Elastomeric Seal Mask with Angled Filter Port
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing face masks do not effectively reduce the transmission of infectious diseases like COVID-19 through respiratory droplets and aerosols, particularly in public and workplace settings where social distancing is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A face mask with a filter port featuring a slanted base, arcuate body wall, elastomeric seal, and securing straps, which includes a filter holder for a replaceable filter positioned at a downward angle to redirect airborne microbes, providing both protection for the wearer and minimizing the spread of pathogens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a face mask is designed to cover the nose and mouth to protect from airborne microbes, then the protection effectiveness is improved, but the mask structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into distinct functional components: a body wall for structural coverage, a separate filter holder for filtration, and an elastomeric seal for sealing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall protection effectiveness without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask integrates multiple functions into a single device: the body wall provides both structural coverage and a mounting surface for the filter holder, while the elastomeric seal simultaneously provides sealing and comfort. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a filter holder is added to the mask to enable filter replacement, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter holder is designed as a separate, removable component from the main mask body. This allows the filter to be replaced independently without replacing the entire mask, providing adaptability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter holder is designed to be removable and replaceable, transforming a static filtration system into a dynamic one that can be adapted by replacing filters based on different contamination levels or preferences, without changing the mask structure itself.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the filter is positioned at a downward angle to redirect exhaled air, then the droplet transmission reduction is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter holder is positioned at a specific downward angle relative to the horizontal plane, creating an asymmetric configuration that directs exhaled air downward. This asymmetric design is simpler to manufacture than precise symmetric positioning, as it relies on gravity and basic angular orientation rather than complex precision alignment.
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 mask effectively protects the wearer from airborne microbes and reduces the transmission of droplets by directing exhaled air downward, allowing for easy filter replacement and adjustment of filtration levels, enhancing safety in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomeric seal extending from a face edge of the wall
Data Source
AI summary
A mask with filter port is configured to cover a wearer's nose and mouth to protect the wearer from airborne microbes in the environment and/or minimize a risk of spreading airborne microbes from the user. The mask with filter port includes a substantially arcuate body wall, a slanted base at a lower end of the wall, an elastomeric seal extending from a face edge of the wall, a filter holder secured to the slanted base, and a pair of securing straps connected to the body wall. The elastomeric seal provides an interface between the body wall and the user's face. The securing straps secure the mask against the user's face, with the elastomeric seal pressing against the user's face.