Mask Ear Hook Composite Structure for Adjustable Stretchability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ear hook members for masks, such as those made of stretchable nonwoven fabric, lack the ability to adjust stretchability across a wide range, failing to meet the diverse needs of various users.
Innovation Solution
The ear hook member is designed as a sheet-shaped structure with stretchable string materials embedded within, allowing for adjustable stretchability by varying the thickness, stretch rate, and arrangement of these materials across different regions to accommodate different user preferences and face sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ear hook members are made of stretchable nonwoven fabric, then comfort during wearing is improved, but the ability to adjust stretchability across a wide range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ear hook member is constructed as a composite material consisting of a nonwoven fabric base layer combined with elastic threads woven or knitted within the fabric structure. This composite structure allows the ear hook to exhibit both the comfort properties of nonwoven fabric and the adjustable stretchability of elastic materials, resolving the contradiction between comfort and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The ear hook member incorporates elastic threads at specific locations and densities within the nonwoven fabric, creating local variations in stretchability. By controlling the distribution, density, and orientation of elastic threads in different regions, the design achieves both overall comfort and localized adjustability to meet diverse user needs.
2Ease of manufacture
If ear hook members are made as a single sheet structure, then manufacturing is simplified, but stretchability cannot be adjusted across a wide range
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables adjustment of stretchability parameters by varying the elastic thread content percentage, thread diameter, knitting density, and elastic thread orientation within the single sheet structure. These parameter changes allow a wide range of stretchability adjustment while maintaining the manufacturing simplicity of a single-sheet construction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The ear hook member incorporates dynamic elastic elements that allow the stretchability characteristics to be adjusted based on usage conditions. The elastic threads provide dynamic response to stretching forces, enabling the single sheet structure to adapt its mechanical properties within a wide range while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
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
This design enables more flexible adjustment of stretchability, providing comfort and secure fit for a wider range of users by reducing ear discomfort and ensuring the mask stays in place effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the stretching parts have one or more elastic threads for stretching the ear loops in the pulling direction of the ear loops
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An ear hook member has an annular sheet shape and has, in a plan view thereof, a first direction corresponding to an up-and-down direction of the mask and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The ear hook member includes: a first surface material; a second surface material that is disposed on an opposite side to the first surface material; and a plurality of stretchable string materials between the first surface material and the second surface material, the plurality of stretchable string materials being spaced from each other in the first direction and respectively extending along the second direction. Each of the stretchable string materials is adhered to the first surface material and the second surface material, with the stretchable string materials being stretched.