A face mask for being arranged in front of a part of a user's face

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a mask (1) for being arranged in front of a part of the face of a user (30), comprising: a fastening device, a headgear (2), wherein the fastening device (3) attaches an upper part of the mask (1) to the headgear (2), characterized in that the mask (1) is adaptable to the shape of the head of the user (30), the mask (1) provides a sealing contact with the temple region and extends along a longitudinal Z-axis (40) downwards from the headgear (2), and the mask is provided with a pre-shaped U-shape that provides a squeezing effect, so that the mask is connected in an air-tight manner to the temple region of the user and downwards due to the local stress in the mask (1) along the Z-axis (40), so that the mask is adaptable to different head profiles along the Z-axis (40) when arranged over the face for providing a passage that can direct an air flow (25) past the eyes, nose and mouth of the user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a face mask for placement in front of a portion of a user's face. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a face mask for placement in front of a portion of a user's face as defined in the description portion of claim 1. Background Technology

[0002] The problem with existing technological solutions is that all lightweight, easy-to-manufacture, and low-cost face masks are primarily designed to protect the wearer from airborne pollutants and liquids directly in front of the user. Therefore, the user must protect themselves from the virus through other means, such as face coverings and others.

[0003] For healthcare workers, such as those battling viruses during a pandemic, the manufacture and use of face protection equipment is particularly complex, and such equipment is costly. Clothing and masks are insulated and heavy, relying on external air supplies or backpack-mounted fans and filtration systems. This limits healthcare workers' ability to perform their care tasks, resulting in lower efficiency and poorer quality of work.

[0004] There is a need for improved, readily available, lightweight, easy-to-use, and inexpensive equipment that protects the user's eyes, nose, and mouth from unwanted airborne components such as pollen, dust, and viruses.

[0005] There is also a need for lightweight, easy-to-manufacture, and easy-to-use equipment for use in healthcare operations during the pandemic. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to alleviate, mitigate, or eliminate one or more of the aforementioned defects and disadvantages in the prior art, and at least to solve the aforementioned problems. According to a first aspect, a face mask is provided for placement in front of a portion of a user's face, the face mask comprising: a fastening device, a headband, wherein the fastening device attaches an upper portion of the face mask to the headband, wherein the face mask is adaptable to the shape of the user's head, the face mask provides a sealing contact with a sideburn area and extends downward along a longitudinal Z-axis from the headband, and the face mask is provided with a pre-formed U-shape that provides a compression effect, thereby causing the face mask to be airtightly connected to the user's sideburn area and downward due to localized stress along the Z-axis within the mask, thus adapting to different head contours along the Z-axis when the face mask is positioned above the face to provide channels for guiding airflow through the user's eyes, nose, and mouth.

[0007] Therefore, a face mask is provided that inherently allows for placement and contact with the sideburn area of ​​a user's head using slight bias pressure through its U-shaped form and generally flat side portions. The U-shaped form provides an inwardly biased compressive force along the Z-axis, causing the U-shaped form to adapt itself to changes in head shape on the side portions and providing a substantially airtight seal between the side portions of the face mask and the corresponding sides of the head.

[0008] According to some implementations, the side portions of the mask are generally flat and parallel to the sides of the user's head from the temples down, thereby maintaining flexibility and adaptability to head shapes that vary along the Z-axis.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the mask has a curved shape around its longitudinal axis, the curved shape being maintained by having one or more longitudinal pleats extending upward from the bottom portion of the mask.

[0010] The U-shaped form can be achieved through a vacuum forming process, a thermoforming process, or pre-molding, resulting in longitudinal folds / wrinkles extending upwards from the bottom portion of the mask. The creases and width of the folds can affect the number of folds required to achieve the desired extrusion effect of the U-shape. A favorable number of folds is two, which can also define each side portion. Any number of folds can be used, where, in some cases, a trade-off is made between glare and a less biased extrusion effect.

[0011] Therefore, it is possible to customize variations in head and facial shape for better fit.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the face mask is made of one or more of the following: transparent material, translucent material, polymer / plastic, pressure-formed polymer / plastic, transparent or translucent glass, transparent or translucent fiber, and transparent or translucent composite material.

[0013] However, completely transparent materials usually provide the best visibility for indoor use, and when using special thin anti-glare plastic materials, the result may be that the mask becomes almost invisible.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the headgear includes an air supply device and an air distribution device, the air distribution device being used to deliver air from the air supply device to the forehead area, and when the air supply device is activated, air is delivered downward from the forehead area across the user's face.

[0015] The invention of the aforementioned face mask is intended to combine the face mask with a head-mounted air supply device, thereby providing airflow over the user's eyes, nose, and mouth. The air supply device advantageously provides a supply of purified air.

[0016] According to some implementation methods, the air supply equipment is an air purification equipment.

[0017] By enabling the air supply device to purify the air supplied to the mask, the present invention can also, in some embodiments, provide a clean air supply instead of the air in the environment that is normally supplied via compressed air, bottled air, or hoses.

[0018] According to some implementations, the mask extends downwards across the user's cheeks, and one or more filter strips are attached to the inside of the bottom portion of the mask, thus providing the effect of capturing aerosols from the user's exhaled air.

