Monitoring module for a face mask and face mask device

Abstract

Monitoring module (6) for arrangement on a face mask, wherein the face mask is designed as a face half mask and has one or more paper layers and / or one or more fabric layers for covering a mouth and nose area of ​​a user and the monitoring module (6) is mechanically coupleable with the face mask and comprises the following: - an electronic circuit (61) for monitoring the use of the mouth and nose protection, - at least one first sensor element (681) arranged and configured on the face mask to provide a sensor signal suitable for detecting the breathing processes of a user, wherein the at least one first sensor element (681) - is designed and configured as a temperature sensor element to provide a sensor signal that is representative of the temperature of air located between a facial surface in the mouth and nose area of ​​the user and the mouth and nose protection, or - is designed and configured as a humidity sensor element to provide a sensor signal that is representative of the humidity of the air located between a facial surface in the mouth and nose area of ​​the user and the mouth and nose protection, or - is designed and configured as a pressure sensor element to provide a sensor signal that is representative of the air pressure of the air located between a facial surface in the mouth and nose area of ​​the user and the mouth and nose protection, or - is designed and configured as a carbon dioxide gas sensor element to provide a sensor signal representative of a carbon dioxide concentration in the air located between a facial surface in the mouth and nose area of ​​the user and the protective element of the mouth and nose protection, or - is designed and configured as a sound transducer sensor element to provide a sensor signal that is representative of a breath sound and / or exhalation sound of the user of the mouth and nose protection device or - is designed and configured as a thermal conductivity sensor element to provide a sensor signal representative of the thermal conductivity of the air located between a facial surface in the mouth and nose area of ​​the user and the protective element of the mouth and nose covering, and - a power supply unit (64) for at least the electronic circuit (61), wherein the power supply unit (64) comprises a solid-state accumulator without electrolytes.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a monitoring module for a face mask and a face mask device comprising a face mask and the monitoring module.

[0002] Medical face masks and makeshift mouth and nose masks are a tool to reduce the transmission of pathogens to others via respiratory droplets. They serve to protect others. Depending on the design, filtering facepiece respirators also protect against the inhalation of particles and aqueous or oily aerosols.

[0003] Such masks lose their effectiveness when they become damp. For medical masks, for example, it is recommended that they be disposed of and replaced after each use, if necessary, after a maximum of eight hours in the case of multiple uses, or as soon as they become damp. Depending on their classification, filtering half masks are designed for an eight-hour work shift or for reuse.

[0004] For makeshift face masks, the recommendation is that they should be removed and replaced as soon as they become damp and, ideally, after a maximum of one day. Since it is difficult for users of such half-masks to assess the moisture level, the only concrete recommendation available is to change the mask after a certain period of time. However, changing masks too frequently is costly and environmentally harmful. Conversely, changing masks too infrequently poses a health risk.

[0005] GB 2 540 444 A discloses a respiratory mask management system.

[0006] EP 3 124 083 A1 discloses an intelligent mask, a method and a device for calculating a pollutant absorption quantity.

[0007] CN 107 308 563 A discloses a mask and a method and a device to remind a user to replace a filter element of the mask.

[0008] CN 106 723 513 B discloses a contamination monitoring mask with a micro weighing sensor and a power module.

[0009] The object underlying the invention is to provide a cost-effective and easily reusable monitoring module for a face mask and a face mask device that enables a user of the face mask to receive a needs-based indication to replace the face mask.

[0010] The problem is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are characterized in the dependent claims.

[0011] According to a first aspect, the invention is characterized by a monitoring module for arrangement on a face mask, wherein the face mask is designed as a half-face mask and comprises one or more layers of paper and / or one or more layers of fabric for covering the mouth and nose area of ​​a user. The monitoring module includes an electronic circuit for monitoring the use of the face mask. Furthermore, the monitoring module comprises a power supply unit for at least the electronic circuit, wherein the power supply unit comprises a solid-state battery without electrolytes. The monitoring module is mechanically coupled to the face mask, in particular detachably mechanically coupled.

