Ear part material for mask, mask, method for producing ear part material for mask, and method for producing mask

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ear hook portions in masks, especially those made of nonwoven fabric, can be excessively stretched and deformed, leading to a loss of their structural integrity and softness, which compromises their functionality.

Innovation Solution

A stretchable ear material for masks is designed with a stretchable member having a first and second surface, each covered by a surface material, where the surface materials are contracted in a predetermined direction with wrinkles, maintaining their original characteristics even when deformed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If ear hook portions are made of nonwoven fabric to provide softness, then comfort is improved, but the material cannot be excessively stretched or deformed without losing its structure and functionality

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecomfortVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ear material is constructed as a composite structure with a stretchable core layer (providing elasticity and stretchability) sandwiched between two nonwoven fabric layers (providing softness and comfort). This composite design allows the material to simultaneously achieve both comfort through the nonwoven fabric and reliable structural integrity through the stretchable core that prevents excessive deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the ear material have different properties: the core layer provides stretchability and elastic recovery, while the surface nonwoven fabric layers provide softness and comfort. This local differentiation of material properties allows each layer to fulfill its specific function, resolving the contradiction between comfort and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If ear hook portions are made stretchable to accommodate various face sizes, then adaptability is improved, but the material may be excessively stretched and deformed leading to loss of characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to face sizesVSAvoidmaintenance of original characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The ear material utilizes elastic modulus changes through its stretchable core layer, which can be stretched to accommodate different face sizes and then automatically returns to its original state. This parameter change capability allows the material to adapt to various conditions while maintaining its original characteristics through elastic recovery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The ear material is designed to be dynamic rather than static - it can stretch and deform to adapt to different face sizes and wearing conditions, then automatically returns to its original configuration through the elastic properties of the core layer. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between adaptability and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 stretchable ear material maintains its original characteristics and functionality even when deformed, providing a comfortable and effective fit for various face sizes without compromising softness or flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

a stretchable member including a first surface and a second surface on a side opposite to the first surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4169583B1Ear part material for mask, mask, method for producing ear part material for mask, and method for producing mask
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 DAIO PAPER CORP
  • EP4169583B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4169583B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4169583B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An ear material for a mask that includes a stretchable member including a first surface and a second surface on a side opposite to the first surface, a first surface material coupled to the first surface, and a second surface material coupled to the second surface, wherein, in a state before start of use, the stretchable member has a natural length, and the first surface material and the second surface material are contracted in a predetermined direction.