[0019] Therefore, the device offers the following advantage: it can filter the user's exhaled air before releasing it into the environment.

[0020] According to some embodiments, a front outlet device is formed, which is configured to distribute air from an air supply device in a semi-laminar manner along the width of the user's forehead and behind the upper portion of the mask, thereby diverting air with a high CO2 content away from the area in front of the eyes, nose and mouth, wherein a fastening device attaches the mask to a headband behind the upper portion of the mask.

[0021] By using a supply device to distribute the supply air over a large area along the width of the user's face, the air velocity can be reduced and ventilation decreased, thereby protecting the user's eyes from dryness and providing comfort in the facial area.

[0022] According to some implementations, the front outlet device includes a plurality of outlet nozzles / output orifices distributed along the front outlet device.

[0023] Therefore, it enhances the ability to control the airflow path.

[0024] According to some implementations, the outlet nozzles / outlet orifices are distributed in lateral and outward extending areas to increase the air outlet area.

[0025] According to some implementations, the outlet nozzle / output orifice is distributed in an area extending outward from the innermost position at the minimum distance d from the forehead above the eyes, so that the airflow has less ventilation close to the eyes.

[0026] According to some implementations, a frame is provided along some portions of the mask to enhance the shape fit of the mask as it is compressed around the user's facial area in an offset enclosure manner.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the air purification device includes: a motor, an impeller, wherein the impeller is rotated by the motor, and a rotary filter rotatably connected to the impeller and / or the motor.

[0028] According to some implementations, the rotary filter is a pleated filter.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the impeller includes a plurality of fan blades arranged radially extending from a central cone having a tapering shape toward a first air inlet side, and the fan blades being configured to provide an axial flow fan at the air inlet side, such that air is set to move in a rotational flow mode, and the fan blades being configured to provide a radial flow fan toward the circumferential outlet side of the impeller, such that air is pushed toward a rotary-connected filter and has a nearly uniform distribution along the Z direction in the filter's inlet passage.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the air distribution device is formed in such a way as to enclose a circumferential outlet around the impeller and filter, and the air distribution device also includes a duct that forms a channel for allowing air to flow from the enclosure surrounding the impeller and filter toward and through the front outlet device to the forehead area of ​​the user.

[0031] According to some implementations, the air purification device is arranged inside the headgear.

[0032] Therefore, the advantage is that the air purifier is positioned with the air outlet close to the user's face and does not require long supply cords or backpack straps. This significantly enhances mobility and usability.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the air filter has a cylindrical shape, and according to the relationship Gu = f h *p r / (2*r o *ε ^1 / 4 Further design > 0.8, where the Gu number is related to a function based on and taking into account key customer needs such as CADR, dB, product size, functionality, and cost, where p r = Fold height / Fold spacing, where fold spacing is the distance between the tops of two adjacent folds on the inner radius, and ε is the ASHRAE efficiency.

[0034] The efficiency provided by these form factors, combined with the impeller / filter rotation connection, offers unprecedented efficiency and enables the filtration of sufficient air volume in an acceptable low-weight and low-noise design.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the height of the air filter is between 10 mm and 30 mm and the outer diameter is between 65 mm and 105 mm, and more advantageously, the height of the air filter is between 20 mm and 30 mm and the outer diameter is between 75 mm and 95 mm.

[0036] The ideal design would be a filter size of 25mm in height and 85mm in outer diameter, which would have optimal performance based on an acceptable form factor to be achieved inside the headgear.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the fastening device includes a locking / unlocking feature that enables the mask to be attached to and detached from the headgear and thus provides the functionality of a replaceable mask.

[0038] This disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description given below. The detailed description and specific examples disclose preferred embodiments of this disclosure by way of illustration only. It will be understood by those skilled in the art from the guidance in the detailed description that changes and modifications can be made within the scope of this disclosure.

[0039] Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosure herein is not limited to specific components of the described device or steps of the described method, as such devices and methods can vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. It should be noted that, as used in the specification and appended claims, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to indicate the presence of one or more elements, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. Thus, for example, “a unit” or “the unit” can include multiple devices, etc. Furthermore, the words “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and similar terms do not exclude other elements or steps.

[0040] This article uses the term "semi-laminar flow" to describe laminar flow that essentially follows the longitudinal contours of the face.

[0041] The term "headgear" is used to describe any form of cap, strap, cover, visor, helmet, etc., that can be used to properly position the mask of the present invention on the head and in front of the user's face area. The headgear may also include space for fastening devices / custom fittings for air supply equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The above-mentioned objects, as well as other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure, will be more fully understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1A A side view of a face shield installed on a headpiece worn by a user, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0044] Figure 1B and Figure 1C Variations of the face mask with an arched and flatter front connector attached to the headgear are shown, which translate into different angles and glare of the front and side portions, as well as rear offset capability.

[0045] Figure 1D A side view of another embodiment of the invention according to this disclosure is shown.

[0046] Figure 1E It shows from Figure 1D The following is a perspective view of the implementation method.

[0047] Figure 1F and Figure 1G It shows Figure 1D The model of the implementation method.