[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment according to the first aspect, the monitoring module has a wireless communication interface configured to transmit the first and / or second reminder signal provided by the processing unit to a designated terminal device. This enables convenient reminders for the user. Complex evaluation of the reminder signal for user-friendly visual, acoustic, and / or haptic signaling of the reminder can be handled by the terminal device.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment according to the first aspect, the monitoring module includes a charging unit for charging the solid-state battery. This allows the solid-state battery to have a smaller energy storage capacity and thus be significantly smaller.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment according to the first aspect, the charging unit has a passive charging port.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment according to the first aspect, the charging unit includes an energy harvester. An energy harvester within the meaning of the invention is designed to extract small amounts of electrical energy from a source such as ambient temperature, vibrations, air currents, or radiation energy.

[0016] The monitoring unit has at least one first sensor element, which is configured to provide a sensor signal suitable for detecting a user's breathing. This makes it possible, firstly, to detect whether the face mask is being worn and / or to count the breathing cycles in order to determine the wearing time. Furthermore, it allows for an estimation of the moisture penetration of the face mask.

[0017] At least one initial sensor element is - designed and configured as a temperature sensor element to provide a sensor signal representative of the temperature of air located between a facial surface in the mouth and nose area of ​​the user and the mouth and nose protection, or - designed and configured as a humidity sensor element to provide a sensor signal representative of the humidity of the air located between a facial surface in the mouth and nose area of ​​the user and the mouth and nose protection, or - designed and configured as a pressure sensor element to provide a sensor signal representative of the air pressure of the air located between a facial surface in the mouth and nose area of ​​the user and the mouth and nose protection, or - designed and configured as a carbon dioxide gas sensor element to provide a sensor signal representative of a carbon dioxide concentration in the air located between a facial surface in the mouth and nose area of ​​the user and the protective element of the mouth and nose covering, or - designed and configured as a sound transducer sensor element to provide a sensor signal representative of a breath sound and / or exhalation sound of the user of the mouth and nose protection device or - designed and configured as a thermal conductivity sensor element to provide a sensor signal representative of the thermal conductivity of the air located between a facial surface in the mouth and nose area of ​​the user and the protective element of the mouth and nose protection.

[0018] The temperature sensor element allows the detection of temperature differences between inhaled and exhaled air. The humidity sensor element allows the detection of humidity differences between inhaled and exhaled air. The pressure sensor element allows the detection of pressure differences between inhaled and exhaled air. The carbon dioxide gas sensor element allows the detection of carbon dioxide concentration differences between inhaled and exhaled air. The thermal conductivity sensor element allows the detection of thermal conductivity differences between inhaled and exhaled air.

[0019] The monitoring module can use one or more, in particular several different, sensor elements that provide corresponding sensor signals. Evaluating multiple sensor signals makes it possible to utilize a correlated occurrence of the corresponding sensor signals to make the counting of breathing events more robust against environmental influences.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment according to the first aspect, the monitoring module has at least one second sensor element, or the monitoring module is assigned at least one second sensor element, wherein the at least one second sensor element is configured to provide a sensor signal suitable for detecting whether the face mask is positioned in the mouth and nose area of ​​the user or not. This makes it possible, firstly, to detect whether the face mask is being worn and / or to determine the duration of wear.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment according to the first aspect, this is at least a second sensor element. - designed and configured as a pressure sensor element to provide a sensor signal that is representative of the pressure exerted by the mouth and nose covering on the face of the user or - designed and configured as a force sensor element to provide a sensor signal that is representative of a contact force of the mouth and nose protection against a user's face or - designed and configured as a strain sensor element to provide a sensor signal representative of a strain of a band arranged on the face mask and used to fix the face mask to the user's head.

[0022] The pressure sensor element makes it possible to detect contact pressure, for example when positioned in the area of ​​the nasal bone.

[0023] The force sensor element allows, for example, the detection of a contact force when positioned near the nasal bone. The strain sensor element allows the detection of tension in fixation bands.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment according to the first aspect, the monitoring module has a detection unit which is designed to - depending on the sensor signal provided by the first sensor element, to detect a breathing process of the user, and / or - Depending on the sensor signal provided by the second sensor element, it is determined whether the face mask is being worn correctly. This assumes that when the face mask is not being worn, no pressure, force, or tension is exerted on it.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment according to the first aspect, the detection unit is configured to provide a detection signal representing detected breathing events and / or detected putting-on events and / or detected taking-off events and / or detected wearing events of the face mask. The processing unit is configured to receive the detection signal and, depending on the detection signal, to determine the activation signal and / or the counting signal.

[0026] According to a second aspect, the invention is characterized by a mouth-nose protection device comprising a mouth-nose protection device designed as a face half-mask and having one or more layers of paper and / or one or more layers of fabric for covering the mouth-nose area of ​​a user, and a monitoring module according to the first aspect, wherein the monitoring module is arranged on the mouth-nose protection device. Advantageous embodiments of the first aspect also apply to the second aspect.

[0027] The mouth and nose protection device thus makes it possible to recognize the beginning and / or the end of wearing the mouth and nose protection and to indicate the need for a mask change after a predetermined time.

[0028] The mouth and nose protection device thus makes it possible, alternatively or additionally, to count the user's breathing processes into the mouth and nose protection or the putting on and / or taking off of the mouth and nose protection and to indicate a need for a mask change after a certain number of breathing processes.

[0029] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the schematic drawings.

[0030] They show: Fig. 1 an exemplary embodiment of a mouth and nose protection device and Fig. 2 a schematic block diagram of a monitoring module for the mouth and nose protection device.

[0031] Elements of the same construction or function are provided with the same reference symbols across all figures.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a face mask 1. The face mask 1 comprises a face mask and a monitoring module 6. Optionally, the face mask 1 has a barcode and / or quick response code (QR code) 8.

[0033] A face mask can be, for example, a medical face covering. Alternatively, a face mask can be a makeshift face covering or a particle-filtering face covering. A makeshift face covering is a sewn piece of fabric worn over the chin, mouth, and nose. It is usually made of cotton fabric that is sewn in pleats or tailored to fit the shape of the face.

[0034] The face mask in Fig. 1 comprises a protective element 2 and one or more ties or one or more flexible bands, for example, rubber bands 4. The protective element 2 comprises one or more layers of paper and / or one or more layers of non-woven fabric and / or one or more layers of fabric and serves to cover the mouth and nose of a user. The ties allow the protective element 2 to be held in place over the mouth and nose. The ties are, for example, secured at the back of the head or behind the ears.

[0035] Preferably, the protective element 2 is designed such that it covers the nose, mouth and chin of a user.

[0036] The monitoring module 6 is preferably arranged in an edge area of ​​the mouth and nose protection.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the monitoring module 6.

[0038] The monitoring module 6 comprises an electronic circuit 61 and a power supply unit 64 with a solid-state battery. The electronic circuit 61 preferably includes a processing unit. The monitoring module may also include, for example, a wireless communication interface 62 and / or a charging unit 64. In an optional embodiment, the monitoring module 6 includes a sensor unit 68 with at least one sensor element 681, 682 and / or a detection unit. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit 68 can be associated with the monitoring module 6 and, for example, arranged separately from the monitoring module 6 on the face mask.

[0039] The processing unit includes, for example, a microprocessor or a microcontroller. In particular, the processing unit includes a timer and / or a counter. The processing unit is configured, for example, to activate the timer based on a provided activation signal and, if the timer exceeds a predefined time limit, to generate and provide a first reminder signal. Alternatively or additionally, the processing unit is configured, for example, to increment the counter based on a provided counting signal and, if the counter exceeds a predefined number, to generate a second reminder signal.

