Quick Adjust Face Mask with Pull-to-Tighten Straps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing CPAP and resuscitation masks with hook and latch fabric straps are difficult to apply quickly and securely, often requiring two rescuers and increasing anxiety for both patients and medical professionals, as they can get tangled in hair or clothing, slowing down oxygen delivery in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A face mask with adjustable straps featuring tightening means, such as strap adjusters and adjustment hooks, that allow for easy and secure fitting by pulling free ends away from the mask, eliminating the need for complex manipulation and reducing application time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hook and latch fabric straps are used to secure the mask, then the mask can be maintained at the proper position, but the straps can get tangled or stuck in the patient's hair or clothing, requiring two rescuers and increasing application time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hook and latch fabric mechanism from the strap system and replaces it with a simple pull-to-tighten design where straps are threaded through adjusters and secured by pulling ends away from the mask. This extraction of the complex latching mechanism eliminates tangling issues while maintaining secure mask positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap system is divided into independent adjustable segments with separate adjusters for each strap end. This segmentation allows each strap to be independently tightened and secured, preventing interference between straps and eliminating the need for coordinated manipulation of a single complex latching system.
2Reliability
If hook and latch fabric straps are used to secure the mask, then the mask can be maintained at the proper position, but it is extremely time consuming to manipulate and attach the straps, requiring multiple health care providers
Solution Approach 1:
The complex hook and latch fabric manipulation is extracted and replaced with a simple pull-to-tighten mechanism. The straps are threaded through adjusters and secured by pulling the free ends away from the mask, eliminating the need for dexterous manipulation of hooks and latches.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap system is designed to be self-securing through the pull-to-tighten mechanism. Once the straps are threaded through the adjusters, pulling the free ends automatically tightens and secures the straps without requiring additional manipulation or coordination between multiple providers.
3Productivity
If the CPAP device is turned on before the mask is fitted, then treatment can be initiated immediately, but the mask must be repeatedly readjusted during application, increasing anxiety and stress
Solution Approach 1:
The mask and strap system is designed and prepared in advance with the pull-to-tighten mechanism pre-configured. This preliminary design ensures that once the straps are threaded through the adjusters, the mask secures automatically without requiring repeated readjustment during application, allowing calm and confident treatment initiation.
4Reliability
If multiple health care providers are used to apply the mask, then the complex strap manipulation can be coordinated, but it increases the time before treatment is initiated and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The coordinated manipulation requirement is removed by extracting the hook and latch mechanism. The simplified pull-to-tighten design allows a single provider to independently secure each strap by pulling the free ends away from the mask, eliminating the need for coordination between multiple providers and immediately enabling treatment initiation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for supplying a patient with oxygen in emergency and/or in conjunction with CPAP devices. The apparatus includes a face mask connected to a number of quick pull adjustment devices that adjust the top and bottom of the face mask, respectively. After being slid over the head of a patient, a paramedic or other user pulls a top strap followed by a bottom strap. No further adjustment is needed in order to form a tight and secure fit on the patient between the face mask and the nose and mouth region of the patient's face. During use, a CPAP inlet or tubing, resuscitation bag, or other means for delivering oxygen is connected to an inlet of the face mask. The face mask is removed from the patient by manipulating each of the quick pull adjustment devices and then pulling the top strap and bottom strap there through.