[0048] Figure 1H The mask shown in Figure 1 includes breathable sponges for support of the chin and jaw area.

[0049] Figure 1I Shown from the inside and below Figure 1D The face mask.

[0050] Figure 2 A side view of a headgear and an air purification device with an internal arrangement according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0051] Figure 3A A front view of a face shield mounted to a headgear according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0052] Figure 3B and 3C A second embodiment of the mask is shown, viewed from the front and above, respectively.

[0053] Figure 4 A side view of a mask having an exhalation filter mounted to a headband, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0054] Figure 5 An inverted perspective view of a mask mounted to a headgear according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0055] Figure 6 An inverted perspective view of a mask mounted to a headgear according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0056] Figure 7 An oblique side cross-sectional perspective view of a headgear according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0057] Figure 8 A side cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a headgear containing an impeller, a filter, and a motor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0058] Figure 9 An inclined top cross-sectional perspective view of a portion of a headgear containing an impeller, a filter, and a motor, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown, with emphasis on a pleated filter configuration.

[0059] Figure 10A The illustration shows a cylindrical pleated filter viewed at an angle.

[0060] Figure 10B It is viewed from above. Figure 10A The filter in the middle, where a portion of the folds is magnified.

[0061] Figure 11A Pressure diagrams for axial-radial impellers and filters are described.

[0062] Figure 11B The figure illustrates the value of the Gu number of the filter according to the present invention.

[0063] Figure 11C This is a specific case study regarding the CADR / L performance of the present invention at 35 dB, which differs from typical prior art.

[0064] Figure 11D This is a specific case study regarding the performance of the present invention and typical prior art at 35 dB in terms of CADR / filter housing volume.

[0065] Figure 12 The corridor effect and column effect are shown when passing through a pleated filter.

[0066] Figure 13 The illustration shows the pleats in a cylindrical filter within an air passage. Detailed Implementation

[0067] This disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are illustrated. However, this disclosure may be implemented in other forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. The disclosed embodiments are provided to fully communicate the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0068] Figure 1A A face shield, installed on a headpiece worn by a user, is shown according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] A first aspect of this disclosure shows a mask 1 for placement in front of a portion of a user's face 30. The mask 1 includes a fastening device 3 and a headband 2, wherein the fastening device 3 attaches the upper portion of the mask 1 to the headband 2. The mask 1 is characterized in that it is adaptable to the head shape of the user 30, provides a sealing contact with the sideburn area and extends downward from the headband 2 along a longitudinal Z-axis 40, and has a pre-formed U-shape that provides a compression effect, thereby allowing the mask to be airtightly connected to the user's sideburn area and downward due to localized stress along the Z-axis 40 in the mask 1. Thus, when the mask is placed above the face to provide a passage for guiding airflow 25 through the user's eyes, nose and mouth, it adapts to different head contours along the Z-axis 40.

[0070] The inward-directing force biased against the side portions due to the pre-formed U-shape can vary, but need not be strong, because the primary purpose is to provide a channel for airflow from the headgear above the user's eyes, nose, and mouth, and when this flow is provided, the natural flow is downward and out at the lower end of the mask. Overpressure will suppress inflow along the side portions of the mask, even if the side portions do not fully contact the sides of the head at small segments along the Z-axis.

[0071] Figure 1B The diagram shows the connection between the mask and the headgear at an arched 55, and the radius of the arc can be adjusted to compensate for glare if needed. Figure 1C As shown, the arc 65 connection is almost flat, and glare will be more or less completely compensated. The mask design can be adapted to those preferred environmental conditions. The arc design of the mask will also affect the fold angles α' and α' of the side sections, and thus the bias force of the side sections. This is also an important factor in choosing a mask form that is easy to use and can maintain a leak-proof space in front of the user's face for clean airflow.

[0072] Because glare can distort the user's vision, and especially glare that occurs inside the transparent elements, these transparent elements are arranged at acute angles. Figure 1D , Figure 1E , Figure 1F , Figure 1G and Figure 1H The figure illustrates another advantageous embodiment of the invention to mitigate this glare effect.

[0073] Unexpectedly, when the mask 1 is formed with a continuous arc shape above the upper portion 16 in front of the eyes and the longitudinal pleats 6” are arranged only in the lower portion 16' of the mask 1, the lateral pressure on the sides of the mask 1 can be maintained throughout the entire mask height, but almost all glare disappears. Therefore, the mask in front of the vertical β field of view and the horizontal β' field of view is provided with a uniform arch shape 55' extending from the outer distal left portion to the outer distal right portion in the upper portion 16 of the mask 1. The field of view seen from the user's eyes therefore has an unobstructed field of view taking into account any longitudinal pleats 6”.

[0074] Furthermore, the side portions 5, 5' of the mask 1 are configured with a mask width 17 long enough to extend in the user's rearward direction past the jawline / ear. When the lower portion 16' of the mask 1 has a longitudinally pleated 6" fold, the effect is that the mask 1 will provide light pressure on the sides, angled towards the jaw, cheeks, and temples, and towards these parts of the face. When the upper portion 16 of the mask 1 does not have the longitudinally pleated 6" fold, the side portions 5, 5' of the mask 1 will bend outward 19, thus maintaining pressure relative to the jaw, cheeks, and temples. At the same time, the rear portion of the side portions 5, 5' of the mask 1 will tend to bend away from the side of the user's head. Therefore, the mask 1 maintains a firm contact with the side of the head, but without any sharp edges touching the head. Only the inner side of the outwardly curved side portions 5, 5' of the mask 1 contacts the side of the head.

