Facemask Sustenance Port Assembly Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory protective devices, such as facemasks, do not allow wearers to easily consume sustenance while maintaining protection from hazardous environments, as existing designs for drinking tubes are cumbersome or require removal of the mask, exposing the wearer to potential dangers.
Innovation Solution
A port assembly or valve assembly integrated into the facemask that includes a mounting plate, retaining plate, spacer, and gasket, forming a passageway for a tubular nourishment delivery device, such as a straw, to enable eating and drinking while maintaining protection, with the assembly securely attached to the mask to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed drinking tube with external fluid supply is used, then sustenance can be delivered, but the device becomes cumbersome and awkward to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sustenance delivery function from the external environment by integrating a port assembly directly into the facemask structure. The mounting plate and retaining plate create a self-contained access system that eliminates the need for external fluid supplies and complex tubing, allowing users to consume sustenance through the mask itself in a simple and straightforward manner.
2Ease of operation
If the facemask is removed to consume sustenance, then the wearer can eat and drink, but the wearer risks exposure to hazardous conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sustenance consumption function with the respiratory protection function by integrating the port assembly into the facemask. The mounting plate and retaining plate create a sealed access system that allows food and liquid to pass through while maintaining the protective barrier against hazardous airborne conditions. This combination enables users to consume sustenance without removing the mask or exposing themselves to dangerous environments.
3Ease of operation
If a retractable drink system is mounted inside the mask, then sustenance can be delivered, but the system becomes cumbersome and awkward to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates complex retractable mechanisms by extracting the sustenance delivery function and implementing it through a simple port assembly. The mounting plate with its opening and the retaining plate create a direct access system that requires no moving parts, retraction mechanisms, or complex internal mounting structures. This simplified approach allows users to consume sustenance easily without the burden of cumbersome internal systems.
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 the wearer to receive nourishment through the mask without compromising respiratory protection, preventing the spread of airborne pathogens like COVID-19, while allowing for sustenance and hydration in hazardous conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A gasket is positioned between the essentially flat mounting plate and the essentially flat retaining plate to seal the passageway
Implementation Method 2
An essentially flat mounting plate frictionally engages the protective facemask body inner surface... An essentially flat retaining plate frictionally engages the protective facemask body outer surface
Data Source
AI summary
A flat mounting plate frictionally engages a protective facemask body inner surface, surrounds a first opening, at least partially, and defines a second opening that is co-extensive with the first opening, at least partially. A flat retaining plate frictionally engages the protective facemask body outer surface, surrounds the first opening, at least partially, and defines a third opening that is co-extensive with the first opening, at least partially. A tubular spacer is positioned between the flat mounting plate and the flat retaining plate inserted into the first opening to define a passageway connecting the second opening to the third opening for nourishment to flow therethrough. A gasket is positioned between the flat mounting plate and the flat retaining plate to seal the passageway. The flat mounting plate and the flat retaining plate define jaws for gripping the protective facemask body to hold the port assembly in place.