Mask Forehead Support With Rail-Guided Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing forehead supports for masks are often non-adjustable, bulky, and/or have complicated constructions, leading to insecure and uncomfortable fits.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable forehead support system comprising a forehead support adjuster with a slide element, rail, and connection elements that allow the forehead support to pivot about a pivot axis, enabling precise adjustment and secure fitting through a pivoting mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-adjustable forehead support is used, then the construction is simple, but the fit security and comfort are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The forehead support is transformed from a static, fixed structure to a dynamic, adjustable one. The support arm can pivot about a pivot axis through the interaction between the slide element moving along the rail and the tenon rotating in the guide groove, allowing the forehead support to adapt to different facial contours and improve fit security.
Solution Approach 2:
The forehead support is divided into functionally independent components: the support arm, the slide element, the rail with guide groove, and the connection element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while enabling overall adjustability without excessive complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If an adjustable forehead support is used, then the fit precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism uses dynamic movement between the slide element and rail to achieve precise positioning. The slide element's movement along the rail and the tenon's rotation in the guide groove create a controlled pivoting motion that enables precise fit adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide groove acts as an intermediary element that constrains and guides the tenon's movement. This intermediary structure transforms the slide element's linear movement into a controlled pivoting motion of the forehead support, achieving precision without complex mechanisms.
3Strength
If a bulky forehead support is used, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The forehead support uses a dynamic pivoting mechanism rather than a bulky fixed structure. The support arm pivots about a pivot axis defined by the connection between the support arm and mask body, allowing the structure to be slender yet maintain sufficient strength through proper mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural parameters of the forehead support are optimized to balance strength and comfort. The support arm's dimensions and the pivot mechanism are designed to provide adequate structural strength while maintaining a compact, comfortable profile that does not bulk up the overall structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Forehead support adjuster for a mask, wherein the forehead support adjuster comprises at least a forehead support, consisting of support arm and cushion holder, a connection element, a rail with at least one guide groove, and a slide element, and wherein the slide element has at least one slide plate, at least one tenon and a guide element, wherein the at least one tenon is mounted rotatably and slidably in the at least one guide groove of the rail, and wherein the slide element is movably connected to the support arm. The forehead support adjuster is configured such that a movement of the slide element along the rail leads to a pivoting of the forehead support about at least one pivot axis D.