[0075] Advantageously, when the upper portion 16 of the mask 1 is as wide as possible and the front portion is more straight, even less glare will be maintained. Therefore, the cross section 16” of the upper portion of the mask can be set in an elliptical form within the eye's field of vision β, β'.

[0076] like Figure 1H As shown, the breathable sponge / pad 13', horizontally positioned at the lower part of the user's chin and jaw, provides a filter and prevents backflow of air. If the breathable sponge / pad 13' is correctly installed by the user, the permeable sponge / pad 13' will ensure that the environment behind the mask 1 is slightly overpressured compared to the surrounding air outside the mask 1. Therefore, no air will enter the breathing space from below.

[0077] The width of the longitudinal pleats 6” of the 16” face mask portion can taper towards the lower end of the face mask. This is in Figure 1IAs illustrated, the tapering angle of the longitudinal pleats 6” ensures that the side portions of the mask will bend outward and maintain pressure along the entire side of the head.

[0078] The length of the mask can be varied, and even if the mask is not extended to be significantly below the user's eye and nose height, it can still provide good protection for the eyes, nose, and mouth through airflow. Optimal protection will be achieved with the mask extending along the Z-direction to below cheek height.

[0079] If the side portions l', l" of the mask are generally flat and parallel to the side of the user's head 30 from the temples down, optimal contact with the side of the head is achieved, thus maintaining flexibility and adaptability to head shapes that vary along the Z-axis.

[0080] As shown in the figure, the mask 1 has a curved shape around its longitudinal axis 40, wherein the curvature is maintained by having one or more longitudinal pleats 6, 6' extending upward from the bottom portion of the mask 1. The one or more longitudinal pleats 6, 6' may extend along the entire longitudinal length of the mask or may not extend along the entire longitudinal length of the mask. The biasing force that holds the sides of the mask relative to the sideburn area of ​​the user's head can be adequately provided, for example, by the pleats 6, 6' formed only in the lower half or lower third of the mask.

[0081] The fold angles α', α” and sharpness of the folded section can be varied separately in terms of thickness, crease width, and pre-strain orientation. This can also be used to adjust the variation of the bias force along the Z-axis of the mask as needed. The sharpness of the folded section can be maximized by minimizing the crease width and crease thickness.

[0082] Although the accompanying drawings show a face mask preformed by longitudinally pleated folds 6, 6', a face mask 1 in the form provided by one of vacuum forming, thermoforming, or pre-molding is also within the scope of the invention. This means that the face mask can be adapted to an individual head shape, or can provide an inwardly pointing offset of the side portions 5, 5' along the Z-axis as required by the individual. For example Figure 3B As illustrated, one such shape can be a U-shape with a semi-circular central portion and straight or slightly narrowed side portions. Figure 3B The image shows a cross-section of this version of the mask.

[0083] The face shield 1 of the present invention is generally used to protect personnel and workers, and it is foreseeable that most embodiments will provide a completely transparent material with no obstruction. However, it should be considered within the scope of the inventive concept that providing a semi-transparent face shield for use, for example, in certain industrial or military applications, is advantageous, for example, in reducing light. Therefore, the face shield can be provided in one or more of the following ways:

[0084] -Transparent materials

[0085] - Semi-transparent material

[0086] -Polymers / Plastics

[0087] - Pressure-formed polymers / plastics

[0088] -Thermoformed polymers / plastics

[0089] - Transparent or translucent glass

[0090] - Transparent or translucent fibers

[0091] - Transparent or semi-transparent composite materials.

[0092] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mask is configured to connect to a headband 2, an air supply device, and an air distribution device 10 for delivering air from the air supply device to the forehead region, and when the air supply device is activated, air is delivered downwards 25 from the forehead region across the face of the user 30. The accompanying drawings illustrate an air supply device implemented in the headband, but it is foreseeable that the air supply module may be arranged separately or partially separately and connected to the headband and the air supply device, for example, via an air supply channel (not shown), or powered by a power line connected to a separately arranged power source.

[0093] When people are in a toxic / polluted environment, the surrounding air may contain viruses, pollen or allergens, industrial pollution, or other substances. In such an environment, the air supply device of the present invention can be provided as an air purification device 50, such as... Figure 2 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9The various embodiments illustrated herein. Air purification device 50 may include a motor 9 and impellers 7, 7'. Impellers 7, 7' are rotated by motor 9, and the air purification device may also include a rotating filter 8 rotatably connected to impellers 7, 7' and / or motor 9. Motor 9 may have an integrated power source, such as a rechargeable battery or a replaceable battery. In the case of using a rechargeable battery, a connector (not shown) for insertion into a charging device may be provided. Rechargeable or disposable / replaceable batteries may alternatively be arranged within a headgear (not shown), a carrier (not shown) on a backpack, or other location.

