Convex Light-Transmitting Mask for Wider Lip-Reading Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing masks with flat plate-like light-transmitting members restrict lip movements visibility to only those directly in front of the user, limiting effective communication, especially in noisy environments or for the hearing impaired.
Innovation Solution
A mask design featuring a convex-shaped light-transmitting sheet that scatters light in a fan shape, allowing lip movements to be observed from various angles, combined with a filtration assembly for air exchange and a detachable frame structure for ease of use and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a flat plate-like light-transmitting member is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the visual range is small and lip movements can only be observed when directly in front of the user
Solution Approach 1:
The light-transmitting member is designed with a convex curved surface instead of a flat plate structure. This curvature causes light to scatter in multiple directions, expanding the visual range from a narrow frontal view to a wide fan-shaped field of view, allowing observers to see lip movements from various angles while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a convex-shaped light-transmitting sheet is used, then the visual range is expanded to allow observation from various angles, but the overall thickness and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin film structure for the light-transmitting member that can be formed into a convex shape. This thin film approach achieves the desired light scattering and wide visual range while keeping the overall thickness and weight minimal, avoiding the bulk associated with rigid convex structures
3Adaptability or versatility
If a convex-shaped light-transmitting sheet is used, then the visual range is expanded to allow observation from various angles, but the overall thickness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light-transmitting member is constructed as a thin flexible film that can be shaped into a convex form. This allows the achievement of wide light scattering and expanded visual range without significant increase in thickness, as the curvature is achieved through film shaping rather than adding substantial material depth
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 communication efficiency by enabling lip movements to be seen from multiple angles and reduces overall thickness and weight, facilitating sound transmission while maintaining comfort and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
the light-transmitting sheet has a convex shape, so that light on an inner side of the first frame can be projected to an outer side of the first frame through the light-transmitting sheet in a fan shape
Data Source
AI summary
A mask includes a first frame body, a light-transmitting piece, and a filtering assembly. The first frame body is used for covering the face of a user and is provided with a first through hole opposite the lips of the user. The light-transmitting piece covers the edges of the first through hole to seal and block it. Light rays on the inner side of the first frame body transmit to the outer side thereof through the light-transmitting piece, which has a convex shape. The filtering assembly is used for filtering the air inhaled and exhaled. As the light-transmitting piece is convex, the light transmitted therethrough can be dispersed in a fan shape, and other people can observe the lip movement without being directly in front of the user, thereby improving the communication efficiency between the user and other people.