Quick Release Headgear Strap for Mask Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mask assemblies for gas delivery are cumbersome to re-fit and maintain an optimal configuration, leading to discomfort and increased leakage during repeated use.
Innovation Solution
A headgear strap system with adjustable length delimiting means that remembers the optimal setting, featuring a sliding mechanism with sufficient friction to prevent undesired movement, ensuring the strap remains securely engaged with the mask frame, even when the user is not actively adjusting it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mask assembly uses traditional straps without retention memory, then the strap can be easily adjusted during initial fitting, but the optimal configuration is lost during repeated use and re-fitting becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The strap length delimiting means is pre-positioned at the optimal setting during initial fitting. The aperture is designed to retain the strap at this pre-established optimal position, so that upon re-fitting, the strap automatically returns to the correct length without requiring complex adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap length delimiting means acts as an intermediary element between the strap and the aperture. It provides a physical reference that mediates the interaction between the user and the strap adjustment mechanism, enabling quick re-fitting by simply aligning the delimiting means with the aperture opening.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the strap length delimiting means has high friction to prevent movement, then the optimal setting is retained, but the strap becomes difficult to adjust during initial fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The strap length delimiting means is designed to be movable during initial fitting, allowing the user to slide it along the strap to establish the optimal position. Once the mask is fitted, the delimiting means becomes effectively fixed as it is retained by the aperture, providing stability during use while maintaining adjustability during fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment action is performed preliminarily during initial fitting, where the strap length delimiting means is positioned at the optimal setting. After this preliminary adjustment, the system transitions to a stable state where further movement is prevented by the aperture retention mechanism.
3Measurement precision
If the aperture is small to provide precise strap positioning, then the optimal setting is accurately maintained, but the strap is difficult to thread through during fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The strap length delimiting means is designed as a separate, distinct element from the strap itself. This segmentation allows the aperture to be sized appropriately for retaining the delimiting means with high precision, while the delimiting means itself can be made with dimensions that facilitate easy threading through the aperture during initial fitting.
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
Enables quick and easy re-fitting of the mask while maintaining a comfortable and leak-proof configuration, reducing user effort and minimizing disruptions during prolonged use, such as overnight sleep therapy.
Implementation Method 1
the strap length delimiting means moves in a sliding action along an axis of the strap such that the strap length delimiting means is adjustable in relation to the strap, but has enough friction or resistance to prevent undesired movement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This invention provides a headgear for a mask assembly including straps for positioning on the head and means to minimise deviation from an optimal mask assembly setting when engaging or disengaging the mask assembly from operative use. Preferably, the disengaging means is a variable-length strap incorporating at least one length delimiter, which may be a hub in the strap or an alternative means which employ friction to remain in place. The strap surfaces may be modified to provide the delimiting means. The strap may incorporate a second delimiting means in moveable engagement with the strap. Preferably, one engagement means is in fixed engagement with the strap. One delimiting means may be a thickened strap portion. However, other means for delimiting the effective strap length may be used.