Breathing Mask Continuous Cover Layer and Elastic Side Sections

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing disposable breathing masks are complex to produce and require multiple materials and sections, making them costly and difficult to manufacture in large quantities while maintaining good functional properties and comfort.

Innovation Solution

A breathing mask design featuring a continuous nonwoven cover layer over the middle and side sections, with elastic restoring layers only on the side sections, allowing for adjustable fit and easy production as an endless web, reducing material usage and manufacturing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple separate sections and materials are combined to create breathing masks with good functional properties, then wearing comfort and protection are improved, but manufacturing complexity and production time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional propertiesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the central section and side sections into a single continuous nonwoven cover layer, eliminating the need to combine multiple separate components. This single-layer construction maintains functional integrity while dramatically simplifying manufacturing processes and reducing production time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The continuous nonwoven cover layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the main body structure, ensures particle filtration across the entire mask surface, and eliminates the need for separate sealing components. This multi-functionality reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining protective effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple materials and sections are used to ensure good functional properties, then protection and comfort are improved, but material costs and production expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprotectionVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional requirements into a single nonwoven cover layer that provides both structural integrity and particle filtration across the entire mask surface, eliminating the need for separate filtration components and reducing overall material consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The use of a homogeneous nonwoven material throughout the entire mask structure simplifies material selection and procurement while ensuring consistent protective properties across all areas of the mask, reducing the need for multiple specialized materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

3Reliability

If separate sections are joined together to create breathing masks, then functional properties are improved, but pronounced seams are created that reduce wearing comfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional propertiesVSAvoidwearing comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates seams by merging the central and side sections into a single continuous nonwoven cover layer. This seamless construction removes uncomfortable joints and edges that would otherwise be present at the interfaces between separate components, significantly improving wearing comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If elastic bands are attached to secure the mask to ears, then the mask stays in place, but the structure becomes more complex and harder to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the side sections directly into the continuous nonwoven cover layer, creating an integrated structure that eliminates the need for separate elastic bands and attachment components. This integration maintains mask security while dramatically simplifying the overall structure and manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 design simplifies production, reduces material costs, and ensures a comfortable, effective fit with improved air sealing and protection, while maintaining the hygiene benefits of a disposable mask.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic restoring layer with a first restoring layer section and a second restoring layer section which are arranged on the two side sections and are connected there, in particular, directly to the first cover layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3892141B1Breathing mask and method for manufacturing same
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 NITTO ADVANCED FILM GRONAU GMBH
  • EP3892141B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3892141B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3892141B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a breathing mask (3) with a central section (8) and with a first side section (9a) and a second side section (9b), which adjoin the central section (8) opposite each other along a transverse direction (Q), wherein a first cover layer (2) extends continuously along the central section (8) and the two side sections (9a, 9b). According to the invention, an elastic recovery layer with a first recovery layer section (4a) and a second recovery layer section (4b) is provided only at the two side sections (9a, 9b) and is connected there to the first cover layer (2). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the breathing mask.