Filter Mask With Transparent Face Plate and Downward Air Inlet

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional filter masks obstruct the face, hindering medical professionals' ability to examine patients and limiting visibility, while also being prone to moisture exposure and filtration inefficiencies, especially in rainy conditions.

Innovation Solution

A filter mask design featuring a transparent face plate that allows full face visibility, a downward-facing air inlet to prevent rain ingress, and a replaceable multilayer filter assembly with upstream porous filters to protect the biological filter media, along with a separate outlet for vomit or emesis to maintain air treatment member integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional filter mask is used to cover the mouth and nose, then filtration of biological contaminants is achieved, but the face is obstructed and visibility is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration effectivenessVSAvoidface visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mask is divided into separate functional components: a transparent face shield that covers the eyes and upper face, and a separate filter assembly positioned at the lower face. This segmentation allows the transparent portion to maintain visibility while the filter portion provides protection, resolving the contradiction between visibility and filtration effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The air inlet is repositioned from the front to the lower rear portion of the mask, changing the spatial dimension of air entry. This dimensional change allows air to be drawn from below rather than through the front, preventing rain ingress while maintaining filtration effectiveness through the rearward-positioned filter assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the air inlet faces forward to allow breathing, then air flow is achieved, but rain can ingress and wet the filter media

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair flowVSAvoidmoisture exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The air inlet is positioned asymmetrically at the lower rear portion of the mask rather than at the front center. This asymmetric positioning, combined with the downward slope of the face shield, creates a configuration where air can flow in from below while rain running down the face shield does not directly contact the air inlet or filter media, thus preventing moisture ingress while maintaining air flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The face shield is designed with a downward slope that preemptively directs rain away from the air inlet and filter assembly before rain can reach these components. This preliminary protective action prevents moisture exposure while allowing the air inlet to remain open for proper breathing function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Reliability

If a single-layer biological filter is used, then filtration is provided, but the filter media is prone to soiling and inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration protectionVSAvoidfiltration efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The filter assembly uses a composite structure with multiple layers: a hydrophobic outer layer that repels moisture and prevents soiling, and an inner biological filter media layer that provides the primary filtration function. This composite material approach enhances both the durability and efficiency of the filter system while protecting the biological media from direct exposure to contaminants and moisture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The filter assembly incorporates porous materials with specific pore size distributions, including a hydrophobic porous outer layer and an inner biological filter layer with optimized pore structures. These porous materials enable effective filtration of biological contaminants while the hydrophobic properties prevent moisture ingress and maintain filtration efficiency over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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

Enhances diagnostic visibility, maintains filtration efficiency in wet conditions, and allows for easy filter replacement and cleaning, ensuring continuous air purification without soiling the mask.

Implementation Method 1

The filter assembly may have a hydrophobic material on an outer surface thereof. Therefore, the filter assembly is less likely to become wet if the filter mask is worn by a person when it is raining.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe