Custom-Fit Face Mask Eye Opening Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional face masks with one-size fits all designs often fail to accurately conform to individual facial features, leading to ineffective application of active agents and discomfort due to poor fit, particularly around the eyes and lips.

Innovation Solution

A method for creating custom-fit face masks by determining specific anatomical bounds on a digital geometric representation of the face, such as the lower and upper eye region bounds, to define precise eye openings, and similarly for nose and mouth openings, ensuring accurate alignment and improved contact with the skin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional one-size fits all applicators are used with universally large eye and lip openings, then the applicator can accommodate variations in user features, but the applicator is ineffective at applying active agent in the region of the eye or lips in many individuals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of user feature variationsVSAvoidalignment accuracy with eye and lip regions

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator incorporates adjustable components that allow the eye and lip openings to be dynamically repositioned or resized to match individual facial features, transforming a static one-size-fits-all design into an adaptable system that maintains both versatility and precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator design allows modification of opening dimensions and positions through adjustable mechanisms, enabling the same applicator to accommodate different user features while maintaining accurate alignment with eye and lip regions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional one-size fits all applicators are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but alignment of eye and lip openings is particularly difficult and leads to user discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of productionVSAvoidalignment difficulty and user comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator includes pre-configured adjustment mechanisms or pre-set positions that facilitate easy alignment with facial features during application, reducing the difficulty of proper positioning while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator incorporates self-aligning features such as registration marks or contour-matching elements that guide proper positioning on the face, enabling users to achieve correct alignment without complex procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3860396B1Method of making applicator with precision eye opening

Publication Date: 2023.09.13 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

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AI summary

A method of making a face mask for a face of a human user can include determining a lower eye region bound and determining an upper eye region bound by locating an upper bound of the eyeball as determined by a peak point of an arc of concavity in an upper eyelid of the at least one eye when the eye is closed. The method can also include setting a first anchor point about 0 mm to about 10 mm below the lower eye region bound, and setting a second anchor point about 0 mm to about 10 mm above the upper eye region bound; and defining at least one eye opening for a face mask having first edge that intersects the first anchor point and a second edge that intersects the second anchor point.