Flexible Wire Mask Holder for Consistent Face Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing masks struggle with inconsistent fit to the face, leading to unfiltered air entry or exit through edges, discomfort, and increased risk of virus transmission due to inadequate sealing.
Innovation Solution
A mask-holder device made of flexible and deformable wires with a central bridge and side pins that adapt to the face, ensuring secure fastening and sealing, with optional folding features for easy storage and multiple attachment options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional elastic bands or ties are used to fasten masks, then the mask can be secured to the face, but the fit is inconsistent with gaps appearing in some areas while being too loose in others
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible wire structure that can be deformed and bent to match the contours of different face shapes. The wire includes a bridge portion that adapts to the nose bridge area and side portions that extend along the cheeks, providing consistent contact and sealing across various face geometries without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a wire with varying cross-sectional properties along its length, with different portions having different flexibility characteristics. The bridge portion has specific rigidity to maintain structural support, while the side portions are more flexible to conform to cheek contours, allowing the single wire structure to provide both support and adaptive sealing.
2Reliability
If masks are made to fit certain face shapes, then sealing is improved for those users, but the mask becomes loose or uncomfortable for users with different face shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal wire structure that can adapt to multiple face shapes and sizes. The bridge portion and side portions are configured to work together as an integrated system that conforms to various facial geometries, making the mask suitable for different users without requiring multiple size variants or complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible wire that can dynamically deform and reshape itself to match the user's face contours. The wire's flexibility allows it to be molded during fitting and to maintain adaptive contact as the user moves or speaks, providing consistent sealing across different expressions and activities.
3Reliability
If masks are secured tightly to prevent leakage, then filtration is improved, but comfort decreases and users experience continuous awareness of mask placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible wire that distributes sealing pressure along the bridge and side portions rather than concentrating force at discrete attachment points. This distributed pressure system achieves effective edge sealing while reducing localized discomfort and the sensation of mask presence, improving overall user comfort during extended wear.
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
Provides consistent mask fit, prevents air leakage, reduces fogging of spectacles, and minimizes contamination risk by ensuring complete air filtration and easy handling.
Implementation Method 1
made of at least one flexible and deformable wire, able to adapt to the face of a user
Implementation Method 2
filtering all the air inhaled and exhaled by the user
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a mask-holder device made of at least one flexible and deformable wire (7), able to adapt to the face (3) of a user, and configured for fastening a mask (1) to the face (3) of the user. The device exhibits a central bridge (8) able to adapt to the nose (4) of the user, and two side pins (10) attached to the central bridge (8), which form a support base for the mask-holder device, and have means for fixing to the user.