[0094] The face mask 1 of the present invention can be provided in variations of the embodiments, and as follows Figure 4 The example embodiment uses a mask that extends downward over the cheeks of the user 30, wherein one or more filter strips 13 may be attached to the inside of the bottom portion of the mask, and thus provide the effect of filtering out aerosols from the user 30's exhaled air.

[0095] Within the inventive concept of this invention is a face mask with varying lengths in the Z direction, wherein the aim is to provide a continuous flow of clean air supply formed in the user's forehead area and extending downward through the eyes, nose, and mouth. With a sufficient volume of air supplied, for example, 1 to 3 liters per second. It is conceivable that even if the face mask only covers a portion of the face, for example from the headband down to below the user's eyes, the user can avoid or reduce allergic reactions.

[0096] Alternatively, the invention could be provided with replaceable face masks, allowing face masks of various lengths, shapes, and materials to be used and adapted to the specific needs of the user.

[0097] In one embodiment of the invention, a front outlet device 4 is formed, which is configured to distribute air from the air supply device / air purification device 50 in a semi-laminar flow along the width of the user 30’s forehead and behind the upper portion of the mask—the fastening device attaches the mask to the headband behind the upper portion of the mask—so that air with a high CO2 content is transferred from the area in front of the eyes, nose and mouth using the fresh air flowing from the outlet device 4.

[0098] The front outlet device 4 can be provided in variations of form and design, and in one embodiment, the front outlet device includes a plurality of outlet nozzles / outlet orifices distributed along the front outlet device. The design / form of the outlet nozzles / outlet orifices can allow the airflow 25 to be directed, for example, outward or laterally, to avoid ventilation, or to boost airflow in a specific area or to streamline the flow across the user's face.

[0099] In this invention, one objective is to maximize the area of ​​airflow in the cross-sectional region between the interior of the mask 1 and the user's face, and thus provide a large airflow that is not perceived as ventilation or blowing, as ventilation or blowing can cause discomfort to the user and, for example, eye strain while running. One effect provided to achieve this flow pattern is that the outlet nozzles / outlet orifices are arranged in a laterally and outwardly extending area to increase the air outlet area behind the upper portion of the mask, and a fastening device attaches the mask to the headband behind the upper portion of the mask.

[0100] In another embodiment, the outlet nozzle / output orifice is distributed over an area extending outward from the innermost position at a minimum distance d from the forehead portion above the eyes, so that the airflow has less ventilation close to the eyes.

[0101] Even when a self-biased form of the face mask is provided by setting the mask in an offset manner, it is within the inventive concept of the present invention that a frame (not shown) arranged along the periphery of the face mask is provided to enhance the shape-fit characteristics of the face mask that compresses around the user's face area in an offset enclosure manner. Such a frame can also be used in implementations intended for use in harsh environments, such as outdoor extreme weather scenarios, for firefighters, riot control personnel, or other situations.

[0102] Pleated filters can be replaced or added with carbon filters (not shown) to block unwanted gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

[0103] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the rotary filter 8 is a pleated filter.

[0104] Therefore, this invention provides a significant filtration effect that influences the power consumption resulting from propelling both dust particles and air into the rotating pleated filter. Compared to air supply systems that combine a fan with a static filter, turbulent hydrodynamic energy loss or fan loss is virtually eliminated. Consequently, power consumption is significantly reduced. Power consumption is reduced by 40% to 90% compared to products with similar functionality and size.

[0105] The following description details how rotating pleated filters enhance the transmission of air molecules through the filter, and how this effect is achieved by… Figures 10A to 13 The details are shown in the diagram.

[0106] exist Figure 11A The image shows a half-cross-section of a rotating filter and an axial-radial impeller blade, where the airflow 2010 establishes a radial pressure p as it passes through the impeller. Ideally, this conforms to: p = 0.5 * ρ * ω 2 *(r o2 -r a 2 ), where r i It is the inner radius of the pleated filter. a ρ is the characteristic radius, which depends on the inflow radius of each streamline, and more specifically, where the deformed impeller results in a greater radial pressure than axial pressure. ρ is the air density, and ω is the angular frequency. Figure 11A The radius r is defined in the middle. o and r a However, actual pressure fields are more complex and difficult to represent useful relationships with simple analytical expressions.

[0107] The pressure zone can be simplified into the following parts:

[0108] 1) Axial-radial pressure establishment zone.

[0109] 2) Radial rotational pressure.

[0110] 3) Pressure distribution in the filter.

[0111] 4) Rotate to release the pressure in the air.

[0112] exist Figure 11A The bottom of the figure shows a phenomenological representation of how the tangential average pressure is distributed radially. However, the actual pressure varies considerably depending on how both the blades and pleats in the filter accelerate and decelerate radially around the axis of rotation 41. The shaping of the impeller blades results in a uniform distribution in the Z direction and around the circumference of the axis of rotation 41. The figure also illustrates how the discharge velocity and rotational field represent the suction effect on air molecules discharged from the pleated filter.

