Under-Nose Mask Seal Structure for Stable CPAP Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing under-nose interface assemblies for respiratory therapy face challenges in providing improved comfort and sealing performance due to instability and leaks caused by reduced contact with the nasal bridge, leading to issues like nose tip pressure and seal leaks.
Innovation Solution
A mask assembly that seals below the bridge of the nose, utilizing a mask seal with paddles and suspension members to maintain shape and stability, and a frame with covers to prevent outward expansion, along with a flexible design to accommodate varying facial geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mask seal contacts the bridge of the nose, then sealing performance is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to pressure sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the contact point from the nasal bridge area and relocates it to the nasal tip area. The mask seal is specifically designed to contact only the nasal tip and adjacent areas, extracting the harmful pressure application from the sensitive bridge of the nose while maintaining sealing effectiveness through the relocated contact zone.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the mask assembly is positioned lower than the bridge of the nose, then comfort is improved, but stability deteriorates leading to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The mask seal incorporates regions of different thicknesses to provide localized structural properties. Thicker regions are positioned in areas requiring enhanced stability and support, while thinner regions provide flexibility for comfort. This differential thickness distribution maintains seal stability despite the lower positioning that improves comfort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the paddles are allowed to expand freely, then adaptability to facial geometries is improved, but shape stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The paddles are designed with dynamic characteristics that allow them to expand and flex in response to different facial geometries while maintaining overall shape stability. The material and structural design enable controlled deformation that adapts to individual users while preventing excessive expansion that would compromise seal integrity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the mask seal material is made thinner for comfort, then comfort is improved, but structural support deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mask seal employs variable thickness design where thinner sections contact the skin for comfort, while thicker internal sections provide structural support. This gradient thickness distribution allows the seal to be comfortable against the face while maintaining sufficient strength and structural integrity through the thicker internal regions.
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
Enhances comfort and sealing performance by maintaining stability and reducing leaks, accommodating diverse facial structures, and minimizing visual disruption.
Implementation Method 1
The living hinge is configured to allow flexing of the paddles inward toward the nose of the user and resist flexing of the paddles outward away from the nose of the user
Data Source
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AI summary
An interface for use in providing positive pressure respiratory therapy, the interface comprising:a mask assembly comprising a mask seal and a mask shell, the mask assembly configured to be fully positioned lower than a bridge of a nose of a face of a user and to provide an exposed bridge of the nose of the user, the mask seal being connected to the mask shell, a nasal region comprising at least one nasal opening, the mask seal comprising a first paddle on a first side of the nasal region and a second paddle on a second side of the nasal region, the first paddle configured to contact one side of the nose of the user and the second paddle configured to contact the other side of the nose of the user;