Ear Strap Shield with Internal Locks for Mask Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current face masks cause discomfort and irritation due to the pinching pressure of the straps on the ears, especially when worn for extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A tubular shield device with an elongated slit and internal locks is designed to securely hold the face mask strap, providing comfort and reducing irritation by acting as a cushion between the skin and the strap, which can be made of foam materials like soft, hard, or sponge foam, and is adaptable to various sizes for different wearers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the face mask strap is made tight to secure the mask in place, then the mask stability is improved, but the comfort and irritation level deteriorates due to pinching pressure on the ears
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ear strap shield as an intermediary component between the mask strap and the wearer's ear. This shield is made of soft, flexible material (such as foam or rubber) that acts as a mediator to distribute the pressure from the strap across a larger area of the ear, reducing pinching and irritation while maintaining the necessary securing force for mask stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the interface between strap and ear by introducing a material with different mechanical properties (softer, more compliant). The shield's material properties are specifically selected to reduce pressure concentration while maintaining adequate friction and grip to hold the strap in place, thus resolving the contradiction between secure fit and comfort.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the strap is made wider or softer to improve comfort, then the irritation is reduced, but the securing force and mask stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ear strap shield is constructed from composite materials that combine the benefits of different material properties. Typically, it uses a soft foam or rubber material that provides both comfort (reducing irritation) and sufficient friction/grip (maintaining securing force). The composite structure allows the shield to be soft enough for comfort while maintaining the mechanical properties needed to hold the strap securely in place.
3Strength
If a rigid structure is used to maintain shield shape, then the structural integrity is improved, but the comfort and adaptability to different ear shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ear strap shield is designed as a flexible shell or thin-walled structure made from materials like foam, rubber, or flexible plastic. This flexible shell maintains sufficient structural integrity to hold its shape and provide a stable interface, while simultaneously being compliant enough to adapt to various ear shapes and sizes. The flexibility allows the shield to conform to different anatomical variations without compromising its ability to distribute pressure and reduce irritation.
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 device enhances comfort and keeps the face mask in place, reducing pinching and irritation, and can be used with various types of masks, eyeglasses, or goggles, ensuring they remain secure and prevent falling.
Implementation Method 1
The device provides more comfort and less pinching and irritations when the strap is fit over and around the ears of the wearer
Implementation Method 2
made of foam materials like soft, hard, or sponge foam
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments relate to a shield device. The shield device may include a tubular shape device. The tubular shape device may include an elongated slit. The elongated slit may be configured to receive a strap of a face mask. The shield device may also include an internal space of the tubular shape device includes one or more locks to securely lock the strap inside the tubular shape device.