[0040] The wireless communication interface 62 includes, for example, a Bluetooth interface and / or an infrared interface and / or an ultrasonic interface. For example, the processing unit is configured to control communication via the wireless communication interface 62. The monitoring module 6 is thus configured, for example, to communicate with a specific terminal device, such as a smartphone, an information center, etc., and to send reminder signals and / or reminder messages to the terminal device. The monitoring module 6 is configured, for example, to connect to the terminal device, a process known as pairing. This connection can be used to generate the activation signal for the timer.

[0041] The in Fig.The QR code 8 or barcode shown can, for example, be used to simplify the initialization and activation of the monitoring module 6. For example, the QR code 8 can contain specification data for the face mask and / or product identification, so that a connection can be established by scanning the code.

[0042] The charging unit is used to charge the battery. The charging unit includes, for example, a passive charging port. This passive charging port can be configured for a universal serial bus cable, or it can include a wireless charging pad and / or a power converter. Alternatively or additionally, the charging unit may include, for example, an energy harvesting unit.

[0043] The accumulator is preferably designed as a surface-mounted component.

[0044] The monitoring module 6 preferably comprises a single printed circuit board on which all electronic and electrical components of the monitoring module 6 are arranged. The monitoring module 6 preferably comprises a housing or encapsulation. In particular, the housing can be formed by a fluid-tight potting compound.

[0045] Monitoring module 6 includes, for example, a connecting element that enables a detachable mechanical coupling of the monitoring module 6 to the face mask. The connecting device includes, for example, a clamp and / or a clip and / or a retaining clip and / or a magnetic closure.

[0046] In an optional configuration, the monitoring module 6 includes a first sensor element that is attached to and configured on the face mask to provide a sensor signal suitable for detecting a user's breathing. This allows, with the aid of an evaluation, for example in the processing unit, to determine whether the face mask is being worn and / or to count the breathing events in order to determine the wearing time. Furthermore, it allows for an estimation of the moisture penetration of the face mask.

[0047] The first sensor element includes, for example, a temperature sensor element and / or a humidity sensor element and a pressure sensor element and / or a carbon dioxide gas sensor element and / or a sound transducer sensor element or a microphone and / or a thermal conductivity sensor element.

[0048] In a further optional embodiment, the monitoring module 6 includes, alternatively or additionally to the first sensor element, a second sensor element that is attached to the face mask and configured to provide a sensor signal suitable for detecting whether the face mask is positioned in the mouth and nose area of ​​the user or not. This allows, with the aid of an evaluation, for example in the processing unit, to determine whether the face mask is being worn and / or to ascertain the duration of wear.

[0049] The second sensor element includes, for example, a pressure sensor element and / or a force sensor element and / or a strain sensor element.

[0050] The sensor elements can be used to monitor the use of face masks. Alternatively, the sensor elements can be used for other analyses and monitoring functions.

[0051] Advantageously, the monitoring module 6 can be used to provide a face mask 1 with one or more demand-oriented monitoring functions. The monitoring module 6 makes it possible to optimize the service life of a face mask, both for single use and for multiple uses.

[0052] The invention is not limited to the description provided by means of the exemplary embodiments. Rather, the invention encompasses every new feature as well as every combination of features, which in particular includes every combination of features in the claims, even if that feature or combination itself is not explicitly stated in the claims or exemplary embodiments. Reference symbol list 1 face mask 2 protective elements 4 rubber bands 6 Monitoring module 8 QR codes 61 electronic circuit 62 Wireless communication interface 64 Power supply unit 66 charging unit 68 sensor units 681 first sensor element 682 second sensor element

