Head-Worn Protected-Air Ring for Extended Mask Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing face masks are uncomfortable for extended wear, hinder breathing, and are often removed prematurely due to discomfort, compromising their protective effectiveness against airborne pathogens and contaminants.
Innovation Solution
A personal protected-air system comprising a head-worn ring with vents and a face mask that maintains a spaced distance from the face, receiving breathable air through a manifold and vents, eliminating the need for ear loops and providing a comfortable, continuous air supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional face masks are worn to protect against airborne pathogens, then protection effectiveness is improved, but breathing comfort and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the protective function into two separate components: a face mask that covers only the necessary areas (nose and mouth) and a head-mounted air supply system that provides breathable air. This segmentation allows the mask to remain simple and effective while the air supply handles the breathing comfort function, resolving the contradiction between protection and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces breathable air as an intermediary substance between the user and the contaminated environment. By providing a stream of breathable air that flows over the face mask, the system mediates between the need for protection (mask) and the need for comfortable breathing (fresh air supply), allowing both functions to coexist without conflict.
2Reliability
If traditional face masks are worn for extended periods, then protection is maintained, but comfort and ease of operation worsen due to discomfort and difficulty in breathing
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the protective mask from the air supply function, the system allows the mask to remain a simple, lightweight component that can be worn indefinitely, while the air supply system handles the burden of providing breathable air. This segmentation removes the source of discomfort (breathing difficulty) from the mask itself, enabling extended wear duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous supply of breathable air acts as an intermediary that sustains protection effectiveness over extended periods by preventing the mask from becoming uncomfortable. The breathable air flow maintains a comfortable microenvironment around the face, allowing users to wear the protective system for extended durations without removal.
3Ease of operation
If face masks are removed prematurely due to discomfort, then ease of operation is improved, but protection effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the protective function into a simple face mask and a separate air supply system. This segmentation makes the mask itself easy to wear and remove, but the air supply component addresses the comfort issue that would otherwise cause premature removal. Users can keep the mask on while the air supply maintains comfort, preventing premature removal and maintaining protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathable air supply serves as an intermediary that prevents premature mask removal by maintaining comfort. By providing a continuous flow of breathable air, the system eliminates the discomfort that would otherwise cause users to remove their masks, thereby maintaining protection effectiveness without compromising ease of operation.
4Reliability
If breathable air is supplied continuously, then protection effectiveness and comfort are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head-mounted ring structure serves multiple functions: it holds the breathable air source, distributes breathable air through vents, and provides structural support for the face mask. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by consolidating several components into a single universal structure rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The face mask is constructed as a flexible, thin film that can be easily shaped and fitted to the user's face. This flexibility simplifies the overall device structure by eliminating the need for rigid frames, complex adjustment mechanisms, or multiple structural components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining protection effectiveness.
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 ensures a comfortable and effective protection against airborne pathogens and contaminants by maintaining a breathable air supply without ear loop discomfort, suitable for extended wear in enclosed environments.
Implementation Method 1
a manifold in fluid communication with the port, and a plurality of vents in fluid communication with the manifold
Data Source
AI summary
A personal protected-air system includes a ring adapted to fit over a user's head. The ring includes a port for receiving breathable air, a manifold in fluid communication with the port, and vents in fluid communication with the manifold. The vents are distributed about a portion of the ring. A face mask is coupled to the ring. The face mask has a first edge, a second edge, and mask material extending from the first edge to the second edge. The first edge is coupled to the ring adjacent to the portion thereof where the vents are so-distributed. The second edge is adapted to fit snugly against the user's cheeks and nose bridge wherein the mask material is spaced apart from the user's nostrils and mouth by an air space and wherein the breathable air enters the air space via the vents.