Foldable Face-Piece Respirator With Central Exhalation Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flat-fold respirators with exhalation valves are prone to structural instability and collapse, particularly when the valve is positioned near the mouth, compromising comfort and increasing breathing resistance.
Innovation Solution
A foldable filtering face-piece respirator design with a central exhalation valve positioned on the line of demarcation, allowing the valve to be over the wearer's mouth, and a mask body divided into equal or similar portions by a discontinuous line of demarcation for improved stability and ease of unfolding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an exhalation valve is added to flat-fold respirators to improve exhalation efficiency, then exhalation performance is improved, but structural stability deteriorates and collapse resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mask body is divided into multiple panels (first panel, second panel, third panel, fourth panel) that can be folded independently. The exhalation valve is positioned in the first panel, allowing it to be separated from the rest of the mask body structure. This segmentation enables the valve to be optimized for exhalation function while the other panels maintain structural integrity and collapse resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhalation valve is positioned specifically in the first panel, which is configured to be folded away from the mask body when not in use. This local placement allows the valve to provide efficient exhalation when needed while being folded out of the way during storage, preventing it from compromising the overall structural stability of the mask body.
2Productivity
If the exhalation valve is positioned centrally over the mouth for optimal exhalation, then exhalation performance is improved, but breathing resistance increases and comfort decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The first panel containing the exhalation valve is configured to be foldable relative to the mask body. During normal use, the valve can be dynamically adjusted or folded to optimal positions for exhalation. When not in use or during storage, the panel can be folded away to minimize interference with the mask body's cup-shaped configuration, reducing breathing resistance and improving comfort.
3Ease of operation
If the mask body is made foldable for compact storage, then storage convenience is improved, but structural stability during use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mask body is segmented into multiple panels that can be folded relative to each other. The first panel with the exhalation valve is separated from the second, third, and fourth panels by fold lines. This segmentation allows the mask to be folded into a compact configuration for storage while maintaining the ability to unfold into a stable cup-shaped form during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask body is pre-configured with fold lines and panel arrangements that enable easy folding for storage. The first panel is positioned and configured to fold away from the main body in a predetermined manner, allowing quick transition between storage and use states without compromising structural integrity when unfolded.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable filtering face-piece respirator is disclosed. The respirator includes a mask body having a line of demarcation that separates the mask body into a first portion and a second portion. The respirator also includes an exhalation valve positioned on the line of demarcation and in a central area of the mask body such that the exhalation valve is positioned essentially over a wearer's mouth during use. The line of demarcation is discontinuous at the location of the valve.