Breathing Mask Filter Holder Impact Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter holders for respiratory masks are prone to contamination by solid and liquid particles, which reduces the filter's effectiveness and increases breathing resistance, and require frequent replacement of pre-filters, leading to reduced availability and increased weight.
Innovation Solution
The filter holder incorporates at least two flat impact elements with laterally offset openings that act as a pre-filter, deflecting particles and reducing the kinetic energy of incoming particles, thereby protecting the filter element without the need for a separate pre-filter, and is designed for easy manufacturing and high mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate pre-filter is added to protect the filter element, then the filter element is protected against particle contamination, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pre-filter function with the existing impact elements (baffle plates) of the filter holder. Instead of adding a separate pre-filter component, the impact elements are designed with specific geometries and arrangements that enable them to perform both their original structural function and the additional pre-filtering function, thereby protecting the filter element without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The impact elements are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the filter holder, deflect incoming fluid flow, and simultaneously act as pre-filters to remove particles. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate pre-filter components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining protection for the filter element
2Reliability
If a separate pre-filter is added to protect the filter element, then the filter element is protected against particle contamination, but the weight of the respiratory mask increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-filter function is merged into the existing impact elements of the filter holder, eliminating the need for additional pre-filter components. This integration ensures that no extra weight is added to the respiratory mask while still providing effective particle protection for the filter element
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional filter holders are used without particle deflection structures, then the manufacturing is simple, but the filter element is prone to contamination by solid and liquid particles
Solution Approach 1:
The impact elements are designed with specific local geometries and arrangements optimized for particle deflection. By concentrating the particle protection function in specific localized structures (the impact elements with their particular shapes and positions), the overall manufacturing remains simple while providing effective contamination protection where it is most needed
4Reliability
If the filter holder includes structures to deflect particles, then the filter element is protected, but the breathing resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design parameters of the impact elements (such as spacing, angle, and geometry) are optimized to achieve effective particle deflection while minimizing resistance to breathable air flow. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the system protects the filter element without creating excessive breathing resistance for the user
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 configuration extends the lifespan of the filter element, reduces breathing resistance, and increases the availability of the respiratory mask by acting as a first separation stage for particles, while maintaining low manufacturing complexity and mechanical stability.
Implementation Method 1
at least two flat impact elements which extend in a longitudinal direction and which are arranged one behind the other... deflecting particles and reducing the kinetic energy of incoming particles
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a filter holder (16) for holding a filter element (14) for a breathing mask. On an inlet side (18), the filter holder (16) comprises two planar impact elements (22, 24), which are arranged parallel to and at a distance from each other and are both positioned upstream of a held filter element (14). Each impact element (22, 24) comprises a plurality of longitudinal ribs (26.1, 26.2), between which respective openings (Ö1, Ö2) are formed. Each opening (Ö1) in the one impact element (22) is arranged at a lateral offset to each opening (Ö2) in the other impact element (24) such that at least one curved fluid channel (F1,...) is formed.