Eyeglass Frame Face Mask with Integrated Communication Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal protective devices lack a face masking system integrated with a modified eyeglass frame that supports a facemask over the nose and mouth, and a communication module that interfaces with electronic devices, such as smartphones.
Innovation Solution
A personal protective device featuring a modified eyeglass frame with a air-permeable panel over the nose and mouth, and a communications module that includes a microprocessor, transceiver, microphone, and earbuds, allowing for wireless communication and particulate filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional surgical mask or respirator is used, then particulate filtration is achieved, but communication capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a face mask with eyeglass frames and integrates a communication module into the frame structure. The communication module includes a microphone positioned near the mouth and speakers positioned near the ears, allowing users to communicate while wearing the mask without removing it. This merging of protective and communication functions resolves the contradiction between filtration and communication capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The eyeglass frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the mask, houses the communication module, and acts as a mounting structure for the microphone and speakers. This multi-functionality allows the device to simultaneously provide protection and enable communication, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
2Reliability
If a face mask is worn for protection, then safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to communication difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module is merged with the mask structure, with the microphone integrated into the frame near the mouth and speakers positioned near the ears. This integration allows users to communicate clearly while wearing the mask, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring safety through continuous mask wear.
3Reliability
If separate mask and communication devices are used, then individual functions are optimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mask and communication device into a single integrated unit. The eyeglass frame serves as the structural backbone that supports both the mask and the communication module, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing overall complexity while maintaining individual function optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The eyeglass frame performs multiple functions: structural support for the mask, housing for the communication module, and mounting structure for audio components. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining optimized individual functions, thereby reducing device complexity.
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
Enables effective filtration of particulates and aerosols while allowing for seamless communication through integration with electronic devices, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The panel is air permeable and thus is configured to filter particulates from air during inhalation and exhalation
Data Source
AI summary
A face masking device for filtering air and facilitating communication includes a frame and a panel. The frame comprises a bridge, a pair of bars, and a pair of temples and resembles a modified eyeglass frame. Each bar extends arcuately from a respective opposed end of the bridge so that the bar is positioned below an associated eye of a user when the bridge is positioned on a nose of the user. Each temple is engaged to and extends substantially perpendicularly from a respective bar distal from the bridge. The temple engages a respective ear of the user to engage the frame to a head of the user. The panel is engaged to and extends from the bridge and the bars so that the panel is positioned over a nose and mouth of the user. The panel is air permeable and thus filters particulates from air during inhalation and exhalation.