Claims

[1] Monitoring module (6) for arrangement on a face mask, wherein the face mask is designed as a face half mask and has one or more paper layers and / or one or more fabric layers for covering a mouth and nose area of ​​a user and the monitoring module (6) is mechanically coupleable with the face mask and comprises the following: - an electronic circuit (61) for monitoring the use of the mouth and nose protection, - at least one first sensor element (681) arranged and configured on the face mask to provide a sensor signal suitable for detecting the breathing processes of a user, wherein the at least one first sensor element (681) - is designed and configured as a temperature sensor element to provide a sensor signal that is representative of the temperature of air located between a facial surface in the mouth and nose area of ​​the user and the mouth and nose protection, or - is designed and configured as a humidity sensor element to provide a sensor signal that is representative of the humidity of the air located between a facial surface in the mouth and nose area of ​​the user and the mouth and nose protection, or - is designed and configured as a pressure sensor element to provide a sensor signal that is representative of the air pressure of the air located between a facial surface in the mouth and nose area of ​​the user and the mouth and nose protection, or - is designed and configured as a carbon dioxide gas sensor element to provide a sensor signal representative of a carbon dioxide concentration in the air located between a facial surface in the mouth and nose area of ​​the user and the protective element of the mouth and nose protection, or - is designed and configured as a sound transducer sensor element to provide a sensor signal that is representative of a breath sound and / or exhalation sound of the user of the mouth and nose protection device or - is designed and configured as a thermal conductivity sensor element to provide a sensor signal representative of the thermal conductivity of the air located between a facial surface in the mouth and nose area of ​​the user and the protective element of the mouth and nose covering, and - a power supply unit (64) for at least the electronic circuit (61), wherein the power supply unit (64) comprises a solid-state accumulator without electrolytes. [2] Monitoring module (6) according to claim 1, wherein the solid-state accumulator is designed as a surface-mounted component. [3] Monitoring module (6) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein all electrical and electronic components of the monitoring module (6) are arranged on a single printed circuit board and / or are jointly coated with a fluid-tight potting compound. [4] Monitoring module (6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic circuit (61) comprises a computing unit comprising a timer and / or a counter. [5] Monitoring module (6) according to claim 4, wherein the computing unit is configured to activate the timer depending on a provided activation signal and, if the timer exceeds a predetermined time limit, to generate and provide a first reminder signal. [6] Monitoring module (6) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the computing unit is configured to increment the counter depending on a provided counting signal and, if the counter exceeds a predetermined number, to generate and provide a second reminder signal. [7] Monitoring module (6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring module (6) has a wireless communication interface (62) configured to transmit the first and / or second reminder signal provided by the computing unit to a specified terminal device. [8] Monitoring module (6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring module (6) has a charging unit (66) for charging the accumulator. [9] Monitoring module (6) according to claim 8, wherein the charging unit (66) has a passive charging port. [10] Monitoring module (6) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the charging unit (66) comprises an energy harvesting unit. [11] Monitoring module (6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring module (6) has at least one second sensor element (682) or the second sensor element (682) is assigned to the monitoring module (6), wherein the first sensor element is arranged on the mouth and nose protection to provide a sensor signal suitable for detecting whether the mouth and nose protection is arranged in the mouth and nose area of ​​the user or not. [12] Monitoring module (6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the monitoring module (6) comprises a detection unit configured to - depending on the sensor signal provided by the first sensor element (681), to detect a breathing process of the user, and / or - depending on the sensor signal provided by the second sensor element (682), to detect whether the mouth and nose protection is being worn in a fixed position. [13] Monitoring module (6) according to claim 12, wherein - the detection unit is designed to provide a detection signal representing detected breathing processes and / or detected putting-on processes and / or detected taking-off processes and / or detected wearing processes of the mouth and nose protection and - the computing unit is designed to receive the detection signal and, depending on the detection signal, to determine the activation signal and / or the counting signal. [14] Mouth and nose protection device (1) comprising a mouth and nose protection designed as a face half mask and comprising one or more layers of paper and / or one or more layers of fabric for covering a mouth and nose area of ​​a user, and a monitoring module (6) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which is arranged on the mouth and nose protection.

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