Folded Mask Structure for 3D Face Conformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing masks struggle to form a three-dimensional shape that accurately conforms to the face of the wearer, leading to poor fit and adherence, especially due to pleats formed in a horizontal direction rather than vertical, and forces applied by ear straps are not effective in forming a shape that follows the face.
Innovation Solution
A mask design featuring a central portion with reduced-width parts and folded parts that are folded along the longitudinal direction, forming a flap shape, with pleat fold lines positioned to allow smooth erection by ear strap tension, and a facial contact body for snug fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If pleats are formed in a horizontal direction as in conventional masks, then the mask body can be compact when folded, but the mask cannot form a three-dimensional shape that conforms to the vertical contours of the face
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the orientation of pleats from horizontal to vertical direction. The pleats extend in the vertical direction (from upper end edge to lower end edge) rather than horizontally, enabling the mask body to form a three-dimensional shape that conforms to the vertical contours of the face while maintaining compactness when folded.
2Force
If ear straps are positioned to apply force horizontally, then the mask can be securely held, but the force does not effectively form a three-dimensional shape along the vertical direction of the face
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the ear straps to apply force dynamically in a direction that promotes vertical three-dimensional shaping. The ear straps are arranged to apply force that acts along the vertical direction of the mask body, enabling the pleats to erect and form a three-dimensional shape that conforms to the face contours while maintaining secure holding.
3Ease of manufacture
If the mask body is made flat for storage, then it is easy to store and transport, but it cannot maintain close contact with the three-dimensional surface of the face during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mask body into multiple pleats that can be folded flat for storage but erect to form a three-dimensional shape during use. The pleats are segmented along the vertical direction, allowing the mask to transition between a compact flat state for storage and an expanded three-dimensional state for wearing, ensuring close contact with the face surface.
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 design enables a stable, three-dimensional shape that closely adheres to the face, maintaining a comfortable fit and effective filtration, preventing inhalation of harmful substances and exhalation dispersal.
Implementation Method 1
the folded parts are erected by tension of the ear straps to form a three-dimensional shape
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a mask which can easily form a three-dimensional shape that ensures favorable adherence to the face of a wearer when in use and which can easily be maintained in a favorable state of use. A mask 1 includes: a mask body part 2 which is exposed to the outside; and ear straps 4, 4 on respective sides of the mask body part 2, wherein the mask body part 2 includes a central portion 6 which covers a central part of the face of the wearer along a longitudinal direction, folded parts 7, 7 which are connected to the sides of the central portion 6 and which are folded along the longitudinal direction of the mask body part 2, and side parts 8, 8 which are connected to sides of the folded parts 7, 7 and which cover the sides of the face of the wearer, the central portion 6 includes upper reduced-width parts 10, 10 and lower reduced-width parts 11, 11 each having a width in the left-right direction reduced upward and downward from a central part, and in the mask body part 2, the folded parts 7, 7 are folded when the mask 1 is not in use and the folded parts 7, 7 are erected by tension of the ear straps 4, 4 and form a three-dimensional shape when the mask 1 is in use.