Patient Interface Positioning Structure for Adjustable Full-Face Mask Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory therapy devices and interfaces suffer from discomfort, poor fit, difficulty of use, and reduced compliance due to inadequate seal-forming structures and stabilizing mechanisms, leading to inefficiencies in treating respiratory disorders.
Innovation Solution
A positioning and stabilizing structure for patient interfaces, comprising superior, inferior, and anterior strap portions, with adjustable loops and magnetic connections, to enhance fit and comfort, allowing for customizable adjustment and pivotable movement, thereby maintaining therapeutic pressure during the respiratory cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional patient interface is used, then the device is simple in structure, but the seal-forming structure is inadequate leading to poor fit and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patient interface is divided into multiple functional components: a seal-forming structure with multiple seal elements, a positioning structure with adjustable straps, and a support structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while working together to achieve reliable sealing without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the patient interface have different properties: the seal-forming structure uses soft, compliant materials for good seal contact, while the positioning straps use rigid materials for stable attachment. The support structure has specific geometric configurations to distribute pressure. This local differentiation of properties enables reliable sealing while maintaining manageable structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the patient interface is made more comfortable and adjustable, then patient compliance improves, but the ease of operation decreases due to complex adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning structure incorporates adjustable straps with sliding mechanisms that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the interface fit. The support structure includes movable components that can be repositioned along designated paths. These dynamic elements enable customization for different patients and conditions while using straightforward mechanical adjustments rather than complex electronic controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface includes pre-configured adjustment mechanisms with predetermined positions and settings that can be quickly modified without requiring complex procedures. The seal-forming structure and support structure are designed with built-in adjustment capabilities that allow patients or caregivers to make simple modifications as needed, maintaining ease of operation while improving compliance through adaptability.
3Reliability
If the seal-forming structure is enhanced for better sealing, then therapeutic efficacy improves, but the device becomes more difficult to clean and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The seal-forming structure is segmented into multiple independent seal elements that can be individually removed or cleaned. The support structure is separated from the seal elements, allowing the seal components to be detached for thorough cleaning while the support structure remains in place. This segmentation enables effective sealing through multiple contact points while maintaining ease of cleaning by isolating the most critical cleaning areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal-forming structure utilizes flexible, smooth-surfaced materials that are easy to wipe clean and disinfect. The thin-film characteristics of the seal elements allow them to be quickly removed from contamination and reattached without compromising sealing performance. This approach maintains reliable sealing through continuous contact while ensuring the surfaces can be easily cleaned and maintained.
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
Improves patient compliance and therapeutic efficacy by providing a secure, comfortable, and adjustable fit, reducing leaks and discomfort, and facilitating easy use and cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
A positioning and stabilizing structure for patient interfaces, comprising superior, inferior, and anterior strap portions, with adjustable loops and magnetic connections
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning and stabilising structure for a full-face mask of a patient interface comprises a superior strap portion, an inferior strap portion, and two anterior strap portions. Each anterior strap portion having a generally triangular surface with a first width and a second width that is less than the first width and disposed more anterior while in use. The superior strap portion and the inferior strap portion are each connected to or formed integrally with each anterior strap portion at a respective corner of the generally triangular surface. Each anterior strap portion is connected or connectable to a connection portion that engages the plenum chamber. The connection portion is releasably engageable from the plenum chamber. The superior strap portion and the inferior strap portion are joined to the anterior strap portions anterior to the patient's ears, when in use.