Respirator Mask Bone Conduction Stabilization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bone conduction systems suffer from slippage issues, which impede their effectiveness, especially in emergency situations where readjustment is not feasible for first responders.

Innovation Solution

A bone conduction communication system with at least one bone conduction element stabilized by a wearable device, such as a respirator mask, using a band or straps to secure the elements along multiple axes of support, ensuring they remain in place during use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bone conduction transducers are used in emergency situations, then communication effectiveness is improved, but slippage occurs causing the transducers to move from desired location

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication effectivenessVSAvoidtransducer position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization system is divided into multiple independent components: strap coupling elements integrated into the respirator mask, separate bands that connect to these coupling elements, and multiple transducers positioned at different locations. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively achieving stable transducer positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent stabilizes transducers by extending support from a single point to multiple dimensions. Bands connect to strap coupling elements that are distributed across different locations on the respirator mask, providing stabilization along multiple axes (x-axis, y-axis, z-axis) rather than a single dimension, preventing transducer slippage in any direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If bone conduction transducers are integrated into respirator masks, then fit under PPE is improved, but complex stabilization structures are required to prevent slippage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit under PPEVSAvoidstabilization structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The strap coupling elements serve multiple functions: they are integrated into the respirator mask structure to provide secure attachment points, they connect to bands for transducer stabilization, and they distribute mechanical loads across the mask structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated stabilization components.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The stabilization system uses a nested structure where bands are connected to strap coupling elements that are themselves integrated into the respirator mask. Transducers are positioned within the stabilization framework formed by the bands and coupling elements, creating a nested arrangement that minimizes external complexity while providing comprehensive stabilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 system effectively stabilizes bone conduction elements on the wearer's head, preventing slippage and ensuring reliable communication in noisy and hazardous environments, even during emergency situations.

Implementation Method 1

These devices transmit sound from a transducer through the bones of the wearer's skull to the inner ear, rather than transmitting sound through air conduction through the outer and middle ear.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBone conduction:

Data Source

PatentUS11471712B2Respirator mask with integrated bone conduction transducer
Publication Date: 2022.10.18 SCOTT TECHNOLOGIES INC
  • US11471712B2 patent drawing
  • US11471712B2 patent drawing
  • US11471712B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system for a bone conduction communication system that includes at least one bone conduction element that is stabilized against a wearer's head when in use. In one embodiment, the bone conduction communication system includes a bone conduction device including at least one bone conduction element and a wearable device, the bone conduction device being coupled to the wearable device, the wearable device stabilizing the at least one bone conduction element in a plurality of axes of support.