Dual-Layer Face Mask With Offset Air Slots
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing face masks for gel bead gun users do not effectively prevent the inadvertent inhalation or ingestion of splattered liquid and polymer from exploding gel beads during strenuous physical activity, as they often allow these substances to pass through openings designed for breathing.
Innovation Solution
A face mask design featuring goggles, a frame with contoured surfaces, and a front plate with strategically aligned air slots and bridges, which allows for unobstructed breathing while preventing splattered liquid and polymer from passing through the mask.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If openings are provided in the front of the mask for free breathing, then breathing freedom is improved, but the risk of inadvertent inhalation or ingestion of splattered gel bead material increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mask divides the breathing function into multiple separate air slots distributed across the front surface, rather than providing one large opening. This segmentation allows adequate breathing while reducing the likelihood that splattered material can enter through any single slot
Solution Approach 2:
The mask employs a dual-layer structure with an inner mask and an outer mask, where the outer mask contains air slots that are offset from the inner mask's air slots. This nested configuration creates multiple barriers against splattered material while maintaining breathable pathways
2Ease of operation
If a wire mesh panel is used to allow air flow, then breathing is enabled, but splattered liquid and polymer can still pass through the mesh
Solution Approach 1:
The mask utilizes thin film structures with precisely positioned air slots instead of wire mesh. These films provide a continuous barrier that prevents splattered material penetration while maintaining adequate air flow through the offset slot configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane mesh structure to a multi-dimensional offset slot system where inner and outer mask slots are positioned at different locations, creating a three-dimensional protective pathway that allows air flow but blocks material penetration
Data Source
AI summary
A face mask including goggles, a frame portion disposed below the goggles, the frame portion comprising a plurality of first air openings, and a front plate disposed over the frame portion, the front plate comprising a plurality of second air openings. The plurality of first air openings are not aligned with the plurality of second air openings so that air follows an indirect path between the plurality of first air openings and the plurality of second air openings.