[0113] exist Figure 12 In the diagram, we can see an exaggerated example of streamlines through a pleated filter under both static and rotating conditions, and how the slow-moving air molecules accumulated in a static filter increase the pressure drop relative to a rotating filter, where:

[0114] I. (Discovered) Gallery Effect: Air molecules entering the exhaust channel perpendicularly are partially accelerated by the high-speed core flow (B), which in turn is accelerated by the high pressure at the bottom of the exhaust channel under static conditions. This pressure increase compared to the parallel flow condition can therefore be attributed to the gallery effect. As the pleated filter rotates, centrifugal force pulls / accelerates the newly fed air molecules along with the column and core, allowing for a lower core velocity to exhaust the same amount of air. The gallery effect then decreases, resulting in a more uniform velocity distribution at the outlet, thus reducing the pressure drop in the exhaust channel. Efficiency improves as viscous and kinetic energy losses in the exhaust jet (A) decrease. The gallery effect becomes even more significant in narrow exhaust channels and high medium velocities.

[0115] II. Column Effect (Discovered) During Rotation: Centrifugal force helps draw the filter into the entire column, thus reducing the actual pressure accumulated along the discharge channel. Given the correct pleat geometry, rotating a pleated filter achieves a more uniform pressure, which, compared to a static pleated filter, encourages more flow through the innermost part of the discharge channel. This results in more uniform flow, and this reduces the pressure differential across the filter media. Although the pressure drop in the inlet channel is not discussed, it is important for understanding the overall situation.

[0116] III. The column effect during rotation and the result of reduced gallery effect: More flow can enter at a smaller radius at the bottom of the discharge channel A'. The filter uses a more uniform B', thus reducing the media pressure differential. The core velocity in the discharge channel is reduced, therefore requiring less pressure to accelerate the core C'. This reduces the pressure deep within the discharge channel and promotes flow through the filter media at a low R. Since air is discharged at a lower velocity, dynamic losses in the discharge channel are reduced.

[0117] exist Figure 13 The invention illustrates how the cylindrical shape of a pleated filter facilitates a wider outlet channel than the inlet channel, a result of bending the pleated filter in a curved, cylindrical shape. The invention assumes that, since the pressure drop in the outlet pleated channel is greater than that in the inlet pleated channel of the same size, it is advantageous to direct the flow in the cylindrical filter in the opposite direction to that of conventionally used cylindrical filters, where air flows from the outside of the filter to the inside. Furthermore, the advantages of rotary pleated filters become particularly pronounced when other known positive effects present in rotary pleated filters are added.

[0118] IV. Cylindrical shape: The widened discharge channel reduces the discharge velocity. Pressure build-up and the corridor effect are further reduced.

[0119] V. Rotation outside the discharge channel promotes suction and reduces the final discharge velocity, thus reducing energy loss. This increases the system's efficiency.

[0120] Regarding Figure 11 to Figure 13 Some or all of the features discussed are irrelevant to the implementation configuration of the pleated filter.

[0121] Reference Figure 10A and Figure 10B , Figure 10A and Figure 10B A pleated filter with a cylindrical shape is shown.

[0122] The filter of the present invention provides an inner radius r of the filter. i With outer radius r o Between and inner radius r i The length f along the rotation axis 41 of the filter h A specific ratio between them. If the inner radius r i If the RPM is too high and the incoming air impacts the pleats too violently, energy is wasted in turbulence and noise without building pressure. In this case, to obtain sufficient centrifugal drive pressure to overcome the pressure drop of the filter, the outer radius r... o It can be made larger; however, since the tangential discharge velocity is proportional to r, this results in excessive energy input into the rotating exhaust air. On the other hand, the pleated filter has too small an inner radius r. i This results in a smaller inlet area leading to the channels in the pleated filter, leading to a higher airflow velocity. This makes it difficult to access the inlet for feeding the filter section, resulting in uneven filter usage. The same negative effect of the higher airflow velocity can be seen when air is supplied from only one opening in the filter. Another negative effect of using a single opening is that the filter requires greater motor torque to maintain performance, which in turn requires a larger and more expensive motor.

[0123] The usefulness of different implementations of the rotating pleated filter depends on a series of metrics or parameters that may have different weights for different implementations. Product size is important in situations where available space is very limited, such as in current headgear. Other important parameters are noise and Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). Following a thorough study of the range of available prior art air purifiers and the complex physics that underpins the potential of rotating pleated filters, it has been found that a new relationship can be defined that unexpectedly describes the usefulness of the rotating pleated filter of the present invention very well.

[0124] To ensure proper operation without the addition of other functional pressure-enhancing components, rotate the r-shaped filter. i r o fold spacing p s Filtration efficiency ε and height f h The relationship between them can be represented by a dimensionless number, which is denoted here as the Gu number. This number also applies to rotary pleated filters used in ventilation systems.

