Variable Flow Vent Assembly for Quieter CPAP Mask Exhalation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory therapy devices, such as CPAP masks, suffer from discomfort, poor fit, and reduced patient compliance due to issues with seal-forming structures, positioning, and noise from vent systems, which affect the efficacy and comfort of treatment for respiratory disorders.
Innovation Solution
A vent assembly for a patient interface that includes a vent body with adjustable valves and passive/active vent holes, along with conduit headgear for improved fit and reduced noise, enhancing patient comfort and compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vent assembly with adjustable valves is used to control exhaled gas flow, then the effectiveness of respiratory therapy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vent assembly is divided into multiple functional components: a vent body with multiple vent holes, adjustable valves for controlling flow, and integration with conduit headgear. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent assembly integrates multiple functions into a single unit: it provides a pathway for exhaled gas to escape, allows adjustable control of vent hole flow, and combines with conduit headgear for positioning. This multi-functionality improves therapy effectiveness without requiring separate devices for each function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conduit headgear is used to improve fit and reduce noise, then patient comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vent assembly is merged with the conduit headgear, combining the venting function with the positioning and noise-reduction functions of the headgear. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while achieving multiple benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent assembly acts as an intermediary component that connects the internal mask structure with the external conduit headgear. It provides a transition zone that allows for noise reduction and improved fit without requiring direct connection between all internal and external components.
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 vent assembly provides improved comfort and compliance by reducing noise and ensuring a secure fit, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of respiratory therapy.
Implementation Method 1
The vent assembly may comprise a valve configured to adopt a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the valve at least partially blocks the plurality of vent holes by a different amount in the first configuration compared to the second configuration
Data Source
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AI summary
The technology relates to a variable flow vent assembly for a conduit mask configured to deliver a flow of breathable gas at a positive pressure to an airway entrance of a patient and allow a flow of exhaled gas from the airway of the patient to exit the vent assembly to ambient. The variable flow vent assembly is further configured to include a valve, wherein the valve is arranged to allow for the regulation of the flow of breathable gas to the patient and the regulation of the vent flow rate of exhaled gas leaving the vent assembly to ambient. By changing certain characteristics of the valve and by tuning the valve through variants in design, the resultant vent flow rate for a given air pressure can be altered in order to obtain the best treatment outcome for the patient's individual requirements.