Gauze Mask Folding Lines for Three-Dimensional Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional foldable gauze masks with parallel and uniformly directed folding lines lack sufficient support when unfolded into a three-dimensional structure, leading to misalignment of support forces, poor sealing performance, and difficulty in folding flat, which affects their ability to filter dirty air and dust effectively.
Innovation Solution
A gauze mask design featuring two main pieces and two folding portions connected to a main covering portion, with each piece having press connecting portions and an adhesive layer, allowing for a three-dimensional configuration that focuses support force and improves sealing by using a combination of stacked and pulled folding pieces, and incorporating relief notches to prevent wrinkling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional parallel folding lines with the same folding direction are used, then the gauze mask can be folded flat, but the mask lacks sufficient support when unfolded into a three-dimensional structure
Solution Approach 1:
The folding portions are divided into multiple folding pieces (first, second, third folding pieces) connected in sequence, creating segmented folding lines with different folding directions. This segmentation allows each folding piece to provide independent support while collectively forming a stable three-dimensional structure when unfolded.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding pieces within each folding portion have different folding directions (first and second folding directions that are not parallel), creating an asymmetric folding line configuration. This asymmetry enables the folding portions to expand in multiple dimensions when unfolded, providing focused and distributed support forces that maintain mask shape stability.
2Strength
If parallel folding lines with the same folding direction are used, then the structure is simple, but the support portions become misaligned when unfolded, resulting in unfocused support force
Solution Approach 1:
The folding lines transition from a single-dimensional parallel arrangement to a multi-dimensional configuration with folding pieces oriented in different directions (first and second folding directions). This dimensional change allows support portions to align properly when unfolded, creating focused support forces at key structural points while distributing stress evenly across the mask body.
3Ease of operation
If ear loops are provided at both ends of the mask body, then the mask can be worn, but the ends are pulled to form semi-arch-shaped openings that affect sealing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The mask body is pre-formed with a three-dimensional configuration through the multi-directional folding portions, creating sufficient internal support and volume before wearing. This preliminary three-dimensional structure maintains the mask's shape and sealing contact with the face, preventing the formation of semi-arch-shaped openings even when ear loops are pulled during wearing.
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
Enables the gauze mask to be easily folded flat for storage and unfolded into a strong three-dimensional structure with improved support and sealing performance, enhancing its ability to filter air and dust effectively.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive layer is disposed at the two main pieces to adhere the main pieces to the user's face
Data Source
AI summary
A gauze mask with folding lines capable of enabling the gauze mask to be folded into a flat package or unfolded into a three dimensional configuration, includes two folding portions connected to a main covering portion and two main pieces. Each of the two folding portions includes at least three folding pieces, when in use, the folding pieces will be stretched out and prop up one another, which provides a better support and enables to the gauze mask to be unfolded into a three dimensional structure. When unfolded, the gauze mask can obtain a strong support and three dimensional sense.