Mask Air Duct Outlet Area Expansion for Flow Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mask apparatuses often cause uncomfortable breathing due to high air discharge pressure and increased flow resistance, which can be exacerbated by the length of the mask and the placement of the suction fan.
Innovation Solution
A mask apparatus with a design that includes a fan module at the front surface, an air duct with a larger outlet area than the inlet, and a mask body cover to reduce discharge pressure and flow noise, while also optimizing air flow to improve breathing comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the suction fan is disposed in front of the air passage, then the mask structure is simplified, but the length of the mask in front and rear direction increases and flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the suction fan from a front-facing arrangement to a side-mounted position relative to the air passage. This spatial reconfiguration in another dimension allows the fan to be integrated without extending the mask's front-rear length, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplification and compact dimensions.
2Productivity
If the blowing fan number of rotation increases, then the amount of air supplied increases, but vibration and flow noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the blowing fan's rotational speed parameters to operate within a specific range that balances air supply efficiency with vibration and noise control. By adjusting this operational parameter, the system achieves adequate ventilation while minimizing harmful vibrations and flow noise generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a damping structure or vibration-absorbing component as an intermediary element between the blowing fan and the mask body. This intermediary absorbs and dissipates vibrational energy, reducing the transmission of vibration and flow noise to the user while maintaining the fan's air-moving capability.
3Volume of stationary object
If the flow distance of air increases, then the mask can accommodate more components, but flow resistance increases and air supply time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the internal air passage with smooth curved transitions instead of sharp angles or abrupt changes. This curved geometry reduces flow separation and turbulence, minimizing flow resistance and energy loss throughout the extended air path, thereby maintaining efficient air flow despite the increased flow distance required to accommodate additional components.
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 apparatus achieves increased air flow rate, reduced flow noise, and improved breathing comfort by uniformly diffusing air and minimizing discharge pressure, thus enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
an area of the duct outlet is greater than an area of the duct inlet
Implementation Method 2
uniformly diffusing air and minimizing discharge pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A mask apparatus includes a mask body, a seal disposed at a rear surface of the mask body, a fan module disposed at a front surface of the mask body, and a mask body cover that covers the fan module and is coupled to the front surface of the mask body. The mask body includes an air duct configured to guide external air from the fan module to a breathing space inside the seal, and an air exhaust hole configured to discharge air exhaled into the breathing space to an outside of the mask body. An area of a duct outlet of the air duct is greater than an area of a duct inlet of the air duct.