Head-Mounted Mask With Articulating Swing Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional face masks are difficult to put on or take off hygienically and comfortably, especially during activities, and they often fail to provide a tight seal without causing discomfort or marring the face, while also being prone to excessive perspiration absorption during exercise or labor.
Innovation Solution
A mask system mounted on articulating swing arms connected to a head-mounted device, which allows for adjustable positioning and secure attachment using magnetic catches or tension knobs, reducing the need for lateral pressure and incorporating features like hinged openings for easy access during eating or drinking, and a shaped flange to prevent sweat exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional face mask is used to achieve a tight seal, then the seal between mask and face is improved, but the mask causes discomfort or marring to the user's face
Solution Approach 1:
The mask system is divided into separate components: a head-mounted device and a mask body connected by swing arms. This segmentation allows the mask to be supported from above rather than pressed against the face, eliminating face marring while maintaining seal integrity through the head-mounted support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a two-dimensional face-sealing approach to a three-dimensional head-mounted configuration. The head-mounted device positioned above the head provides vertical support through swing arms, changing the dimensional approach from horizontal face pressure to vertical head support, thereby eliminating face discomfort.
2Reliability
If a conventional face mask is made heavier to prevent filter absorption of perspiration and maximize airflow, then the filter performance is improved, but the mask requires substantial lateral force against the face to stay in place
Solution Approach 1:
The mask weight support transitions from horizontal lateral force against the face to vertical support from the head-mounted device above. The swing arms transfer the weight burden to the head structure, eliminating the need for substantial lateral pressure on the face while maintaining filter performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight-bearing function is extracted from the face-contacting mask body and transferred to the head-mounted device. The head-mounted structure assumes the burden of supporting the mask and filter weight, allowing the mask to remain lightweight without compromising filter performance or requiring excessive lateral force.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional face mask is designed for easy removal and temporary storage, then the ease of operation is improved, but the temporary storage becomes difficult, inconvenient and/or unhygienic
Solution Approach 1:
The head-mounted device serves multiple functions: it supports the mask during use, facilitates easy removal by allowing the mask to swing away, and provides hygienic temporary storage by holding the mask in a clean, elevated position away from contaminants. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and storage hygiene.
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 system provides a comfortable, secure, and hygienic fit with minimal pressure, prevents face marring, and maintains airflow by distributing the mask's weight through the head-mounted device, allowing easy removal and repositioning while keeping the filter dry during high-activity use.
Implementation Method 1
secure attachment using magnetic catches
Data Source
AI summary
A head mounted face mask assembly wherein the face mask is connected to a headmounted device via articulatable swing arms. The assembly is configured so that the weight of the face mask is borne entirely by the swing arms and, in turn, the headmounted device. The swing arms can pivot relative to the headmounted device, and also mid arm, and also where the lower arms connect with the face mask itself.