Ventilation Mask Compliant Seal and Access Port
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive ventilation systems face challenges in providing effective and comfortable respiratory support, particularly in maintaining a secure seal and reducing pressure points that can lead to skin necrosis, while also allowing for easy access to the respiratory opening for medical procedures without disrupting ventilation.
Innovation Solution
The development of a non-invasive ventilation system with a patient interface that incorporates a compliant nose bridge seal, interchangeable inserts, and a lateral gas line configuration, which includes a self-sealing access port and filter media, allowing for adjustable bladders and corrugated flexible seals to distribute pressure evenly and maintain a seal while enabling access to the respiratory opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid seal structure is used to maintain a secure seal, then sealing reliability is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates due to pressure points and skin necrosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a compliant nose bridge seal that conforms to the patient's facial contours, distributing pressure evenly across the nasal bridge area. This flexible sealing interface maintains an effective seal while eliminating concentrated pressure points that cause skin necrosis and discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing interface utilizes materials with varying compliance characteristics - softer materials at contact points with bony structures (nasal bridge, cheeks) to distribute pressure, and more rigid structures where structural support is needed. This gradient of material properties optimizes both seal reliability and patient comfort.
2Reliability
If the mask structure is made secure and sealed, then ventilation effectiveness is improved, but access to respiratory opening for medical procedures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into modular components including a removable front portion that can be easily detached to provide access to the patient's respiratory opening for medical procedures such as oral care, suctioning, or intubation. This segmented design allows the sealing portions to remain in place while the access port is opened.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a self-sealing access port that can be opened to allow insertion of medical devices (such as gastric tubes or breathing tubes) while maintaining the overall seal integrity. The access port can be opened and closed without removing the entire mask, enabling medical procedures while preserving ventilation effectiveness.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If vents are added to allow exhaled gas escape, then carbon dioxide clearance is improved, but fresh respiratory gas loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements selective venting at specific locations on the mask where exhaled gases naturally accumulate and escape, rather than relying on general leakage. This localized venting approach allows carbon dioxide-rich exhaled gases to be discharged while minimizing the loss of oxygen-rich fresh respiratory gas that is directed toward the patient's airway.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent system is designed to be dynamic, opening and closing based on pressure differentials between the inside of the mask and the external environment. During inspiration, the vent remains closed to prevent fresh gas loss; during expiration, the vent opens to allow carbon dioxide clearance, automatically responding to the breathing cycle.
4Ease of manufacture
If a single-piece mask structure is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different patient needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is constructed as an assembly of modular components including a headgear system, side straps, front portion, and interchangeable inserts that can be configured to suit different patient sizes, facial geometries, and clinical requirements. This modular architecture maintains manufacturing simplicity through standardized components while providing extensive adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates interchangeable inserts that can be swapped to provide different functionalities - such as nasal pillows for nasal ventilation, oral cushions for oral ventilation, or combined oral-nasal interfaces. The headgear and strapping system are designed to accommodate various head sizes and shapes, making a single base model adaptable to diverse patient needs.
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
This design enhances patient comfort by reducing pressure points and skin irritation, allows for simultaneous ventilation and medical access, and improves the system's ability to manage respiratory gases effectively, ensuring efficient and secure sealing.
Implementation Method 1
corrugated flexible seals to distribute pressure evenly and maintain a seal
Implementation Method 2
adjustable bladders and corrugated flexible seals to distribute pressure evenly
Implementation Method 3
self-sealing access port
Data Source
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AI summary
This writing discusses a method for adjusting a ventilation mask, a ventilation mask seal, a nasal passage opener, a carbon dioxide sampling device, configuration for use of a reusable insert, a lateral gas line, a non-invasive tube insertion region and exhaust port, a protective facial interface, and quick donning headgear.