Variable Thickness Neck Seal for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas treatment hoods for hyperbaric oxygen therapy suffer from uncomfortable neck seals that cause abrasion, leakage issues, and complexity in assembly, particularly due to the use of separate sealing rings and materials like latex and neoprene which are prone to allergic reactions and deformation.
Innovation Solution
A neck seal design featuring a tubular, resilient construction with variable thickness and multiple sealing elements, offset centerline, and made from medical-grade silicone, which securely fits around the neck ring, providing a comfortable and durable seal while preventing gas leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tight elastic neck seal is used to prevent gas leakage, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but wearer comfort deteriorates due to abrasion and skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The neck seal incorporates a dual-layer construction with a softer inner layer that contacts the skin and a more durable outer layer. This local differentiation of material properties allows the seal to maintain effectiveness while reducing skin irritation through the gentler inner surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The neck seal is constructed from composite materials combining different elastomeric substances with complementary properties. The inner layer uses a softer, more compliant material for comfort, while the outer layer provides structural integrity and sealing force, resolving the contradiction between seal tightness and skin comfort.
2Reliability
If a separate sealing ring is used in the neck seal assembly, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is integrated directly into the neck seal structure as a unified component rather than being a separate assembly. This merging of functions maintains sealing reliability while eliminating the complexity of assembling and aligning separate sealing rings with the neck seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The neck seal is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides sealing, structural support, and comfort features. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated component, the design achieves reliable sealing without the added complexity of multiple separate parts.
3Ease of manufacture
If a uniform thickness neck seal is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but sealing performance deteriorates due to inability to accommodate neck contours
Solution Approach 1:
The neck seal features variable thickness with a thicker base section for structural support and a thinner upper section for comfort and contour adaptation. This local variation in dimensions allows the seal to conform to neck contours while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through mold design.
Solution Approach 2:
The neck seal incorporates flexible, elastomeric material with non-uniform thickness distribution that allows different sections to deform independently. The thinner upper portion can stretch and conform to neck contours while the thicker base maintains structural integrity, achieving adaptive sealing without complex assembly.
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 neck seal design enhances user comfort, reduces skin irritation, ensures effective gas containment, and simplifies assembly by integrating sealing elements within the hood assembly, improving both sealing performance and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a tubular resilient or elastic neck seal
Data Source
AI summary
A seal for a gas treatment hood assembly is disclosed. The hood assembly is placeable over a user's head for treating a user with a gas such as oxygen. The assembly may have a neck ring around a user's neck with an elastomeric, tubular neck seal with one end of the neck seal connected to the neck ring and the other end configured to fit around the user's neck. The neck seal may have a double sealing element construction and may also have variable thickness along a sidewall for enhanced structural properties and improved patient comfort. The seal and hood assembly may be used in providing oxygen to a patient in a hyperbaric chamber.