[0125] This relationship is based on phenomena and experience and was obtained through CDF (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations, 3D printing, measurements of multiple models, and testing of different filters. The Gu number is defined as:

[0126] Gu number≡f h *p r / (2*r o *ε 1 / 4 )

[0127] Where, r o This can represent the radius created by external pressure across alternative filters, such as a carbon filter. r By (r o -r i ) / p s Define, where p s This refers to the fold spacing. The accuracy of the Gu number is more precise across the increasing usefulness range; however, as the system scales up, the boundary layer needs to be considered more appropriately to achieve better accuracy. These considerations will be investigated as the invention progresses. It is speculated that systems smaller than those tested will perform poorly. In practice, larger filters also perform poorly due to the inconvenience of rotating very heavy filters. As the Gu number becomes higher, exceeding 10, it becomes more difficult to interpret usefulness based on which parameter is changed and how observers perceive the effects of these changes. This variation may be related to how observers perceive product size and how they perceive different levels of noise. Furthermore, the level and type of contamination in the environment in which the invention is used will also have an impact, typically ranging from 2 to 4 or higher.

[0128] The Gu number takes into account the fluid dynamics of each relevant parameter, but isolating or addressing in any way why and how these parameters contribute to isolation and thus application is not trivial. The conclusion, or statement, reached through best efforts, is that each parameter works well over a relatively wide range. This relationship applies to filtration efficiencies from 20% to well above 90%.

[0129] In order to demonstrate the unique positive effects of the rotating pleated filter, it is necessary to... Figure 11B Experiments were conducted within the range shown. Outside this range, where Gu ≤ 0.8, it is impossible to explore any benefits due to the high noise per CADR. In the prior art, the effects discussed and assumed above have not been validated, and pleated filters have consistently operated at Gu numbers below 0.8. Furthermore, prior art implementations have consistently operated at excessively high RPMs without taking into account the aforementioned relationships, or even discussing any such relationships, and manufacturers have directed their thinking and development in other directions, leaving hidden potential undiscovered.

[0130] This invention claims protection for the following range:

[0131] Gu>0.8.

[0132] Therefore, embodiments of the present invention are provided, wherein the air filter has a cylindrical shape, and according to the relation Gu = f h *p r / (2*r o *ε ^1 / 4 Further design > 0.8, where the Gu number is related to a function based on and taking into account key customer needs such as CADR, dB, product size, functionality, and cost, where p r =r o -r i / pleat spacing p s And the fold spacing p s Let the inner radius be r i The distance between the tops of two adjacent folds, and ε is the ASHRAE efficiency.

[0133] In another embodiment of the invention, filter 42 is configured such that Gu>1.2.

[0134] In another embodiment of the invention, filter 42 is configured such that Gu>1.5.

[0135] Impellers 7 and 7' may include a plurality of fan blades arranged radially extending from a central cone 12, the central cone 12 having a tapering shape toward the first air inlet 20, and the fan blades being configured to provide an axial flow fan 7' at the air inlet side. Therefore, air is configured to move in a rotational flow mode 21, and the fan blades are configured to provide a radial flow fan 7' toward the circumferential outlet side of the impeller, such that air is pushed 21 and 22 toward the rotary-connected filters 8 and 42 and has a nearly uniform distribution along the Z-direction in the filter inlet passage. The central cone 12 ensures that air is uniformly distributed outward along the height h of the rotary filter.

[0136] Another feature of the invention is an air distribution device 10, which is formed in a manner 11 such that it surrounds the impellers 7, 7' and the filter 8 with a circumferential outlet enclosure. The air distribution device 10 also includes ducts 14, 10, which form channels for allowing air to flow from the enclosure surrounding the impellers 7, 7' and the filters 8, 42 toward and through the front outlet devices 23, 24 to the forehead area of ​​the user 30. In this way, all exhaust air 23 from the rotating filter is collected and directed toward the front outlet device 24.

[0137] like Figure 2 As illustrated in the figure, in one embodiment of the invention, an air lamination mesh 70 is provided distributed along the impeller side of the front outlet device 4 to facilitate better distribution of airflow on the front outlet device 4. The air lamination mesh 70 may be a closely spaced metal alloy, cloth, filter material, or other material, including a mesh integrated with or within the front outlet device 4. The air lamination mesh can further improve airflow and suppress turbulent airflow within the airflow.

[0138] In a typical embodiment of the invention, the height of the air filter is between 15 mm and 35 mm, and the outer diameter is between 65 mm and 105 mm; more advantageously, the height of the air filter is between 20 mm and 30 mm, and the outer diameter is between 75 mm and 95 mm. In the most advantageous design, a filter size of 25 mm in height and 85 mm in outer diameter is used, which will have optimal performance according to an acceptable form factor to be implemented inside the headgear. These ranges and combinations of dimensions are merely exemplary, and the inventive concept can have other dimensions, wherein external factors permit or limit such other dimensions.

[0139] As briefly discussed above, the fastening device 3 includes a locking / unlocking feature (not shown) that enables the mask 1 to be attached to and detached from the headgear and thus provides the functionality of a replaceable mask 1.

[0140] Those skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. They will also recognize that modifications and variations can be made within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the motor, impeller, and filter remote control for housing the headgear may be connected to a power source carried on the side using a connector (not shown) and cable. Furthermore, based on a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed disclosure.

