Conformal Filter Housing for Respirator Mask Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional respirator mask filters often protrude significantly from the mask, causing interference with sightlines and presenting snag hazards, while also requiring complex attachment mechanisms that increase overall size and height, which can be detrimental in military and first responder applications.
Innovation Solution
A conformal filter housing design with a concave base and integral ribs that supports a flat platform for the filter medium, allowing for a closer attachment to the mask and reducing protrusion, combined with a circumferential groove for a double seal and quick-connect interface, enabling easier attachment and reduced height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional filter designs are used, then filtration function is provided, but the filter protrudes significantly from the mask causing interference with sightlines and snag hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The filter housing is designed with a concave base that conforms to the curved surface of the mask, allowing the filter to attach closer to the mask surface and reduce protrusion distance, thereby eliminating sightline interference and snag hazards while maintaining filtration function
2Reliability
If complex attachment mechanisms are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but overall size and height of the filter assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is integrated directly into the filter housing structure, with the interface formed as part of the housing itself rather than as a separate component. This merging of functions reduces overall assembly height while maintaining secure attachment through the circumferential groove and double seal design
3Ease of operation
If traditional filter housing designs are used, then filter medium is contained, but attachment to mask is cumbersome and height is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The complex attachment mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simplified interface consisting of a circumferential groove and double seal design that allows for quick, tool-free attachment while maintaining secure connection, thereby improving ease of operation without compromising attachment security
Data Source
AI summary
A filter housing for use with a protective mask or other personal protective equipment is described including a base, a top, a sidewall connecting the top and the base, and a void that houses a filter medium or a filter medium cannister. The housing also includes an inlet with an inlet opening for receiving ambient gas into the container, an outlet including an outlet opening for discharging gas from the container to the protective mask, and an interface for removably securing the filter housing to the protective mask or other personal protective equipment. The base may include a concave surface substantially surrounding the opening and the interface, and a space between the void and the concave surface of the base may be partitioned by a plurality of members connected at least partially to the base or the sidewall and define a substantially planar surface facing the void.