Respiratory Mask Connector Ball-Socket Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory masks suffer from poor sealing and user discomfort due to the connection pipe pulling on the frame when the user moves, and existing connection structures between the connection pipe and the frame offer limited freedom of rotation and are difficult to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A respiratory mask connector with a connection face fixedly connected to the frame and a spherical face connected to the connection pipe through a ball-socket connection, allowing for multiple degrees of freedom in rotation and easy installation, while preventing the connection pipe from becoming loose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the connection pipe and frame are connected with a rigid fixed connection, then the manufacturing precision and structural strength are improved, but the device cannot accommodate user movement and causes poor sealing effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a ball-socket connection mechanism that allows the connection pipe to rotate freely relative to the frame. This dynamic connection enables the system to adapt to user movements while maintaining secure attachment, resolving the contradiction between fixed connection precision and operational flexibility for sealing.
2Ease of operation
If the connection pipe and frame are allowed to rotate with respect to each other, then the ease of operation and comfort are improved, but the connection pipe may get loose easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the ball-socket connection as an intermediary mechanism between the connection pipe and frame. This intermediary structure enables rotational movement for comfort while the socket component prevents the connection pipe from becoming loose, thus maintaining connection stability during user movement.
3Ease of manufacture
If the opening of the connection between the frame and connection pipe is made large, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the connection pipe may get loose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection structure into two separate components: the frame with a connection opening and the connection pipe with a matching socket. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with standard molding processes while the paired ball-socket interface ensures secure connection without requiring excessive opening size.
4Reliability
If the opening of the connection between the frame and connection pipe is made small, then the connection stability is improved, but it becomes difficult to mold the frame
Solution Approach 1:
The ball-socket connection acts as an intermediary that decouples the relationship between opening size and connection stability. The socket component provides the necessary stability while allowing the frame's connection opening to be sized appropriately for easy molding, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and manufacturability.
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 respiratory mask connector effectively reduces the pulling force on the frame, maintains a secure seal, and enhances user comfort by allowing the connection pipe to rotate freely, while also simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a spherical face connected to the connection pipe through a ball-socket connection, allowing for multiple degrees of freedom in rotation
Data Source
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AI summary
A respiratory mask connector and a respiratory mask. The respiratory mask connector is configured to connect a frame to a connection pipe. The respiratory mask connector has a connection face and a spherical face, the connection face being configured to be connected to the frame, and the spherical face being configured to be in ball-socket connection with a pipe head of the connection pipe. The connection face and the spherical face are respectively configured as either the outer wall surface of the respiratory mask connector or the inner wall surface of the respiratory mask connector. The respiratory mask connector can be used for a respiratory mask.