Rotating Cushion Patient Interface for Stable Seal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional patient interface devices face challenges with seal and stability, comfort, weight, sizing, and claustrophobia due to inadequate design and fit, which can compromise patient compliance with therapy.
Innovation Solution
A patient interface device featuring a frame member with controlled flexing and an auto-adjusting cushion that rotates relative to the frame, accommodating various facial geometries and head positions for improved stability and comfort, using a thermoplastic or thermoset frame and a soft, flexible cushion with cylindrical posts for optimal sealing and fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the headgear is over-tightened to compensate for lack of seal and stability, then the seal and stability are improved, but the pressure on the face and head increases causing pressure points and skin breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion is designed to rotate relative to the frame member, allowing dynamic adjustment of the cushion angle. This rotation capability enables the cushion to automatically adapt to different head positions and facial geometries, maintaining an optimal seal without requiring excessive tightening of the headgear, thereby reducing pressure on the face and head
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion angle can change from an initial angle when the device is first donned to a different angle after rotation occurs. This parameter change allows the interface device to adapt to the patient's unique facial structure, achieving a reliable seal and stability without over-tightening the headgear
2Ease of operation
If the patient moves about in bed, then the patient's comfort is improved, but the head position changes leading to air delivery hose torque and interference with other objects
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable cushion design allows the interface device to dynamically adjust to changes in head position caused by patient movement. As the patient moves in bed, the cushion can rotate to maintain the optimal sealing angle, preventing air delivery hose torque and interference with pillows, sheets, and blankets while preserving seal stability
3Ease of manufacture
If a fixed-geometry cushion is used, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the device cannot accommodate various facial structures requiring multiple sizes and variations
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing multiple cushion sizes and geometries, the invention uses a single cushion design that can rotate relative to the frame member. This rotational capability provides the adaptability needed to accommodate various facial structures without complicating the manufacturing process, as only one cushion geometry needs to be produced
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable cushion mechanism allows a single cushion design to serve multiple functions by adapting to different facial geometries through rotation. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized cushion variations, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining versatility across different patient populations
Data Source
AI summary
A patient interface device includes a frame member and a cushion having a main body, a sealing portion, and first and second posts extending from the main body. The frame member defines a first orifice and a second orifice. The first post of the cushion is rotatably received within the first orifice and the second post is rotatably received within the second orifice in a manner that permits the cushion to rotate relative to the frame member.