligned with nose. There may be an orifice for use with a soother device to calm a child using the mask. Also provided is a visual flow indicator to provide an indication of the quality of the seal of the mask on the face.