Subnasal Sealing Cushion Rib Support for CPAP Leakage

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inflatable subnasal sealing cushions lack sufficient support, leading to deformation and leakage issues due to inadequate structural support, particularly at the subnasal area where the sealing flap is prone to collapse under pressure.

Innovation Solution

A subnasal sealing cushion with a support feature positioned beneath the sealing flap portion, incorporating ribbed structures made of varying durometers to provide enhanced support and maintain a seal, accommodating different nasal geometries and preventing collapse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If significant force is applied directly to the sealing side of the sealing flap to create a seal, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the sealing element deforms and collapses rendering the mask useless

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidsealing element deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing cushion is divided into distinct functional zones: a sealing flap portion for creating the seal, a support portion with ribs for structural stability, and an inflatable portion for applying distributed pressure. This segmentation allows the sealing function and structural support function to be separated, preventing collapse while maintaining sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support ribs are pre-positioned within the sealing cushion structure to provide beforehand cushioning and structural reinforcement to the sealing flap. These ribs prevent deformation before it occurs by providing internal structural support that resists the collapsing forces during inflation and sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sealing cushion is inflated to fit around the nose to accommodate varying subnasal geometries, then adaptability is improved, but the sealing flap deforms under pressure causing leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of varying subnasal geometriesVSAvoidsealing integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing cushion is divided into distinct functional zones: a sealing flap portion for creating the seal, a support portion with ribs for structural stability, and an inflatable portion for applying distributed pressure. This segmentation allows the sealing function and structural support function to be separated, preventing collapse while maintaining sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the sealing cushion have different structural properties: the sealing flap is made of softer material for comfort and sealing, while the support portion contains rigid ribs for structural stability. This local differentiation of material properties allows each region to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the sealing cushion uses minimal support structure to maintain flexibility, then ease of operation is improved, but structural support is insufficient leading to collapse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of sealing cushionVSAvoidstructural support

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing cushion is divided into distinct functional zones: a sealing flap portion for creating the seal, a support portion with ribs for structural stability, and an inflatable portion for applying distributed pressure. This segmentation allows the sealing function and structural support function to be separated, preventing collapse while maintaining sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing cushion uses a flexible elastomeric material for the sealing flap and support structure, which provides both flexibility for comfort and sufficient structural integrity when combined with the internal rib support. The flexible material allows the cushion to conform to facial contours while the embedded ribs prevent collapse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS10518053B2Subnasal sealing cushion and patient interface device employing same

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

A subnasal sealing cushion for a patient interface device includes a cushion member having a front side and a rear side, the rear side being structured to face a face of the user responsive to the patient interface device being donned, the cushion member including: a support portion having an outer wall and a support structure coupled to the outer wall and extending longitudinally along a first direction extending from the front side to the rear side, and a sealing flap portion coupled a nasal shelf portion, the nasal shelf portion defining a nasal orifice and being structured to contact a bottom of a nose of the user to create a seal therewith responsive to the patient interface device being donned by the user, wherein the support structure is positioned under and spaced from a bottom of the nasal shelf portion.