3DBODY.TECH 2022 - Paper 22.48

H. Taeckens et al., "Personalized Fitting of Respiratory Mask Using 3D Numerical Simulation and Finite Element Analysis", Proc. of 3DBODY.TECH 2022 - 13th Int. Conf. and Exh. on 3D Body Scanning and Processing Technologies, Lugano, Switzerland, 25-26 Oct. 2022, #48, https://doi.org/10.15221/22.48.

Title:

Personalized Fitting of Respiratory Mask Using 3D Numerical Simulation and Finite Element Analysis

Authors:

Hugo TAECKENS 1, Arthur AGOSTINI 1, Loic DEGUELDRE 2, Bahe HACHEM 2, Sean-Philippe VIENS 3, Aude CASTONGUAY-HENRI 3, Jonathan BORDUAS 3, Luc DUONG 1

1 Ecole de Technologie Superieure, Montreal (QC), Canada;
2 Numalogics, Montreal (QC), Canada;
3 ShapeShift 3D, Montreal (QC), Canada

Abstract:

Respiratory masks, such as N95, are widely used in clinical and industrial environments because of their high filtration capacity. However, prolonged wear could provide discomfort due to poor fitting to each individual's face's exact morphology and excessive tightening.
This study aims to personalize the design of respiratory masks and simulate the fitting using finite element analysis. A cohort of 7 participants was recruited to evaluate the fit of a virtual 3D mask. A scan of the face was performed on an iPhone by an app using ARKit to acquire a geometric model for simulation.
The mask pressure and seal were calculated digitally using Ansys Mechanical after importing the 3D geometries of the mask and the face. An algorithm allows to place the mask in front of the face without inter-penetration. Facial soft tissues were accounted as a homogeneous hyperelastic material model. The silicone was modeled using hyperelastic material properties and the mask was considered as rigid. A pressure map illustrates the pattern that the mask will produce on a given user's face, in order to assert the desired comfort criteria. A map of the gap between the mask and the face shows the sealing capability of the mask. The pressure points of the silicone on the face were simulated after tightening the mask. The pressure pattern must be uniform and without pressure peaks to ensure user comfort.
To ensure the consistency of the numerical results, experimental pressure measurements were also performed on the participants and their dedicated masks. Facial pressure calculation and measurement tests were performed under 3 levels of tightening (low = 5N, medium = 13N and high = 20N).
The outcome of this study could provide major insights in the design of respiratory masks through face scanning technologies and numerical simulation. Moreover, it could contribute to fully customize the respiratory mask to the user's face, for enhanced comfort and proper sealing.

Keywords:

respiratory mask, custom fit, face scanning, finite element analysis, numerical simulation

Details:

Full paper: 2248taeckens.pdf
Proceedings: 3DBODY.TECH 2022, 25-26 Oct. 2022, Lugano, Switzerland
Paper id#: 48
DOI: 10.15221/22.48
Presentation video: 3DBodyTech2022_48_taeckens.mp4

Copyright notice

© Hometrica Consulting - Dr. Nicola D'Apuzzo, Switzerland, hometrica.ch.
Reproduction of the proceedings or any parts thereof (excluding short quotations for the use in the preparation of reviews and technical and scientific papers) may be made only after obtaining the specific approval of the publisher. The papers appearing in the proceedings reflect the author's opinions. Their inclusion in these publications does not necessary constitute endorsement by the editor or by the publisher. Authors retain all rights to individual papers.


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