Earless Filter Mask With Neck Closure and Multi-Layer Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pollution masks are bulky, non-breathable, poorly fitted, and aesthetically unappealing, leading to discomfort and ineffective filtration, especially in high-population areas where air pollution is a significant concern.
Innovation Solution
An earless filter mask with a multi-layer construction using soft, breathable materials, including inner and outer fabric layers and filter layers, that conforms to the face without ear attachments, featuring a conforming band or elastic material for secure fit and a single exhalation valve for comfortable and effective air filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pollution masks are made with thick filter layers to improve filtration effectiveness, then filtering performance is improved, but the mask becomes bulky and non-breathable causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into multiple functional layers including an inner fabric layer, first filter layer, second filter layer, and outer fabric layer. Each layer serves a specific function: the fabric layers provide breathability and comfort, while the filter layers provide pollution filtration. This segmentation allows the mask to achieve both effective filtration and breathability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask uses a composite structure combining different materials with complementary properties. The inner and outer fabric layers use breathable materials for comfort, while the intermediate filter layers use filtration materials for pollution blocking. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction between filtration effectiveness and breathability.
2Ease of operation
If conventional masks use elastic loops around ears to secure fit, then ease of wear is improved, but aesthetic appeal deteriorates and ear comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the ear loops entirely from the mask design, replacing them with a closure device that secures the mask at the back of the neck. This extraction of the ear loop component eliminates the aesthetic and comfort issues associated with ear attachments while maintaining secure fit through the neck-based closure system.
3Reliability
If masks are made to conform tightly to the face to improve seal and filtration, then filtering performance is improved, but comfort and ease of extended wear deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mask applies different levels of conformity to different regions of the face. The filter layers provide tight sealing where pollution blocking is critical, while the inner fabric layer maintains contact with the skin for comfort and breathability. This local differentiation of quality allows effective sealing without compromising overall comfort for extended wear.
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 earless filter mask provides a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing solution that effectively prevents the inhalation of polluted air while allowing for extended wear, with improved fit and filtering performance, and minimizes moisture buildup.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic material conforms the mask to a shape of a wearer's face
Implementation Method 2
an inner fabric layer, a first filter layer, a second filter layer, and an outer fabric layer are stacked together
Data Source
AI summary
An earless filter mask includes an inner fabric layer, a first filter layer, a second filter layer, an outer fabric layer, an elastic material, and an exhalation valve. The inner fabric layer, the first filter layer, the second filter layer, and the outer fabric layer are stacked and aligned, the elastic material is folded over an edge of the layers, and sewn together along the edge. The elastic material conforms the mask to a shape of a wearer's face and a first tapered end of the mask is removably connected to a second tapered end of the mask by a closure device that sits at the nape of the wearer's neck.