Ventilator Mask Joint for Tube Sealing and Sputum Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing BiPAP masks do not accommodate naso-gastric tubes effectively, leading to imperfect fit, leakage, or pressure-induced injuries, and require mask removal for sputum suction, risking hypoxemia.
Innovation Solution
A ventilator mask with a joint that allows airtight fitting for naso-gastric tubes and enables sputum suction without removing the mask, featuring a T-shaped joint with a pivotally connected upper cover and elastic hooks for secure attachment and a perforated cover for tube insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the BiPAP mask is worn loosely to accommodate naso-gastric tube, then the tube can be inserted, but leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into separate functional zones: a main mask body for sealing and a separate joint structure with opening for naso-gastric tube insertion. This segmentation allows the mask body to maintain airtight sealing while the joint provides tube access without compromising the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
A joint structure acts as an intermediary component between the mask body and the naso-gastric tube. This joint provides a dedicated opening for tube insertion while maintaining the overall sealing integrity of the mask through its connection to the mask body.
2Reliability
If the BiPAP mask is worn tightly to prevent leakage, then sealing is improved, but pressure-induced injury occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The mask structure is segmented into a main sealing body and a separate joint for tube insertion. This allows the mask body to apply necessary sealing pressure while the joint area provides a controlled opening that distributes pressure and prevents concentration of force on a single point, reducing risk of pressure-induced injury.
3Ease of operation
If the mask is removed for sputum suction, then suctioning can be performed, but oxygen supply is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mask includes a separate joint structure with an opening specifically designed for naso-gastric tube insertion. This same joint can be accessed for sputum suction procedures, allowing these operations to be performed through the joint opening without removing the main mask body, thereby maintaining oxygen supply continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint structure serves multiple functions: it provides an opening for naso-gastric tube insertion, facilitates sputum suction access, and maintains sealing when closed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to remove the mask for these procedures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a separate mask is used for naso-gastric tube, then tube insertion is possible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The joint structure for naso-gastric tube insertion is merged with the main mask body through a connected design. This integration allows the tube insertion function to be incorporated into the existing mask structure without requiring a completely separate device, thereby limiting the increase in complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A ventilator mask and a joint thereof are provided. The ventilator mask includes a ventilator mask body and the joint. The joint includes a joint body, an upper cover, and a perforated cover. The joint body includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a third end portion. The first end portion is configured to be movably connected to the ventilator mask body. The third end portion is configured to communicate with an oxygen source. An opening is disposed between the first and second end portions. The upper cover is pivotally connected to the joint body for closing or opening the opening. The perforated cover is disposed on the second end portion. The perforated cover has a through hole for insertion of a tube. The ventilator mask can be airtightly fitted to the patient's face. There is no need to remove the ventilator mask for performing sputum suction.