Multi-Purpose Face Mask With Filter Pocket And Adjustable Straps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional face masks, including N95 and cloth masks, are inadequate for 'extreme' activities like sports due to material degradation from heavy breathing and sweat, and lack effective filtration and secure fit during physical exertion, posing risks for viral particle transmission.

Innovation Solution

A multi-use face mask with a polyester-cotton blend outer layer, an inner layer with a filter pocket, adjustable straps, and a breathable design to accommodate replaceable filters, ensuring effective filtration and secure fit during athletic activities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional face masks (N95, medical masks) are used for extreme athletic activities, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but the mask material degrades from heavy breathing and sweat, compromising reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemask durabilityVSAvoidmaterial degradation from sweat and heavy breathing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mask is divided into separate functional layers: an outer shell made of sweat-resistant material and an inner filter component. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally - the outer shell resists degradation from sweat while the inner filter provides filtration, resolving the contradiction between durability and filtration effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mask combines different materials with complementary properties: the outer shell uses sweat-resistant fabric while the inner filter uses filtration material. This composite structure allows the mask to simultaneously achieve durability against sweat degradation and effective viral particle filtration, resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If N95 and medical masks are used for source control, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but they are not breathable enough for extreme athletic activities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration effectivenessVSAvoidbreathability during physical exertion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the mask have different properties optimized for their specific functions. The outer shell region provides durability and sweat resistance, while the inner filter region provides filtration. This local differentiation allows the mask to achieve both high filtration effectiveness and adequate breathability for athletic activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If cloth masks are used for extreme activities, then breathability is improved, but they do not effectively filter out virus particles

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovebreathabilityVSAvoidfiltration effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mask merges two previously separate solutions - the breathable outer shell from cloth masks and the filtration layer from N95/medical masks. By combining these elements into a single integrated design, the mask achieves both breathability for comfort during exercise and effective viral particle filtration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If conventional masks are used during close-contact sports, then filtration is improved, but they do not provide a secure fit during physical activity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration effectivenessVSAvoidsecure fit during movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mask incorporates adjustable and flexible components that adapt to dynamic movement during sports. The ear loops or head straps can be adjusted to maintain a secure fit during various physical activities, while the flexible material allows for movement without compromising the seal or filtration effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 face mask provides enhanced filtration and breathability, maintaining a secure fit during sports activities while allowing for easy filter replacement, addressing the limitations of conventional masks in extreme environments.

Implementation Method 1

an outer layer made of a polyester-cotton blend material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

A replaceable filter piece can be inserted into, or removed from, the pocket space via the slit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11457677B2Multi-purpose face mask

Publication Date: 2022.10.04 SUN DOMINIQUE

AI summary

A face mask has an outer layer made of a polyester-cotton blend material, an inner layer that is stitched or sewn to the outer layer in a manner which defines a pocket space between the inner and outer layers, and having a slit provided along an edge of the inner layer providing access to the pocket space. A replaceable filter piece can be inserted into, or removed from, the pocket space via the slit. The face mask can be provided with straps that are adjustable.