Respiratory Mask Resilient Element Forehead Support Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Respiratory masks often cause discomfort and gas leaks due to the crushing of the cushion on the nasal bridge region when the headgear is tightened, leading to inefficiencies in delivering respiratory therapy.
Innovation Solution
A respiratory mask design featuring a flexible upwardly-projecting upper arm with a resilient element integrated into the mask body, allowing for adjustable forehead support without altering the cushion's position, ensuring gas tightness and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the headgear straps are tightened to secure the mask on the patient's face, then the mask fitting and stability are improved, but the cushion on the nasal bridge region is crushed leading to gas leaks and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The upper arm is segmented into a rigid portion (for structural support and headgear attachment) and a flexible portion (for cushioning and adaptation). This segmentation allows the headgear to be secured firmly while the flexible portion prevents excessive force transmission to the cushion, thereby maintaining gas tightness without compromising stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper arm material properties are changed to include flexibility and elasticity, allowing it to deform under headgear tension. This parameter change enables the upper arm to absorb excess force, preventing cushion crushing while maintaining adequate mask support and stability.
2Reliability
If the forehead support position is adjusted to maintain contact with the forehead, then the mask stability is improved, but the cushion position on the face changes causing discomfort and potential leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The mask structure is segmented into independent adjustment components: the upper arm with its rigid and flexible portions can adjust vertically without affecting the cushion position, while the cushion remains fixed relative to the mask body. This segmentation allows forehead support adjustment while maintaining cushion stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible portion of the upper arm acts as an intermediary between the rigid structure and the cushion. It absorbs adjustment movements and prevents direct force transmission to the cushion, allowing forehead support adjustment while maintaining cushion position and preventing displacement-related leaks.
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 design enhances gas tightness and patient comfort by allowing easy adjustment of the forehead support, reducing the risk of leaks and improving the efficacy of respiratory therapy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
said resilient element is made of resilient material that is able to be deformed, when the flexible upper arm of the front shroud is bent or pivots toward the mask body and mechanically acts on the resilient element
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a respiratory mask (1), such as a facial mask, comprising a mask body (2) comprising a gas inlet (3) in fluid communication with an inner chamber (4), and a front shroud (5) with a flexible upwardly-projecting upper arm (6) comprising headgear connecting structures (15). At least one resilient element (7) is arranged between the mask body (2) and the flexible upper arm (6) of the front shroud (5) so that said at least one resilient element (7) is squeezed between the mask body (2) and the flexible upper arm (6), when the flexible upper arm (6) is bent toward the mask body (2).