Headgear Sealing Element for Respiratory Mask Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current protective clothing, particularly headgear and respiratory masks, face challenges in achieving optimal sealing at the transition region, leading to potential contamination from toxic or harmful substances, and lack adaptability across various respiratory mask models and types.

Innovation Solution

A headgear design featuring an elastic sealing element and a peripheral portion with a tie element that encircles the field-of-vision opening, allowing for adjustable tension to ensure a secure seal with different respiratory mask configurations, enhancing adaptability and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed sealing structure is used at the transition between headgear and respiratory mask, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the adaptability to different mask models and types deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different mask models

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic sealing elements including elastic sealing lips and adjustable tie elements that can adapt their position and tension to accommodate different respiratory mask geometries. The sealing structure transitions from a fixed configuration to one that can dynamically adjust to various mask shapes and sizes, resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes elastic materials with specific durometer values and adjustable tension parameters in the tie elements to modify the physical properties of the sealing structure. By changing parameters such as material elasticity, sealing lip profile, and tie element tension, the system achieves both reliable sealing and compatibility with multiple mask types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a complex adjustable sealing mechanism is implemented, then the adaptability to various mask types is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to various mask typesVSAvoidsealing mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing mechanism is divided into separate functional components: an elastic sealing lip portion, an intermediate peripheral portion, and an adjustable tie element system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving adaptability through simple, modular elements rather than a complex integrated mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic sealing lips and tie elements are designed to automatically adjust and self-regulate their tension and position based on the geometry of the respiratory mask. The system performs the adaptation function autonomously without requiring complex control mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If a tight sealing fit is maintained during physical activity, then the protection against toxic substances is improved, but the ease of operation and handling deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against contaminationVSAvoidease of handling during physical activity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible elastic sealing lips and a pliable peripheral portion that can deform and conform to head movements and physical activity. These flexible elements maintain continuous sealing contact with the respiratory mask during motion, ensuring protection while allowing natural head movement and ease of handling without rigid constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 provides a reliable, slippage-free seal across various respiratory mask types, improving protection and ease of handling while maintaining a secure fit during physical activity.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic sealing element for bearing in a sealing manner on the respiratory mask

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the peripheral portion is configured so as to push the sealing element onto the respiratory mask

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS12102847B2Headgear, in particular a hood or a balaclava, for protective clothing

Publication Date: 2024.10.01 BLUCHER GMBH

AI summary

An article of protective clothing with protective functions in relation to chemical, biological, radioactive, or nuclear, respectively . . . including toxic or harmful substances such as for example warfare agents. The protective clothing can be used in both the military and the civilian sector. More specifically, one embodiment is an article of protective clothing, especially for the region of the head or the neck, respectively, in the form of a headgear which is worn, or used with a respiratory mask, also referred to as a protective breathing apparatus. The headgear has an effective seal between the headgear and the respiratory mask. A further embodiment is a method for sealing the transition between a headgear and a respiratory mask.