Flexible Breathing Mask Filter Frame Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breathing mask filters with rigid frames compromise support and sealing due to direct shock transmission and require precise dimensions for effective sealing, leading to potential leaks and reduced airflow.
Innovation Solution
A flexible filter design featuring two filter mats joined by a flexible frame with a compression spring, allowing for easy assembly and maintaining a consistent distance between mats for optimal airflow and sealing, with a sealing surface for testing tightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid frame is used to support the filter, then the filter can be easily grasped and connected to the mask, but shocks on the filter act directly on the breathing mask and the mask may slip on the user's face
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible frame made of elastic material instead of a rigid frame. This flexible frame can deform to absorb shocks and vibrations, preventing direct transmission of forces to the breathing mask and user's face, while still providing sufficient structural support for the filter element.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible frame acts as a pre-designed cushioning element that absorbs and dissipates shock energy before it can reach the breathing mask. The elastic material properties provide inherent vibration damping and shock absorption capabilities built into the frame structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If precise filter blanks are used to ensure sealing, then sealing is improved, but small deviations in dimension lead to leaks at the connection seams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compression element that applies radial compression force to the filter blank, creating an elastic seal against the frame's circumferential ring. This changes the sealing mechanism from relying on precise dimensional fit to relying on elastic deformation and compression force, making the seal more tolerant of dimensional variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system combines the filter blank material with an elastic sealing material that can deform and conform to the frame's sealing surface. This composite approach ensures reliable sealing even when there are minor deviations in filter blank dimensions.
3Productivity
If the distance between filter blanks is made small to reduce vacuum, then breathing resistance is reduced, but contact may develop between blanks which reduces the passage area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compression element that applies an outward radial force to counterbalance the inward suction force generated during breathing. This prevents the filter blanks from contacting each other even when the distance between them is minimized, maintaining consistent passage area while allowing for high breathing flow rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression element acts as an intermediary mechanical element between the frame and the filter blanks, providing continuous outward pressure to maintain separation. This mediator ensures that the filter blanks remain spaced apart throughout the breathing cycle, preventing contact and maintaining optimal airflow passage.
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 flexible filter design enhances user comfort by reducing shock transmission, ensures consistent airflow, and allows for easy tightness testing, addressing the issues of support and sealing in existing rigid frame filters.
Implementation Method 1
A compression spring (18) may be provided for maintaining the first end piece (51, 52) and the second end piece (53, 54) at spaced locations from each other
Implementation Method 2
The front filter mat and the rear filter mat have essentially equal surface areas and are joined together along a circumference at a sealing edge
Implementation Method 3
The front filter mat may comprise a printable cover mat and an activated carbon absorbent located under the printable cover mat
Data Source
AI summary
A filter for a breathing device is flexible and can be manufactured in a simple manner. The filter includes a flexible frame (5) with a filter port (8) and with an end piece (9). The flexible frame (5) is provided between two filter mats (2, 3). The flexible frame (5) can be folded over along a bent edge (7) such that the filter port (8) and the second end piece (9) are arranged opposite each other.