Resilient Secondary Interface for Gas Sampling in Breathable Substance Masks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional interface appliances for delivering breathable substances and obtaining gas samples from the airway are prone to mechanical interference and isolation issues, making it difficult to install both devices simultaneously on a subject's face.

Innovation Solution

A subject interface appliance comprising a primary interface with a mask barrier for delivering breathable substances and a secondary interface with a hollow prong for gas sampling, connected by a resilient member that maintains the secondary interface's position, allowing secure placement and sampling while minimizing interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If both primary interface appliance and secondary interface appliance are installed on the face of a subject, then gas sampling function is achieved, but mechanical interference occurs between the two interface appliances

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas sampling functionVSAvoidmechanical interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary interface appliance (gas sampling device) is integrated within the structure of the primary interface appliance (mask barrier), allowing the hollow prong to be positioned through the mask barrier. This nesting arrangement enables both functions to coexist in a compact configuration, eliminating the need for separate external mounting of both devices and thereby resolving the mechanical interference issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The mask barrier of the primary interface appliance is designed to serve dual purposes: delivering breathable substances through delivery openings while simultaneously providing structural support and positioning for the secondary interface appliance. The mask barrier acts as both a therapeutic delivery system and a mounting structure for gas sampling, reducing the need for separate interface appliances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If both primary interface appliance and secondary interface appliance are installed on the face of a subject, then gas sampling function is achieved, but the secondary interface appliance is isolated from the user by the primary interface appliance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas sampling functionVSAvoiduser access to secondary interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary interface appliance is nested within the primary interface appliance structure, with the hollow prong passing through the mask barrier. This allows the gas sampling function to be integrated while maintaining accessibility, as the hollow prong extends through the mask barrier to engage with external orifices, enabling user interaction without complete isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a resilient member is used to hold the secondary interface spatially apart from the mask barrier, then mechanical interference is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical interferenceVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A resilient member is introduced as an intermediary element between the mask barrier and the secondary interface appliance. This resilient member acts as a mediator that maintains spatial separation and reduces mechanical interference while allowing for flexible positioning. The resilient nature of this component enables it to accommodate movements and maintain optimal positioning without rigid constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The solution enables secure and efficient delivery of breathable substances and simultaneous gas sampling, reducing mechanical interference and improving user comfort by using a resilient member to maintain the secondary interface's position during installation.

Implementation Method 1

The resilient member extends from the primary interface to the secondary interface, and is configured to hold the secondary interface spatially apart from the mask barrier at a default position with respect to the primary interface such that displacement of the secondary interface from the default position results in the application of a bias force by the resilient member on the secondary interface toward the default position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10117599B2Subject interface appliance and method for delivering a breathable substance to a subject while obtaining gas samples from the airway of the subject

Publication Date: 2018.11.06 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

A subject interface appliance (10) configured to deliver a breathable substance to a subject. The subject interface appliance includes a primary interface (12) configured to deliver a breathable substance to the subject, and a secondary interface (14) configured to obtain gas samples from the airway of the subject. The secondary interface is resiliently held at a default position with respect to the primary interface. The default position is located such that installation of the primary and secondary interfaces on the subject results in the application of a bias force to the secondary interface that holds the secondary interface in place.