Inhalation Mask Dual Sealing Lips Upper Nose Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing face masks for therapeutic nebulizers face challenges in providing an improved seal, especially in the upper nose area, leading to potential aerosol leakage into the eyes and discomfort during use, particularly when administering medication.
Innovation Solution
A face mask design featuring two sealing lips connected in series, where one lip points inward and the other outward, allowing for better adaptation to facial contours and enhanced sealing, combined with a tongue valve for exhaled air escape and using different materials for improved comfort and connection reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional masks made from PP or PVC are used, then the mask structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sealing function in the upper nose area is insufficient and wearing comfort is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into two distinct areas: a first area made of soft flexible material for contact with the face (providing sealing and comfort), and a second area made of rigid material for connection to the therapy nebulizer (providing structural support). This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, improving sealing without unnecessarily complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials are used for different parts of the mask: the first area uses soft flexible material (such as silicone rubber or thermoplastic elastomer) for comfort and sealing, while the second area uses rigid material (such as polypropylene or PVC) for structural support and connection. This local differentiation of material properties optimizes both sealing function and structural integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the seal in the upper nose area is improved to prevent aerosol leakage, then eye irritation is prevented, but wearing comfort may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mask uses soft flexible material specifically in the first area that contacts the face, particularly around the upper nose area, to provide both sealing and comfort. The material's flexibility allows it to adapt to individual facial contours, creating an effective seal that prevents aerosol leakage while maintaining wearing comfort through its cushioning properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The first area of the mask is made from soft flexible material such as silicone rubber or thermoplastic elastomer, which can deform and adapt to the contours of the user's face. This flexibility enables the mask to create an effective seal around the upper nose area and other facial regions while maintaining comfort through the material's cushioning and conformability.
3Ease of operation
If a single material is used for the entire mask, then manufacturing is simple, but both comfort and connection reliability cannot be optimized simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is segmented into two functional areas with different material properties: the first area uses soft flexible material for comfort and sealing, while the second area uses rigid material for structural support and connection reliability. This segmentation enables both comfort and connection reliability to be optimized simultaneously, with each area using the most appropriate material for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask employs a composite construction combining two different materials: a soft flexible material (such as silicone rubber or thermoplastic elastomer) for the first area that contacts the face, and a rigid material (such as polypropylene or PVC) for the second area that connects to the therapy nebulizer. This composite approach allows each material to contribute its optimal properties to the overall mask performance.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
To improve wearing comfort and sealing in the upper nasal region, the present invention proposes a face mask, in particular an inhalation mask for use with a therapeutic nebulizer, comprising a mask body that includes a first circumferential area (2) designed for placing the mask against the face of a user, and a second area (3) for connection to, in particular, a therapeutic nebulizer, wherein a section (4) of the first area is designed for placement in the upper nasal region of the face and includes two sealing lips (5, 6) arranged one behind the other. According to the invention, the two sealing lips arranged one behind the other are formed by a first inwardly projecting sealing lip (5) and a second outwardly projecting sealing lip (6).