Adjustable Strap Mask for Reducing Ear Pressure and Air Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional face coverings, both rigid and flexible, often struggle with achieving a comfortable and secure fit, leading to reduced effectiveness due to air leakage around the edges, and existing attachment mechanisms can be cumbersome and uncomfortable.
Innovation Solution
A flexible mask design featuring adjustable straps with a clip mechanism that allows for independent adjustment of upper and lower strap lengths, combined with embedded nose and chin strips, to ensure a snug fit and improved sealing, while minimizing elastic pressure on the ears.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic loops are used to attach the mask to the user's face, then the mask can be held securely against the face, but the elastic material stretches and exerts uncomfortable force on the back of the user's ear
Solution Approach 1:
The single continuous elastic loop is segmented into separate adjustable straps with independent length adjustment mechanisms, allowing the attachment points to be positioned optimally to reduce ear pressure while maintaining secure mask attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic loops are replaced with adjustable straps that can be dynamically repositioned and relengthed, transforming the static elastic attachment into a flexible, user-adjustable system that adapts to different face shapes and comfort requirements
2Ease of operation
If individual straps are tied together at the back of the head, then the attachment is more comfortable than elastic loops, but the method is cumbersome requiring two knots to be made and iterative adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The separate adjustment operations for multiple straps are merged into a single integrated adjustment mechanism, where moving one adjustment point simultaneously adjusts both straps, eliminating the need for multiple knots and iterative adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it adjusts both strap lengths, maintains symmetry between straps, and secures the mask in a single operation, replacing the complex multi-step knot-tying process
3Ease of operation
If flexible mask material is used, then the mask is more comfortable around the user's face, but it is difficult to provide a shape and fit that stays in contact around its perimeter with the user's face
Solution Approach 1:
The mask incorporates a curved or contoured shape that conforms to the natural curvature of the human face, allowing the flexible material to maintain both comfort and effective perimeter contact, preventing air leakage while preserving flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A facial covering in the form of a mask for covering the nose and mouth of a user is provided. The mask is flexible and includes side edges. The mask defines a pair of channels on opposing side edges. An adjustable strap extends through the channels. An upper portion of the strap extends between the upper ends of the channels and a lower portion of the strap extends between the lower ends of the channels. The strap is shiftable relative to the channels, such that adjustment of the length of the upper portion adjusts the length of the lower portion. A clip mechanism may be disposed on the upper and/or lower portion to set the effective length of the strap. Bendable nose, chin, and/or cheek strips may be disposed along the side edges. The channels may be reinforced.