Head-Worn Airflow Defogger for Continuous Goggle Fog Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fogging prevention methods for goggles are either temporary, require repeated application, cumbersome, or reduce functionality and are expensive.

Innovation Solution

A head-worn air pump system that provides a stream of air to the goggles through flexible tubes, powered by a rechargeable battery, with optional heating or cooling, to prevent and clear fogging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional fogging prevention methods are used, then fogging is temporarily prevented, but repeated application is required and they are cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefogging prevention effectivenessVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically prevents fogging through an integrated air pump that continuously supplies air to the goggle interior, eliminating the need for manual intervention or repeated application of conventional methods. The device serves itself by maintaining optimal air flow and temperature control without user input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical applications (such as wiping or applying coatings) with an automated pneumatic system that uses air flow and temperature control to prevent fogging, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If advanced fogging prevention devices are used, then fogging is effectively prevented, but they are expensive and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefogging prevention effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: an air pump unit, a heating element, and a goggle component. This segmentation allows for standardized mass production of each module, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining effective fogging prevention through their integrated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The air pump system serves multiple functions: it provides air flow to prevent fogging, supplies heated air for defogging, and can be integrated with various goggle designs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate devices, lowering overall manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If conventional defogging methods are used, then fogging is temporarily removed, but repeated application is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedefogging efficiencyVSAvoidtime for repeated application

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The air pump operates continuously or intermittently to maintain constant air flow across the goggle interior surface, ensuring sustained fogging prevention without interruption. This continuous action eliminates the need for repeated defogging applications, improving productivity while reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Reliability

If heavy defogging devices are used, then fogging is effectively prevented, but component weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefogging prevention effectivenessVSAvoidheadwear weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses flexible thin-walled air distribution tubes and lightweight heating elements that can be integrated into the goggle structure without adding significant weight. These thin-film components maintain effective fogging prevention while minimizing the weight of moving objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a pneumatic system using air flow instead of heavier mechanical or chemical systems. The air pump delivers pressurized air through lightweight flexible tubes, achieving effective fogging prevention with minimal weight addition compared to traditional defogging devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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

Provides effective, continuous fog prevention with minimal user discomfort, maintaining functionality and reducing manufacturing costs while enhancing aesthetic appeal.

Implementation Method 1

provides a stream of air to the goggles between the user and the transparent/translucent surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow:

Implementation Method 2

The air can be supplied either at ambient temperature or refrigerated and/or heated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefrigeration: Cooling

Implementation Method 3

The air can be supplied either at ambient temperature or refrigerated and/or heated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20250351913A1Headworn defogger

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 BENNETT AARON J

AI summary

A head-worn air pump is provided in a housing, which directs a stream of air to the goggles between the user and the interior surface of the goggles. The housing is mounted to the user's head independently of the goggles. One or more flexible tubes or hoses can be attached to a manifold or plenum at the housing that receives air under pressure from the pump, and extend from the rear of the head to one or both sides of the goggles. The air can be supplied either at ambient temperature or refrigerated and/or heated, as desired in particular applications.