Breathing Mask Fan Speed Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing powered masks for air filtration do not adequately synchronize fan speeds with the user's breathing cycle, leading to discomfort and inefficiency due to counteraction between inhalation and exhalation fans, resulting in poor air flow synchronization and increased latency during transitions.
Innovation Solution
A mask design with continuously running inhalation and exhalation fans, controlled by a sensor and controller to adjust rotation speeds dynamically based on the user's inhalation and exhalation, ensuring the inhalation fan's speed increases relative to the exhalation fan at inhalation and vice versa, minimizing counteraction and optimizing air flow synchronization with breathing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If fan speeds are increased to improve air flow synchronization with breathing, then air flow synchronization is improved, but start-up latency increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by continuously running both inhalation and exhalation fans at a low idling speed before actual breathing occurs. This keeps the fans warm and ready, eliminating start-up latency while maintaining readiness for immediate speed adjustment when breathing is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies dynamics by continuously adjusting fan speeds based on real-time detection of breathing phase and rate. The inhalation and exhalation fans operate at different speeds during different phases of the breathing cycle, dynamically optimizing air flow synchronization without maintaining high speeds continuously.
2Speed
If fan speeds are increased to improve air flow synchronization with breathing, then air flow synchronization is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies periodic action by synchronizing fan speed changes with the periodic nature of breathing cycles. Fans operate at high speed only during active inhalation or exhalation phases and reduce to low idling speed during transitions or when not in use, matching energy consumption to actual breathing demand.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by adjusting fan speeds based on detected breathing rate and phase. The controller modifies rotation speeds dynamically, using higher speeds when breathing rate increases and lower speeds during normal or transition phases, optimizing energy efficiency while maintaining effective air flow synchronization.
3Device complexity
If inhalation and exhalation fans run at the same speed, then device complexity is reduced, but air flow synchronization with breathing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies segmentation by separating the control of inhalation and exhalation fans into independent channels. Each fan can be controlled at different speeds based on the specific phase of breathing, allowing optimized air flow synchronization for both inhalation and exhalation without requiring complex coordinated control of a single fan system.
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 approach enhances user comfort by reducing start-up latency and improving air flow synchronization with breathing, making inhalation and exhalation more efficient and comfortable by minimizing fan speed changes and maintaining a low idling power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an inhalation fan for drawing air through the filter from outside the air chamber into the air chamber
Implementation Method 2
an exhalation fan for drawing air from inside the air chamber to the outside
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4b
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention provides a breathing assistance mask. A mask is provided that incorporates an air chamber, a filter, an inhalation fan, an exhalation fan, a sensor and a controller. The inhalation fan draws air through the filter and into the mask. The exhalation fan exhausts the exhaled air. The controller continuously runs the inhalation and exhalation fans when the mask is being worn. The controller provides a first and second rotation speed for the fans, with the first rotation speed being non-zero and lower than the second rotation speed. During inhalation, the exhalation fan runs at the first inhalation speed and the inhalation fan runs at the second inhalation speed. During exhalation, the inhalation fan runs at the first inhalation speed and the exhalation fan runs at the second inhalation speed. The control of the inhalation and exhalation fans ensures that the air flow in the mask is synchronized with the breathing of the user, ultimately making breathing more comfortable in the mask.