Breathing Mask Frame With Twisted Lateral Arms for Pressure Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient interface devices for delivering breathing gases, such as masks for treating conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, are often uncomfortable due to pressure points and inadequate distribution of retaining forces, leading to reduced stability and increased discomfort during prolonged use.
Innovation Solution
A mask frame design with lateral arms that extend outwardly, rearwardly, and upwardly, twisting along their length, with a lower margin positioned further from the central vertical plane than the top margin, and a headgear connector with rotation limiting formations to enhance stability and comfort by distributing retaining forces over a larger surface area, minimizing pressure points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mask frame uses conventional lateral arms extending from the central region, then the mask structure is simple, but the retaining forces are concentrated on small areas causing pressure points and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral arms are designed to extend in multiple dimensions - laterally outwardly from the central region, rearwardly towards the patient's ears, and upwardly at an angle. This three-dimensional configuration distributes the retaining forces over a larger surface area of the face, reducing pressure points and improving comfort during prolonged wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The lateral arms incorporate a twisted configuration where the bottom margin at the distal end is positioned further away from the central vertical plane than the top margin. This asymmetric twist optimizes the distribution of forces across different regions of the face, enhancing comfort by preventing concentration of pressure on single points.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the lateral arms extend upwardly at an angle towards the temples and ears, then the mask stability is improved, but the mask visibility increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral arms extend upwardly along a vector passing from below the nose to a point between the temple at the top of the ear, utilizing the vertical dimension to anchor the mask securely. This upward extension improves stability by engaging with anatomical landmarks higher on the head, while the streamlined profile minimizes visual obstruction.
3Ease of operation
If the headgear connector allows free rotation, then the ease of adjustment is improved, but the mask stability deteriorates due to excessive movement
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear connector incorporates rotation limiting formations that allow controlled rotational movement within defined boundaries. This dynamic design enables sufficient adjustment flexibility for proper fitting while preventing excessive rotation that would compromise mask stability during use.
Data Source
AI summary
A mask frame includes a central conduit connection aperture and lateral arms having a 3-D curvature. The lateral arms extend outwardly from a center of the frame, rearwardly towards the patients ears, and upwardly along a vector passing from below the nose to a point between the temple the top of the ear. The lateral arms “twist” along their length, such that a bottom margin of an end of each lateral arm is positioned further away from a notional vertical plane passing through the centre of the conduit connection aperture than a top margin. An anti-rotation feature limits or prevents rotation between straps of a headgear and the mask frame.