Disc Filter Frame Lever Design for Respiratory Fit Check
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Solution Overview
Problem
Respiratory masks with disc filters face issues of false positive or negative fit checks due to the design, where the filter frame can be accidentally pressed during normal use, causing inaccuracies in the negative pressure fit check and potentially leading to improper sealing.
Innovation Solution
A disc filter frame with a base member and a lever, featuring a hinge mechanism, a sealing member, and a biasing member, which allows for a controlled sealing action to prevent accidental activation during normal use and ensures accurate negative pressure fit checks, while also being lightweight and comfortable for long wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sealing mechanism is positioned on the upper half of the filter frame for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of accidental activation during normal use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the lever to extend beyond the filter frame housing, creating a physical barrier that prevents accidental pressing. The lever's extended position naturally resists unintended activation while still allowing deliberate user activation when needed for fit checking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the contradiction by moving the lever activation point to a different spatial dimension - extending it beyond the housing boundary. This dimensional change allows the sealing mechanism to remain easily accessible while protected from accidental activation during normal wear, as the lever tip is positioned in a location that is intentionally reachable but not accidentally pressable.
2Weight of moving object
If the filter frame is designed to be lightweight and compact, then the comfort for long wear is improved, but the structural protection against accidental pressing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the filter frame into distinct components - the housing and the lever - allowing the housing to remain lightweight and compact for comfort, while the lever extends beyond the housing to provide protective functionality. This segmentation enables each component to fulfill its specific role without compromising overall performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever acts as an intermediary element between the user and the sealing mechanism. By extending the lever beyond the housing, it serves as a mediator that protects the sealing mechanism from accidental activation while still enabling intentional activation, thus resolving the contradiction between lightweight design and protective functionality.
3Volume of moving object
If the lever is positioned close to the breathing aperture for compact design, then the volume of the filter frame is reduced, but the risk of false fit check results increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by extending the lever in a direction perpendicular to the main body of the filter frame, positioning it beyond the housing rather than close to the breathing aperture. This spatial repositioning prevents the lever from interfering with mask positioning during fit checks while maintaining compact overall design.
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 solution provides a safer and more accurate negative pressure fit check by preventing accidental activation of the sealing mechanism, ensuring proper filtration and user safety, and offering comfort and cost benefits through its lightweight design.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member may comprise an elastically deformable tab located between the base member and said lever
Implementation Method 2
said lever being hingedly connected by a hinge mechanism at its proximal end to said base at said first end
Data Source
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AI summary
A disc filter frame comprising a base member (10) and a lever (12), said base member (10) including, adjacent a first end thereof, a breathing aperture (14) and a connection arrangement (19) configured to connect to a respiratory device, said breathing aperture (14) and connection arrangement (19) being aligned so as to define an airflow channel therebetween; said lever (12) being hingedly connected by a hinge mechanism (22) at its proximal end to said base (10) at said first end and including a sealing member (20) shaped and configured to cover said breathing aperture (14), the lever (12) being biased in a first position in which a gap is defined between said sealing member (20) and said breathing aperture (14), and selectively movable to a second position in which said sealing member (20) seals said breathing aperture (14); the distal end of said lever (12) being located and spaced apart from adjacent a second, opposing end of said base (10) and configured to be manually pressed to move said sealing member (20) from said first position to said second position.