Rolling Nasal Bridge Seal for Full Face Mask Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Full face masks that cover both the nose and mouth often cause discomfort and pressure sores due to elevated pressure exerted on the nose bridge, as the headgear is tightened to reduce leakage.
Innovation Solution
A mask assembly with a mask seal clip that is more rigid than the mask seal, featuring a region of reduced stiffness allowing it to roll relative to the mask seal clip, reducing the pressure on the nasal bridge by maintaining a constant force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the headgear is tightened to reduce leakage, then the sealing performance is improved, but the pressure on the nasal bridge increases causing discomfort and pressure sores
Solution Approach 1:
The mask seal incorporates a movable upper portion that can dynamically adjust its position relative to the nasal bridge. The hinge connection allows the upper portion to pivot and roll, transforming the static pressure application into a dynamic system that maintains constant force while accommodating headgear tightening, thereby preventing pressure sores while maintaining sealing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffness of the mask seal upper portion is deliberately reduced compared to the mask seal clip, creating a parameter difference that enables rolling motion. This stiffness gradient allows the upper portion to deform and roll under pressure, distributing the load and maintaining constant force application to the nasal bridge even as headgear tension increases
2Device complexity
If a single seal circumscribes the nose and mouth, then the mask structure is simplified, but the pressure concentration on the nasal bridge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mask seal is segmented into distinct portions with different mechanical properties: a more rigid mask seal clip and a more flexible upper portion. This segmentation allows the upper portion to independently roll and pivot, distributing pressure away from the nasal bridge while maintaining the overall single-seal structure for simplicity
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 rolling mechanism reduces discomfort and pressure sores by maintaining a consistent force on the nasal bridge, improving fit and comfort during positive pressure respiratory therapy.
Implementation Method 1
The mask seal upper portion comprises a region of reduced stiffness located between two regions of increased stiffness. The region of reduced stiffness is capable of rolling to allow pivoting of the mask seal upper portion relative to the mask seal clip.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mask assembly has a first upper portion movably connected to a lower portion. At least a portion of the first upper portion is configured to roll so as to overlie at least a portion of a second upper portion when a first boundary of the first upper portion is moved towards a second boundary of the second upper portion