Quick-Release Mask Frame for Secure Yet Easy Headgear Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing patient interface devices for non-invasive ventilation and pressure support therapies are often uncomfortable and difficult to put on and take off, leading to patient non-compliance due to poor design and coupling mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A mask design with a frame and headgear system featuring a first and second arm member coupling arrangement, where the second coupling requires a lesser uncoupling force than the first, allowing easy attachment and removal without tools, utilizing features like flared regions, magnetic elements, and angled surfaces for secure engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional headgear with uniform coupling arrangements is used, then the mask provides stable support, but it is difficult to put on and take off

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of putting on and taking offVSAvoidsecurity of mask attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The headgear is divided into multiple independent arm members (first arm member and second arm member), each with its own coupling arrangement. This segmentation allows different parts of the mask to be attached and detached independently, enabling easy putting on and taking off while maintaining secure support through the distributed coupling structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different coupling arrangements are provided at different locations of the headgear. The first coupling arrangement uses a post member with flared region for secure attachment, while the second coupling arrangement uses a ridge with angled surface for easier release. This local differentiation of coupling mechanisms resolves the contradiction between security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a secure coupling mechanism is used to prevent accidental dislodgement, then mask stability is improved, but the complexity of the coupling mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of mask attachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of coupling mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first and second coupling arrangements are designed with asymmetric characteristics - the first uses a post member with flared region that is harder to release, while the second uses a ridge with angled surface that is easier to release. This asymmetric design provides different levels of security at different locations without requiring complex mechanisms throughout the entire headgear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of designing a single complex secure mechanism, the invention uses simple geometric features (post member with flared region, ridge with angled surface) that provide security through their shape rather than complex locking mechanisms. The coupling arrangements derive their securing function from inverted geometric relationships that are inherently stable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If the mask is designed to be easily removable by the patient, then patient compliance is improved, but the risk of accidental dislodgement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of mask removalVSAvoidrisk of accidental dislodgement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the coupling arrangements into two types with different release characteristics, the invention allows intentional removal through the easier-to-release second coupling while the first coupling maintains security during normal use. This segmentation enables patient-initiated removal without compromising overall attachment stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the mechanical parameters of the coupling arrangements - specifically the uncoupling force required for each coupling. The second coupling arrangement is designed with a lower uncoupling force threshold, allowing easy removal by the patient, while the first coupling arrangement maintains a higher threshold to prevent accidental dislodgement during normal use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12465711B2Mask with quick release frame and headgear

Publication Date: 2025.11.11 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

A mask for communicating a flow of breathing gas to an airway of a patient. The mask includes a patient interface having a faceplate and a cushion. The cushion has a first end coupled to the faceplate and an opposite second end for sealingly engaging a portion of the patient's face about one or more airways of the patient. A frame includes a first arm member having a first end coupled to the patient interface via a first coupling arrangement and an opposite second end coupleable to a headgear, and a second arm member having a first end selectively coupled to the patient interface via a second coupling arrangement and an opposite second end coupleable to the headgear. The second coupling arrangement requires a lessor uncoupling force to uncouple than the first coupling arrangement.