Protective Mask With Check Valve Straw Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing protective masks require removal for eating and drinking, compromising their protective function and social convenience, especially in settings where proximity to others is a concern.

Innovation Solution

A disposable protective mask with a check valve and straw attachment system that allows beverage consumption without removing the mask, maintaining a seal against exhalation and inhalation while allowing liquid passage through the straw.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a protective mask is worn to prevent pathogen transmission, then protection against inhalation exposures is improved, but the ability to consume beverages without removing the mask deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against pathogen transmissionVSAvoidability to consume beverages

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mask is divided into separate functional zones: a breathable fabric portion covering the nose and mouth for protection, and a separate straw aperture with valve mechanism for beverage consumption. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A check valve is introduced as an intermediary component in the straw aperture. The valve acts as a mediator that allows liquid to pass through while blocking exhaled air, enabling beverage consumption without compromising the protective seal of the mask.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the mask is removed for drinking, then beverage consumption is enabled, but protection against pathogens is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeverage consumptionVSAvoidprotection against pathogens

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mask maintains continuous protective coverage over the nose and mouth while the straw aperture provides a dedicated, sealed pathway for beverage consumption. The protective function continues uninterrupted because the straw system is isolated from the breathable fabric portion by the check valve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The check valve serves as an intermediary that selectively permits liquid flow while preventing air passage. This allows the mask to remain in place during beverage consumption, maintaining the protective barrier against pathogens while enabling drinking through the valve mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a seal is formed around the nose and mouth, then filtration efficiency is improved, but the ability to breathe and drink simultaneously deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidability to breathe and drink

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mask design segments the facial coverage into a sealed breathable fabric portion for filtration and a separate straw aperture for drinking. The fabric portion maintains its seal around the nose and mouth for efficient filtration, while the straw aperture provides a dedicated, isolated pathway for beverage consumption that does not interfere with the seal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The check valve in the straw aperture acts as an intermediary that distinguishes between liquid intake and air exhalation. It allows the seal to remain intact for filtration while providing a controlled mechanism for drinking, enabling both breathing and drinking functions to coexist without compromising the seal's integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables safe consumption of beverages while wearing the mask, minimizing disease transmission and maintaining protection in social settings, without compromising the mask's effectiveness or requiring segregation.

Implementation Method 1

A straw aperture with check valve is formed through the mask at a location over the user's mouth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCheck valve one-way flow control: Valve

Implementation Method 2

protective respiratory masks are known as face masks or respirators... provide efficient filtration of airborne particles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10905905B1Mask for drinking a beverage

Publication Date: 2021.02.02 DETTORE ROBERT M

AI summary

A protective mask having a valve assembly that allow a user to drink a beverage while wearing the mask to maintain a safe environment by filtering contaminants, such as pathogens and particles from passing through the mask. The valve assembly may be provided on the mask or may be separately provided for attachment to a mask. The protective mask with the valve assembly has an attachment portion that allows common beverage straws to connect with the valve assembly to allow liquids to be draw through the mask by a user through a passageway. A check valve limits liquid flow in a single direction and actuates to open the valve when a user draws in liquid through the mouthpiece. The valve remains closed and blocks passage of inhaled or exhaled air, and blocks liquid flow in the direction opposite of the flow direction.