Surgical Face Mask With Foam Sealer For Fog Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional surgical masks are uncomfortable, abrasive, and fail to provide an adequate seal around the rim, leading to fogging of glasses and inadequate protection against odors and bodily fluids, particularly in medical settings where a secure fit is crucial.
Innovation Solution
The use of open cell foam sealers attached to the mask material with adhesive or sewing, along with ties and optional wire shaping, creates a comfortable and secure fit that prevents fogging and odor penetration, while maintaining breathability and filtration efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional surgical masks are used, then basic filtration is provided, but the masks are uncomfortable and abrasive to the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different materials to different parts of the mask: the mask material itself provides filtration, while the foam sealer attached to the rim provides a soft, non-abrasive sealing surface that contacts the skin. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between needing a secure seal and maintaining skin comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask combines multiple materials with complementary properties: the mask material for filtration and the foam sealer for comfortable sealing. This composite structure allows each material to perform its optimal function without the drawbacks of using a single material for the entire mask.
2Reliability
If conventional surgical masks are used, then basic protection is provided, but they fail to provide an adequate seal around the rim
Solution Approach 1:
The foam sealer changes the physical parameters of the mask rim by adding a compliant, deformable material that can adapt to different facial contours. This allows the mask to maintain a reliable seal across various facial structures and sizes, resolving the contradiction between seal effectiveness and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam material provides dynamic adaptability, deforming to match the wearer's facial structure while maintaining sealing pressure. This dynamic property allows the same mask design to effectively seal on different facial structures without compromising reliability.
3Ease of operation
If conventional surgical masks are used, then breathability is maintained, but breath is diverted onto glasses causing fogging
Solution Approach 1:
The foam sealer creates a preliminary barrier that redirects breath flow before it can reach the glasses. By establishing this anti-action at the mask rim, the design prevents the harmful effect of fogging while maintaining natural breathing through the mask material.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional surgical masks are used, then basic filtration is provided, but they do not adequately prevent inhalation of odors
Solution Approach 1:
The foam sealer provides enhanced local quality at the sealing interface, creating a tighter seal that prevents odor infiltration. This localized improvement in seal integrity specifically addresses odor protection without compromising overall mask breathability or filtration performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A facial mask includes a foam sealer that is attached at one or more sides of the mask. The foam sealer prevents air or breath from going upwards out of the mask, thereby preventing glasses from being fogged up during surgery. It also keeps air or materials from getting into the mask and prevents, to a degree, bodily fluids and unwanted odors from penetrating the mask than existing masks. The mask prevents unwanted distractions to the surgeon or other medical personnel. The mask also may prevent medical illnesses from the inhalation of air, the exposure to bodily fluids, or the transfer of gases. The foam sealer is comprised of open cell foam. The facial mask acts as a more complete barrier to odors and bodily fluids that may otherwise endanger both the user or other personnel.