Replaceable Filter Mask Frame for Facial Seal and Heat Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal protective equipment (PPE) masks often fail to provide a comfortable and effective seal for a wide range of facial types, leading to discomfort, reduced protection, and increased risk of virus transmission due to poor fit and heat buildup.
Innovation Solution
A facial covering assembly with a form structure, inner and outer frames, and a filter material that allows for a customizable and airtight seal across various facial shapes, using complementary tabs and slots to secure the mask in place, and includes a convex inner frame to maintain comfort and reduce heat buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single layer of filtration material is used, then the mask structure is simple, but the filtration effectiveness and seal quality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into multiple functional layers: an outer frame layer, an inner frame layer, and a filtration material layer positioned between them. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall structural integrity and seal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtration material is nested between the outer frame and inner frame, creating a layered structure where the filtration layer is contained within the frame assembly. This nesting approach improves filtration effectiveness while keeping the overall mask structure organized and manageable.
2Reliability
If the mask material is tightly fitted to provide a good seal, then protection against virus transmission is improved, but heat buildup and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inner frame is designed with a convex shape that creates a flexible sealing interface against the user's face. This flexible frame structure maintains a tight seal for protection while allowing enough give to reduce heat buildup and improve comfort during extended wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner frame incorporates a convex curved surface that conforms to the contours of the user's face. This curvature improves the seal quality by distributing contact pressure evenly while preventing excessive heat concentration at any single point, thus reducing overall heat buildup.
3Reliability
If the mask is designed to fit a specific facial type, then the seal quality is improved, but adaptability to different facial types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The mask design incorporates an outer frame and inner frame configuration that can accommodate various facial shapes and sizes. The modular frame structure with adjustable positioning capabilities allows the same mask to provide an effective seal across different facial types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized mask designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame structure is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing the mask to adapt its fit to different facial contours. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the mask to maintain optimal seal quality across a diverse range of facial types while using a single universal design.
4Reliability
If the filtration material limits air flow to improve filtration, then protection is improved, but comfort decreases due to warm and moist air backflow
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible inner frame with its convex shape creates a comfortable interface that reduces pressure points and allows for better air circulation. This flexible design maintains protection while improving comfort by preventing excessive heat and moisture buildup against the user's face.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner frame acts as an intermediary between the filtration material and the user's face. It positions the filtration layer at an optimal distance from the skin, allowing the filter to perform its function while the frame structure manages heat and moisture distribution to maintain comfort.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to a facial covering assembly. The facial covering assembly includes a form structure comprising a form structure opening, an inner frame coupled to the form structure, an outer frame coupled to the inner frame, a filter material coupled to the inner frame and disposed between the inner frame and the outer frame, and a fastener coupled to the inner frame. The inner frame includes an inner frame body and an inner frame opening disposed in the inner frame body. The outer frame includes an outer frame body and an outer frame opening disposed in the outer frame body.