Adjustable Face Mask Assembly With Slide-Lock Strap Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current face masks are time-consuming to remove and replace while maintaining a consistent seal, posing challenges in hazardous environments where quick transitions between donned and drop-down positions are necessary.
Innovation Solution
A face mask assembly with dynamic strap engagement features that include slide and locking portions, allowing for smooth sliding and secure locking of the mask in place, facilitating quick transitions between donned and drop-down positions without external locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional face masks are used, then the seal consistency is maintained, but the time required for removal and replacement is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The strap engagement feature incorporates a dynamic mechanism with a movable member that can transition between engaged and disengaged states. The movable member includes a resilient portion that automatically engages with the strap and can be deliberately disengaged by applying force to a release portion, enabling quick removal while maintaining secure attachment during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient portion of the movable member automatically engages with the strap without requiring manual intervention. The self-service mechanism uses the elastic properties of the resilient portion to maintain continuous engagement, reducing the time needed for both attachment and detachment operations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If external locking mechanisms are added to secure the mask, then the mask stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged directly into the strap engagement feature as an integrated component. The movable member with its resilient portion and release portion is combined with the strap engagement structure, eliminating the need for separate external locking mechanisms while maintaining mask stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable member serves multiple functions: it acts as both the engagement mechanism that secures the strap and the locking mechanism that maintains mask stability. The same component provides both the secure attachment during use and the controlled release capability, reducing overall device complexity.
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
Enables efficient and rapid donning and removal of the mask, maintaining a secure seal during use, even with sudden movements, and enhancing manufacturability by integrating strap engagement features directly into the mask design.
Implementation Method 1
The locking portion includes a sharp edge configured to provide frictional restriction to the first strap during operation such that face mask component is locked relative to the length of the first strap
Implementation Method 2
The slide portion includes a smooth edge such that the face mask component is slidable along the length of the first strap while the first strap is positioned within the slide portion
Data Source
AI summary
A face mask assembly configured with a drop down feature and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The face mask assembly includes a face mask component slidable along a length of at least a first strap. The face mask component includes a first dynamic strap engagement feature defining a slide portion and a locking portion to engage the first strap. The slide portion includes a smooth edge such that the face mask component is slidable along the length of the first strap while the first strap is positioned within the slide portion. The locking portion includes a sharp edge to provide frictional restriction to the first strap during operation such that face mask component is locked relative to the length of the first strap while the first strap is positioned within the locking portion. A corresponding method of manufacture is also provided.