Bayonet Respirator Mask Filter Module Attachment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing respiratory protection masks with bayonet-style filter modules risk accidental loosening during use and restrict design flexibility due to the need for rotational attachment, which can compromise the seal and user safety.

Innovation Solution

A respirator mask design featuring a housing part with a non-circular receiving recess and support elements that prevent rotation, combined with a bayonet lock mechanism and sealing web, ensures secure attachment and easy replacement of filter modules without increasing user effort, enhancing safety and design freedom.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the filter module is attached using a bayonet lock mechanism that allows rotation, then the attachment is simple and secure, but the mask body shape is restricted and accidental loosening may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment simplicityVSAvoidmask body shape freedom
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving recess is designed with an asymmetric, non-circular cross-section that matches the corresponding shape of the filter module housing. This asymmetric geometry prevents rotational movement and ensures the filter module can only be installed in the correct orientation, thereby preventing accidental loosening while maintaining simple attachment through a snap-fit mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If the filter module is attached using a bayonet lock mechanism that allows rotation, then the attachment is secure, but accidental loosening may occur during use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidaccidental loosening risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The non-circular, asymmetric cross-section of the receiving recess and filter module housing creates a form-fit connection that mechanically prevents rotational loosening. The asymmetric geometry ensures that the filter module can only be attached in the correct orientation and cannot rotate or become loose during normal use, even when subjected to lateral forces such as when wiping a privacy screen

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving recess features a curved, non-circular cross-section that complements the corresponding curved surface of the filter module housing. This curved geometry creates a precise form-fit connection that eliminates play and prevents accidental loosening while maintaining simple attachment through elastic deformation of the housing material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Reliability

If the filter module is attached using a bayonet lock mechanism, then the attachment is secure, but filter replacement requires removing the respirator

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidfilter replacement convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is segmented into two independent functions: a non-circular form-fit connection that prevents rotation and accidental loosening, and a separate snap-fit attachment that secures the filter module to the mask body. This segmentation allows the filter module to be securely attached without requiring the respirator to be removed, as the entire assembly can be attached or detached as a single unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2913084B1Breathing mask with bayonet-type connection for a filter module
Publication Date: 2019.03.06 MOLDEX METRIC AG & CO KG
  • EP2913084B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2913084B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a respiratory mask (1) with a mask body (2) for covering the mouth and nose of a user, with at least one exhalation valve (5) arranged on the mask body (2), with at least one inhalation valve (6, 7) arranged on the mask body (2), and with a filter module (8, 9) each associated with the inhalation valve (6, 7) and detachably attached/attachable to the mask body (2), wherein the mask body (2) has an opening (18) which is penetrated by a housing part (14) of the inhalation valve (6, 7), wherein the housing part (14) together with the filter module (8, 9) forms a detachable bayonet closure (36). It is provided that the housing part (14) is rotatably mounted in the opening (18) of the mask body (2), and that the opening (18) is formed in a base (10) of a receiving recess (11) of the mask body (2), which has a contour deviating from a circle for the rotationally secure reception of the filter module (8,9).