Adjustable Oxygen Mask Frame for Leak-Resistant Face Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oxygen masks in aircraft are designed primarily for adults and do not accommodate variations in face sizes and facial hair, leading to potential leaks and inadequate oxygen supply for infants and individuals with beards.
Innovation Solution
An oxygen mask with a flexible, stretchable fabric held by transverse webs and adjustable lateral holders, allowing adaptation to different face sizes and facial features without additional masks, featuring an exhalation valve and oxygen supply line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If oxygen masks are designed for adults with fixed size, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but they cannot accommodate different face sizes and facial features leading to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The mask employs flexible transverse webs that can dynamically adjust their position and tension to accommodate different face shapes and sizes. The webs are designed to be movable relative to the mask body, allowing the mask to adapt its geometry to fit various users while maintaining sealing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask structure allows for variable geometric parameters through the flexible transverse webs. The distance between lateral holders, the curvature of the mask, and the tension distribution can change to match different facial dimensions, enabling a single mask design to serve multiple user types effectively.
2Reliability
If multiple masks are provided for different face sizes and beards, then fit and sealing are improved, but inventory complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is designed as a universal solution that can accommodate adults, children, infants, and users with beards using the same basic mask structure. The flexible transverse webs enable the mask to adapt to different face sizes and facial hair configurations without requiring multiple specialized mask types.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment capability of the transverse webs allows the mask to change its configuration based on the user's face shape and size. This dynamic adaptability eliminates the need for static multiple mask designs, as the same mask can transform to fit various users effectively.
3Reliability
If the mask is made tight-fitting to prevent leaks, then oxygen supply efficiency improves, but comfort and ease of use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mask utilizes flexible transverse webs and a compliant fabric structure that can conform to the user's face while maintaining a tight seal. The flexibility allows the mask to be snug-fitting for effective oxygen delivery without being overly rigid or uncomfortable to wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic flexibility of the transverse webs enables the mask to adjust its tightness and conform to different face shapes. This dynamic adaptation ensures a secure fit for effective oxygen supply while maintaining comfort through the ability to move and adapt to the user's facial contours.
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 secure, leak-proof fit for diverse users, including infants and those with beards, ensuring adequate oxygen supply without the need for multiple masks, and is adaptable to various face shapes and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one transverse web is flexible, and the at least one transverse web is stretchable by the at least one transverse web. By virtue of the flexibility of the at least one transverse web, the oxygen mask is able, in particular, to nestle on the nose and mouth region.
Implementation Method 2
The exhalation valve allows used air to be discharged in a targeted manner through an overpressure that occurs in the oxygen mask during exhalation.
Data Source
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.