Integrated Fastener Components for Respiratory Mask Strap Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing respiratory protective devices face challenges in providing a secure and detachable strap component attachment system that ensures a comfortable and effective fit for users, with existing solutions often being cumbersome or difficult to adjust.

Innovation Solution

A respiratory protective device featuring a mask component with integrated fastener components, such as hook fasteners, that engage with a strap component made of 3D knitted material, allowing for selective and detachable attachment along multiple interfaces, including perimeter edges and lateral ends, facilitating a secure and adjustable fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a detachable strap component configuration is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of strap attachment and detachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of fastener component system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener components are integrally configured as part of the mask component, merging the fastening function into the existing structure. This eliminates the need for separate fastening mechanisms while enabling detachable strap configuration, thus improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated fastener components serve multiple functions: they provide attachment points for straps, maintains structural integrity of the mask component, and enable selective detachment. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve detachable configuration capability while using existing structural elements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple strap component interfaces are provided, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of strap attachment positionsVSAvoidnumber of fastener component arrays
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener components are distributed in multiple arrays along perimeter edge portions of the mask component, creating multiple strap component interfaces. This segmentation allows straps to be attached at different positions for various fit requirements, improving adaptability while maintaining a systematic and organized structure that limits complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If integrated fastener components are distributed along perimeter edges, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of strap attachment pointsVSAvoidprecision of fastener component distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener components are integrally configured with the mask component, merging the fastening elements into the mask structure during manufacturing. This integration ensures precise distribution of fastener components along perimeter edges without requiring separate attachment steps, thereby achieving both ease of operation and manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4342548A1Integrated fastener components for detachable strap component configuration in respiratory protective device
Publication Date: 2024.03.27 HONEYWELL SAFETY PRODUCTS USA INC
  • EP4342548A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4342548A1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4342548A1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Various embodiments are directed to respiratory protective devices and methods of using the same. In various embodiments, a respiratory protective device comprises a mask component configured to engage a face of a user; and a strap component configured for selective attachment to the mask component, the strap component being further configured to be worn by the user such that the mask component selectively attached thereto is positioned against the user's face, wherein the strap component defines a selectively detachable configuration relative to the relative to mask component; wherein the mask component comprises a plurality of integrated fastener components configured for selective engagement with the strap component to secure the strap component relative to the mask component, the plurality of integrated fastener components being integrally configured as part of the mask component such that the mask component defines a strap component interface configured for detachable attachment to the strap component.