Adjustable Oxygen Mask Crossbar for Variable Face Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygen masks in aircraft are not adaptable to different face sizes and beards, necessitating the procurement of specially fitted masks, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An oxygen mask with a flexible crossbar system that adjusts to various face sizes and beards, featuring adjustable lateral holders and a stretchable fabric, ensuring a snug and airtight fit using a headband for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size oxygen mask is used, then the mask structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different face sizes and beards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability through adjustable lateral holders that can be positioned at different distances apart, allowing the mask to dynamically conform to various face sizes and beard lengths. The flexible crossbar system enables real-time adjustment during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the mask by allowing the lateral holders to be adjusted to different distances, thereby modifying the mask's width to suit different user characteristics without requiring multiple fixed masks.
2Reliability
If multiple fixed-size masks are provided, then each user gets a perfect fit, but the quantity of masks required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal mask design that can serve multiple user types (different ages, face sizes, and beard conditions) through a single adjustable model, eliminating the need to maintain inventory of multiple specialized masks.
3Reliability
If a snug fit is achieved through fixed mask design, then oxygen delivery is sufficient, but the mask cannot accommodate beard growth or face changes
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible crossbar system with adjustable lateral holders allows the mask to dynamically adapt to beard growth and face shape changes while maintaining the snug fit necessary for effective oxygen delivery.
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 mask provides a universal fit for diverse user characteristics, including babies, toddlers, and individuals with beards, eliminating the need for multiple masks and ensuring effective oxygen delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible crossbar which allows the oxygen mask to be placed on the face by a single user and to assume a pronounced curvature or bulge in all directions
Implementation Method 2
an exhalation valve arranged on and penetrating the fabric... which allows for the controlled removal of used air by creating positive pressure in the oxygen mask during exhalation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an oxygen mask for supplying oxygen to a person, which can be modified for use on differently sized faces. The oxygen mask has a holding frame, which has a first cross-brace and a second cross-brace, a substantially gas-impermeable material arranged on the holding frame and which can be stretched between the first cross-brace and the second cross-brace, a headband connected to the holding frame, an exhalation valve arranged on the material and penetrating the material, and an oxygen supply line for providing oxygen to an inside of the oxygen mask, wherein the first cross-brace and the second cross-brace are arranged in two lateral holders, which are opposite each other, wherein at least the first cross-brace is flexible and wherein the distance of the lateral holders to each other is adjustable at least between a first and a second distance.