Adjustable Resistance Breathing Mask with Dynamic Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals training for physical fitness or athletic competition seek to condition their cardiovascular systems by restricting air inhalation, but existing technologies lack effective wearable devices that provide controlled resistance to air inhalation.
Innovation Solution
A wearable resistance breathing device comprising a face mask, an outer layer, an insert, an adjustment slide, an adjustment wheel, and an air exhaust valve assembly, which allows users to adjust the airflow resistance by moving the adjustment slide and wheel, creating varying aperture alignments to control inhalation volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed aperture design is used in existing breathing restriction devices, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different training intensities and user needs is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic aperture system where the occlusion plate can be adjusted between multiple positions (first position with first aperture area, second position with second aperture area). This allows the device to adapt to different training intensities and user needs by changing the airflow resistance, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture control mechanism is segmented into multiple discrete positions (first position and second position) with different aperture areas. The occlusion plate is divided into functional sections that can be independently positioned, allowing users to select appropriate resistance levels without complicating the overall device structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable aperture mechanism is added to provide variable resistance, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the occlusion plate to transition between fixed positions. This provides controlled resistance adjustment capability while maintaining relatively simple device structure by using a straightforward mechanical positioning system rather than complex continuous adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of implementing a continuously adjustable aperture system which would increase complexity, the patent uses a partial action approach with discrete aperture positions (first position and second position). This provides sufficient adaptability for different training needs while keeping the adjustment mechanism simple and straightforward.
3Force
If the inlet aperture area is reduced to increase resistance, then the breathing resistance increases, but the inhalation volume and oxygen intake are excessively restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic aperture control system that allows users to adjust the inlet aperture area between different positions. When higher breathing resistance is needed, the aperture can be reduced to the first area; when more oxygen intake is required, the aperture can be increased to the second area. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing both high resistance and adequate oxygen intake depending on training requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the aperture area parameter between different discrete values (first aperture area and second aperture area) to control breathing resistance. By adjusting this geometric parameter, the system can achieve different resistance levels without excessively restricting oxygen intake, allowing users to optimize the balance between resistance and oxygen availability for their specific training goals.
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
The device provides controlled resistance to air inhalation, allowing users to select the degree of oxygen restriction, thereby enhancing cardiovascular conditioning during training, while maintaining an air-tight seal and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The air exhaust valve assembly is adapted to prevent air from passing therethrough from an external environment to the internal area and is adapted to allow air to pass therethrough from the internal area of the face mask to the external environment
Implementation Method 2
The adjustment slide is movable linearly along a linear axis with respect to the insert between a first position and a second position
Implementation Method 3
The adjustment wheel is attached movably to the insert such that the adjustment wheel is movable rotatably with respect to the insert between a first position and a second position
Implementation Method 4
the face mask is adapted to overlay a user's mouth and nose such that the perimeter forms an air-tight seal with the user's face
Data Source
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AI summary
A resistance breathing device includes a face mask having a perimeter and an aperture extending therethrough, and being adapted to overlay a user's mouth and nose such that the perimeter forms an air-tight seal with the user's face. An insert is disposed within the aperture of the face mask and has an inlet aperture extending therethrough. An adjustment slide is positioned adjacent the insert, has an inlet aperture extending therethrough, and is movable between a first position in which a first portion of the inlet aperture overlaps the inlet aperture of the insert and a second position in which a larger second portion of the inlet aperture overlaps the inlet aperture of the insert. An adjustment wheel is attached to the insert and is movable rotatably between first and second positions to cause the adjustment slide to move between its first and second positions.