Breathing Assistance Mask with Dynamic Fan Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Powered masks struggle to maintain comfort during disturbances in the inhalation/exhalation cycle, such as speaking or laughing, due to inadequate fan synchronization, leading to increased pressure and discomfort within the mask.
Innovation Solution
A mask with a sensor arrangement and controller that detects normal and disturbed breathing cycles, adjusting the fan operation to synchronize with the breathing cycle during normal breathing and operating continuously during disturbances to maintain air flow and reduce humidity and temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fan arrangement operates in synchronism with the breathing cycle during normal breathing, then the comfort and efficiency of breathing is improved, but the system fails to maintain proper air flow during disturbed breathing periods such as speaking or laughing
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically switches between two operational modes based on real-time detection of breathing patterns. During normal breathing, the fan operates in synchronism with the breathing cycle to assist inhalation and exhalation. When disturbed breathing is detected (such as speaking or laughing), the system transitions to a continuous operation mode, maintaining constant air flow regardless of the breathing cycle phase. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for comfort during normal breathing while ensuring proper ventilation during disturbed periods.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the fan speed is regulated to improve electrical efficiency, then energy consumption is reduced, but the system cannot adequately respond to disturbances in the inhalation/exhalation cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters of the fan arrangement based on the detected breathing state. During normal breathing, the fan operates in a synchronized mode with variable speed regulation to optimize energy efficiency while maintaining breathing assistance. When disturbed breathing is detected, the system switches to continuous operation at a different speed parameter set that prioritizes reliable air flow over energy efficiency. This parameter change strategy resolves the contradiction by allowing optimal energy usage during normal conditions while ensuring breathing cycle reliability during disturbances.
3Reliability
If the mask provides a steady stream of air with slight positive pressure to prevent contaminant leakage, then protection against toxic substances is improved, but the temperature and relative humidity inside the mask increases making breathing uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The fan arrangement operates in a periodic manner synchronized with the breathing cycle during normal breathing, creating alternating phases of positive and negative pressure that match the natural inhalation and exhalation patterns. This periodic action maintains contaminant protection during exhalation (positive pressure) while improving comfort during inhalation (negative pressure). During disturbed breathing periods, the system switches to continuous operation to maintain adequate air flow and manage temperature and humidity levels, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and comfort.
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
Enhances user comfort by ensuring proper air flow and temperature regulation during both normal and disturbed breathing, minimizing the strain on the user's lungs and maintaining effective filtration.
Implementation Method 1
a fan arrangement (14) for ventilating the mask
Implementation Method 2
a filter (12)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The invention provides a breathing assistance mask. A mask is provided that incorporates an air chamber, a filter, a fan arrangement, a sensor arrangement and a controller. The fan arrangement ventilates the mask. The sensor arrangement detects a breathing cycle of a user. The controller identifies a normal cyclic breathing period and a disturbed breathing period. Speaking and laughing are the most usual reasons for disturbances to the breathing cycle. When a normal cyclic breathing period is identified, the controller controls the fan arrangement in a first mode in synchronism with the cyclic breathing. However, when a disturbed breathing period is identified, the controller controls the fan arrangement in a second mode which is not in synchronism with the timing of inhalation and exhalation. Breathing in the mask is thus facilitated both during normal and disturbed breathing.