Filtering Mask Assembly with Downstream Fan and Outlet Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filtering respiratory masks are uncomfortable to wear, cause breathing difficulties due to pressure drop from filter media, and fail to efficiently expel exhaled air, leading to discomfort and potential dizziness from CO2 buildup, especially during moderate exercise or cycling.
Innovation Solution
A filtering mask assembly with a 'breath-ease' fan positioned downstream of the filter, a face seal for resilient conformity to the wearer's face, and an outlet valve that expels exhaled air while preventing unfiltered air from entering, along with a modular design for easy assembly and replacement of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filtering material is used to filter pollutants, then air purification is improved, but breathing effort increases due to pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
A fan is introduced as an intermediary device between the filter and the wearer to actively move air through the filtering material, compensating for the pressure drop and reducing the breathing effort required by the wearer while maintaining effective filtration
2Ease of operation
If the mask volume is increased to provide more air space, then breathing comfort is improved, but CO2 buildup increases causing dizziness
Solution Approach 1:
The fan operates continuously to maintain steady airflow through the mask, ensuring that exhaled CO2 is constantly removed and fresh filtered air is continuously supplied, preventing CO2 buildup while maintaining comfortable breathing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
An airflow sensor detects the breathing state of the wearer and provides feedback to the control unit, which adjusts the fan operation accordingly to maintain optimal airflow and prevent CO2 accumulation in the mask air space
3Ease of operation
If an integrated fan is added to assist breathing, then breathing effort is reduced, but device weight and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply unit is extracted from the mask structure and worn separately on the user's body, removing the heaviest component from the mask itself and significantly reducing the weight and bulk that the wearer must carry on their face
4Use of energy by moving object
If a power cable connects the mask to an external battery, then electrical power is provided, but ease of operation is reduced due to cable constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is completely separated from the mask and worn as a standalone unit on the user's body, eliminating the need for any connecting cable and providing full mobility to the wearer without physical constraints
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 solution reduces breathing effort, minimizes noise and vibration, and maintains comfort by providing a pressure differential to compensate for filter resistance, ensuring efficient airflow and comfort during rest and exercise.
Implementation Method 1
the fan generates a pressure increase from the inlet towards the outlet to compensate for a pressure drop through a filter of the filtering mask assembly
Implementation Method 2
a filter medium which requires exhausting breathing effort
Data Source
AI summary
A filtering mask assembly includes a housing including a fan and an outlet valve. A filter is releasably mounted onto the housing and is adapted to substantially follow a shape and contour of the housing to seal the housing. A face seal is interposed between the wearer's face and the housing to provide a resilient conformity to the wearer's face when the mask assembly is worn. The mask assembly defines an inner space between the mouth and nose of the wearer and an inner side of the mask assembly, and an intermediate space between the housing and the filter and an outer space separated from the inner space by an outer side of the mask assembly. The fan is positioned on a downstream side of the filter to draw air through the filter. The mask assembly prevents the breathing of any air which has not passed through the filter.