Face Mask Lens Snapping Attachment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current face mask and goggle systems fail to effectively prevent projectile materials from passing between the lens and body, especially near the nose area, and have complex lens attachment mechanisms that make replacement and cleaning difficult.
Innovation Solution
A protective face mask system with a flexible mask body and a transparent flexible lens that includes snapping engagement grooves and flanges for secure alignment and attachment, using two-piece fasteners with cam-locking mechanisms for easy installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lens is firmly attached to the mask body to prevent projectile penetration, then protection reliability is improved, but lens replacement and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is divided into separate components: the mask body with attachment features and the lens with corresponding engagement features. This segmentation allows the lens to be firmly attached during use yet easily removed when needed, resolving the contradiction between protection reliability and ease of maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a static permanent bond to a dynamic reversible connection. The lens can be securely fastened during operation to ensure protection, then easily detached for cleaning or replacement, providing both firm attachment and ease of maintenance at different operational stages.
2Ease of operation
If a simple lens attachment mechanism is used to enable easy replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but lens alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment features such as grooves, flanges, and shaped receiving openings are pre-formed during manufacturing to guide the lens into correct alignment during attachment. This preliminary preparation ensures precise lens positioning is achieved automatically during the simple replacement process, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and alignment precision.
3Reliability
If the lens is securely fastened to prevent separation during impact, then protection reliability is improved, but the complexity of the attachment mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple attachment functions are merged into an integrated attachment mechanism that combines securing, aligning, and sealing features into a unified system. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall attachment mechanism while maintaining reliable lens fastening during impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is designed to automatically secure the lens in place through self-aligning features and automatic engagement of attachment elements. This self-service capability ensures reliable lens fastening without requiring complex manual adjustment or additional components, resolving the contradiction between protection reliability and mechanism 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
The system provides enhanced protection by preventing projectile penetration and allowing for easy lens replacement and cleaning, ensuring the lens remains securely attached during impact and use.
Implementation Method 1
The retaining clips include an opening including a cam surface. Rotating a retaining clip at least about a quarter turn about the retaining extension secures the lens to the mask body through the camming action of the relative movement of the retaining clip and the retaining extension.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective face mask system according to the present invention comprises a flexible mask body including an opening for receiving a lens, nose portion, a central portion positioned to the rear of and extending at least partially above the nose portion, a central receiving slot located between the nose portion and the central portion, right and left temple portions, each temple portion having a shaped receiving opening therethrough, left and right cheek portions, and at least one groove located adjacent one of the left and right cheek portions. A lens is provided sized to be received upon and cover the lens opening. The lens includes right and left temple portions including openings therein positioned to correspond to and align with the openings of the mask body when the lens is positioned for attachment to the mask body. The lens including at least a portion that snappingly engages the groove when a portion of the lens is inserted into the slot.