Cold-Sterilizable Mask Structure With Reusable Face Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective masks are not well-suited for cold sterilization and often require heat sterilization methods that can degrade certain materials, limiting their reusability and compatibility with materials approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA for dental applications.
Innovation Solution
The mask body is made from FDA-approved materials such as PET, PETG, and PMMA, which are rigid, durable, and suitable for cold sterilization, featuring a flange with a sealing material and grooves to enhance the seal, allowing for secure fit and reusability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heat sterilization methods are used, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but material integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sterilization parameter from heat-based to cold-based sterilization methods, allowing sterilization without compromising material integrity. The mask is designed to be compatible with cold sterilization agents such as glutaraldehyde or alcohol-based solutions, which effectively kill microorganisms without the thermal damage that would degrade the material properties of the mask.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the mask to be disposed of after a single use or sterilized and reused. By making the mask compatible with cold sterilization, it can be reused multiple times without degradation, eliminating the need for disposable masks and reducing waste. The mask structure is designed to maintain its integrity through repeated cold sterilization cycles.
2Loss of substance
If reusable masks are implemented, then waste reduction is improved, but sterilization compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the sterilization approach from heat-based to cold-based methods, enabling compatibility with reusable masks. The mask material and structure are specifically designed to withstand cold sterilization agents, allowing the same mask to be used multiple times after sterilization without degradation or loss of functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask is designed with universal compatibility for both disposable and reusable applications. The same mask structure can be used disposable or sterilized and reused, providing versatility in application. The flange, groove, and sealing material configuration allows the mask to maintain its sealing effectiveness through repeated cold sterilization cycles.
3Reliability
If sealing material is added to enhance seal, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible sealing material in the form of a thin film or layer within the groove of the flange. This flexible sealing element conforms to the face contour and provides an effective seal without requiring complex mechanical components. The sealing material is integrated into the mask structure in a simple manner, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask flange and sealing material are designed with curved surfaces that conform to the natural contour of the human face. This curvature allows the sealing material to adapt to facial shapes without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. The groove in the flange is configured to receive and accommodate the sealing material in a curved configuration, providing an effective seal through geometric design rather than complex components.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective mask suited for quick regulatory approval and mass production to provide protective use of a wearer includes a mask body having a major portion forming at least one breathing opening configured for holding a filter. The mask body forms a cover contoured to cover, except for the at least one breathing opening, the wearer's mouth and nose when the mask is worn. The mask body further has a flange, wherein a length of the flange extends along a major portion of an edge of the mask body major portion, the flange being configured for pressing against the wearer's face when the mask is worn. The mask body is a material selected from the group consisting of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate glycol, and poly methyl methacrylate, and combinations thereof.