Mask Filter Holder with Backflow Prevention Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing masks fail to effectively prevent moisture, such as saliva, from contacting the filter layer during exhalation, which compromises the ability of hopcalite filters to capture harmful gases, especially in emergency situations where ventilation systems may not function properly.

Innovation Solution

A mask filter holder design with a backflow prevention mechanism that includes a passage-partitioning portion and a backflow barrier, preventing exhaled air from re-entering the filter receptacle and protecting the hopcalite filter from moisture, while ensuring smooth inhalation and exhalation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a hopcalite filter is used to capture harmful gases, then the gas capture ability is improved, but the filter loses effectiveness when contacted with moisture such as saliva

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegas capture abilityVSAvoidmoisture contact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The air passage is divided into separate inhalation and exhalation paths using a passage-partitioning portion. The exhalation passage is positioned to discharge air away from the filter, while the inhalation passage directs air through the filter. This segmentation prevents exhaled moisture from contacting the filter while maintaining gas capture functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A backflow prevention means acts as an intermediary component between the exhalation passage and the filter receptacle. This component includes a valve body with a discharge opening positioned to prevent exhaled air from flowing back toward the filter, thereby protecting the filter from moisture contact while allowing smooth exhalation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a special structure is designed to prevent moisture contact with the filter, then the filter reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter functionalityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The backflow prevention means is integrated into the existing filter holder structure, combining multiple functions (moisture prevention, air flow control, and structural support) into a single component. This merging approach protects the filter from moisture while avoiding the need for separate complex moisture barrier systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The passage-partitioning portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the main air flow path, creating a spatial separation between the exhalation discharge opening and the filter receptacle. This dimensional arrangement naturally prevents moisture contact without requiring additional protective barriers or complex sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the exhalation passage is positioned to discharge air away from the filter, then moisture contact is prevented, but the passage configuration becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemoisture contact preventionVSAvoidpassage configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of directing the exhalation passage toward the filter and then adding barriers to prevent contact, the design inverts the approach by positioning the discharge opening to face away from the filter from the start. This inverted configuration naturally prevents moisture contact while keeping the passage structure simple and straightforward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 design effectively prevents moisture from reaching the filter, maintaining the hopcalite filter's functionality and ensuring the mask can efficiently remove harmful gases, even in the presence of moisture, thereby enhancing user safety in emergency situations.

Implementation Method 1

A hopcalite material has superior ability to capture harmful gas, in particular, carbon monoxide

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical adsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

a backflow prevention mechanism that includes a passage-partitioning portion and a backflow barrier, preventing exhaled air from re-entering the filter receptacle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11980782B2Mask having intake and exhaust structure

Publication Date: 2024.05.14 YGF

AI summary

A filter holder for a mask, includes: an air passage, with a backflow prevention means being located in a portion thereof; a filter receptacle surrounding the air passage, accommodating a filter therein, and comprising an air inlet and an air outlet on both ends thereof, respectively; and a passage-partitioning portion spaced apart from the filter receptacle and located to face the backflow prevention means with respect to the air passage, with a distal end thereof protruding into the air outlet to cause a direction in which air purified through the filter receptacle flows to be changed.