Claims

1. A face mask (1) for placement in front of a portion of a user's (30) face, said face mask (1) comprising: Fastening device, Headgear (2), wherein the fastening device (3) attaches the upper portion of the mask (1) to the headgear (2). in, The face mask (1) is adaptable to the head shape of the user (30), the face mask (1) provides a sealed contact with the temple area and extends downward from the headband (2) along the longitudinal Z-axis (40), and The mask (1) is provided with a pre-formed U-shape, which provides a squeezing effect, thereby allowing the mask to be airtightly connected to the user's sideburn area and downward due to localized stress along the Z-axis (40) in the mask (1). Therefore, the mask (1) adapts to different head contours along the Z-axis (40) when positioned above the face to provide a channel for guiding airflow (25) through the user's eyes, nose, and mouth. The mask (1) is characterized in that, The mask (1) has a curved shape around the Z-axis (40) of the mask (1), which is maintained by having one or more longitudinal pleats (6'') arranged in the lower portion (16') of the mask (1), such that the vertical β field of view and the horizontal β' field of view through the mask are not disturbed by any of the pleats and thereby minimize glare and enhance the side compression effect.

2. The face mask (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The side portion (1', 1") of the mask is generally flat and runs parallel to the side of the user's head from the temples down, thus maintaining flexibility and adaptability for head shapes that vary along the Z-axis.

3. The face mask according to claim 1, wherein, The face mask (1) has a form provided by one of a vacuum forming process, a thermoforming process or a pre-molding process.

4. The face mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The mask is made of a completely transparent or semi-transparent material.

5. The face mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The headgear (2) includes an air supply device and an air distribution device (10), the air distribution device (10) being used to deliver air from the air supply device to the forehead area, and when the air supply device is activated, air is delivered from the forehead area down across the face of the user (30).

6. The face mask according to claim 5, wherein, The air supply equipment is an air purification device (50).

7. The face mask (1) according to claim 5, wherein, The mask (1) extends downward over the user's (30) cheek, and one or more filter strips (13) are attached to the inside of the bottom portion of the mask, thus providing the effect of filtering out aerosols from the user's (30) exhaled air.

8. The face mask (1) according to claim 6, wherein, A front outlet device (4) is formed, the front outlet device (4) being configured to distribute air from the air supply device along the width of the user's (30) forehead in a laminar flow manner substantially following the longitudinal contour of the face and behind the upper portion of the mask (1), such that air with a high CO2 content is transferred from the area in front of the eyes, nose and mouth, wherein the fastening device attaches the mask (1) to the headband behind the upper portion of the mask (1).

9. The face mask (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The front outlet device (4) includes an air lamination network (70) distributed along the front outlet device (4).

10. The face mask (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The front outlet device (4) includes a plurality of outlet nozzles / output orifices distributed along the front outlet device.

11. The face mask (1) according to claim 10, wherein, The outlet nozzles / output orifices are distributed in a laterally and outwardly extending area to increase the air outlet area behind the upper portion of the mask, wherein the fastening device attaches the mask to the headgear behind the upper portion of the mask.

12. The face mask (1) according to claim 11, wherein, The outlet nozzles / output orifices are distributed in an area extending outward from the innermost position at a minimum distance d from the forehead region above the eyes, so that the airflow has less ventilation close to the eyes.

13. The face mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, A frame is provided along some sections of the mask to enhance the shape fit of the mask as it is compressed around the user's face in an offset enclosure manner.

14. The face mask (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein, The air purification device (50) includes: Motor (9) power supply, The impeller (7, 7') rotated by the motor (9), and A rotary filter is rotatably connected to the impeller (7, 7').

15. The face mask (1) according to claim 14, wherein, The rotary filter is a pleated filter.

16. The face mask (1) according to claim 14, wherein, The impeller (7, 7') includes a plurality of fan blades arranged radially extending from a central cone (12), the central cone (12) having a tapering shape toward the first air inlet (20), and the fan blades being configured to provide an axial flow fan (7') on the first air inlet side, such that air is set to move in a rotational flow mode (21), and the fan blades being configured to provide a radial flow fan (7') toward the circumferential outlet side of the impeller, such that air is pushed toward a rotatably connected rotary filter (21, 22) and has a nearly uniform distribution along the Z direction in the inlet channel of the rotary filter.

17. The face mask (1) according to claim 16, wherein, The air distribution device (10) is formed in a manner (11) enclosing the circumferential outlet of the impeller (7, 7') and the rotary filter, and the air distribution device (10) further includes a duct (14, 10) that forms a channel for allowing air to flow from the enclosure surrounding the impeller (7, 7') and the rotary filter toward and through the front outlet device (4) (23, 24) to the forehead area of ​​the user (30).

18. The face mask (1) according to claim 15, wherein, The pleated filter has a cylindrical shape.

19. The face mask (1) according to claim 18, wherein, The height of the pleated filter is between 10 mm and 30 mm and the outer diameter is between 65 mm and 105 mm.

20. The face mask (1) according to claim 19, wherein, The height of the pleated filter is between 15 mm and 25 mm and the outer diameter is between 75 mm and 95 mm.

21. The face mask (1) according to claim 20, wherein, The height of the pleated filter is 25 mm, and the outer diameter of the pleated filter is 85 mm.

22. The face mask (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The fastening device (3) includes a locking / unlocking feature that enables the mask (1) to be attached to and detached from the headgear and thus provides the function of a replaceable mask (1).

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