Sinusoidal Cushion Respiratory Mask Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory masks for positive airway pressure delivery systems often fail to maintain a seal due to patient movement and varying facial contours, leading to leaks and discomfort, which deter patients from continuing CPAP therapy.
Innovation Solution
A respiratory mask with an S-shaped cushioning member that compresses to conform to the face, featuring inward and outward sealing flanges and resilient ribs, integrated with rigid plastic supports to maintain a seal and prevent leaks, formed from flexible and non-irritating materials like silicone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing masks use integrally formed seals to prevent air leakage, then sealing capability is improved, but the mask fails to adapt to varying facial contours and patient movement, causing leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is transformed from a static, rigid structure to a dynamic, multi-component system that can adapt to facial movements and contour variations. The cushion compresses and the flange rotates to maintain sealing contact despite changes in mask position or facial shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is divided into functionally independent components: a compressible cushion for initial contact and contour adaptation, and a rotatable flange for maintaining sealing pressure. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one aspect of sealing while working together to solve the overall problem.
2Reliability
If the mask seal is pressed against the face to ensure an airtight seal, then leakage is reduced, but discomfort and irritation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the sealing system have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions: the cushion is soft and compliant to conform to facial contours without causing pressure points, while the flange is more rigid to maintain sealing force. This local differentiation of material properties reduces discomfort while maintaining seal integrity.
3Productivity
If the mask body expands under internal positive pressure, then gas delivery is improved, but the seal breaks and leaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing it to accommodate the natural expansion of the mask body under pressure. The rotatable flange can adjust its angle and the cushion can compress to maintain sealing contact even as the mask expands to deliver therapeutic gas flow.
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 mask provides an airtight seal, reducing leaks and discomfort, ensuring effective CPAP therapy by conforming to individual facial contours and resisting pressure-induced expansion.
Implementation Method 1
The S-shaped cushioning member resiliently compresses when the sealing flange is pressed against the face of a wearer to ensure an airtight seal between the sealing flange and the face of the wearer
Implementation Method 2
The S-shaped cushioning member generally functions as a spring, compressing to allow the sealing member to better conform to the face of the wearer but resiliently urging the sealing flange outward against the face of the wearer to prevent leaks
Implementation Method 3
Rigid plastic supports are mounted on the outer surface of the mask body to provide rigidity to the respiratory mask and to resist excessive outward expansion of the mask body due to the internal pressure exerted on the mask body by the pressurized air directed therein
Data Source
AI summary
A respiratory mask comprises a sealing flange connected to a mask body by a sinusoidal shaped cushioning member. The cushioning member resiliently compresses when the sealing flange is pressed against the face of a wearer to ensure an airtight seal between the sealing flange and the face of the wearer. The cushioning member functions as a spring, compressing to allow the sealing member to better conform to the face of the wearer but resiliently urging the sealing flange outward against the face of the wearer to prevent leaks.