Heated N95 Mask with Segmented Airflow and Reusable Filter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing N95 masks cause adverse health effects such as dizziness, headaches, and respiratory issues, especially for individuals with asthma, and contribute to pollution due to their polypropylene composition, with a lack of warm air options for those needing respiratory protection.

Innovation Solution

A heated face mask with N95 filtering capabilities that warms and humidifies incoming air using a heat-producing substrate powered by low voltage electricity, featuring a removable filter container and a design that minimizes polypropylene usage, allowing for adjustable airflow and optional exercise training features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If N95 masks are used for viral protection, then filtering capability is improved, but comfort and health effects deteriorate due to cold air inhalation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltering capabilityVSAvoidcold air inhalation effects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mask is divided into distinct functional zones: a heating chamber with heating elements, a filtration chamber with N95 filter, and a breathing chamber. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - heating, filtering, and comfortable breathing - without interfering with the others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heating elements preheat the air in the heating chamber before the air reaches the user's mouth and nose. This preliminary heating action prevents cold air from directly contacting the respiratory system, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of cold air inhalation while maintaining N95 filtration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If polypropylene N95 masks are used extensively, then viral protection is improved, but environmental pollution deteriorates due to non-biodegradable waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveviral protectionVSAvoidpolypropylene pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mask separates the N95 filter into a removable, washable component that can be detached and reused multiple times. Only small HEPA filters require replacement, significantly reducing polypropylene waste compared to disposable N95 masks that must be discarded entirely after single use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design enables recovery and reuse of the main mask structure and N95 filter through washing and drying processes. The reusable components can be sanitized and used repeatedly, while only minimal filter elements need periodic replacement, thereby recovering valuable materials and reducing pollution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Object-affected harmful factors

If heated air functionality is added to N95 masks, then comfort is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreathing comfortVSAvoidmask structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mask integrates multiple functions into a single device: heating elements provide thermal comfort, N95 filtration ensures viral protection, and the chamber design enables both heating and filtering simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating devices and filters, actually reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating elements are powered by a rechargeable battery that can be recharged from any power source. The mask's chamber structure naturally facilitates heat distribution and air circulation without requiring complex control systems. This self-service capability simplifies the overall device by eliminating dependence on external power infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 mask provides comfortable and healthy breathing by warming and humidifying air, reducing polypropylene usage and pollution, and offering a flexible solution for respiratory protection and training in various conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a heat-producing substrate (not shown) powered by low voltage electricity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

N95 filtering capabilities

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11801404B1Heated air N95 mask, heated air training workout mask and multi-function mask

Publication Date: 2023.10.31 SABIN ROBERT

AI summary

A face mask apparatus with N95 filter capability is formed with a breathing chamber that provides adjustable warm and humidified air for inhalation. The breathing chamber heats cold air that is breathed in through the face mask during normal breathing, which is worn over the nose and mouth of a person. A temperature gauge monitors temperature for future adjustment of the amount of heat generating current. The air in the chamber is heated for inhalation by a heating pad. The temperature of the Heating Pad and by extension the warm air generated), is regulated/adjusted by increasing or decreasing the current output settings on a controller connected to the power source. Warm and humidified air is produced. The air intake front end includes one or more slots to accommodate N95 filters, dust and pollutant capturing filters, or exercise air flow barriers therein.