Swivel Elbow Venting Assembly for Mask Seal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient interface systems for delivering breathable gas, such as nasal respiratory masks, face challenges in decoupling tube drag forces, allowing patient movement without disrupting the seal, effectively venting exhausted gases, and providing a compact, aesthetically pleasing design.
Innovation Solution
A swivel elbow and connector assembly that integrates a vented elbow connector, swivel elbow, and anti-asphyxia valve, allowing multi-axis movement of the tube while isolating drag forces, venting gases diffusely, and incorporating a quick-release mechanism for ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed rigid connector is used to connect the patient interface to the air delivery tube, then the structural stability is improved, but the patient's ability to move without disrupting the seal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly incorporates a swivel elbow mechanism that allows dynamic movement and rotation. The swivel joint enables the connector to adapt to patient movements while maintaining the seal, transforming the rigid fixed connection into a dynamic adjustable connection that preserves both stability and movement freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into multiple functional segments: a rigid portion for structural stability, a swivel elbow mechanism for movement accommodation, and a sealing interface for maintaining the connection. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function while working together as a unified system.
2Device complexity
If the air delivery tube is directly connected to the patient interface without a swivel mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the tube drag forces increase and disrupt patient comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel elbow mechanism introduces dynamic movement capability that allows the tube to rotate and adjust to drag forces rather than transmitting them directly to the patient interface. This dynamic element absorbs and redirects tube drag forces, reducing their impact on patient comfort.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate components are used for venting, quick release, and swiveling functions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the swivel elbow provides rotational movement, the integrated valve handles venting, and the quick-release mechanism enables easy disconnection. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components while maintaining all necessary functions, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides swiveling capability, gas venting, and quick-release functionality. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles that would traditionally require separate parts, simplifying the overall device structure.
4Volume of moving object
If the connector assembly is made compact, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the effectiveness of gas venting may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve and venting channels are designed to utilize three-dimensional space efficiently within the compact connector housing. By arranging venting pathways and valve mechanisms in multiple dimensions rather than requiring linear extension, the design achieves effective gas venting while maintaining a compact form factor that preserves aesthetic appearance.
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel elbow and connector assembly for a patient interface system includes a ring configured to be sealingly secured in an aperture of the patient interface system. The ring includes a first side in an interior of the patient interface system and a second side at an exterior of the patient interface system when the ring is secured in the aperture. The ring also includes a plurality of vents configured to permit flow of gases from the interior to the exterior of the patient interface system. The swivel elbow and connector assembly includes an elbow swivelably secured in the ring. A patient interface system for delivering a flow of breathable gas to a user includes a patient interface structure configured to sealing engage the face of the user. The patient interface structure includes an aperture. A swivel elbow and connector assembly is sealingly secured in the aperture.