Breathing Mask Microphone Noise Attenuation Foam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breathing mask microphone systems suffer from noise interference during inhalation, which disrupts communication in emergency situations due to the loud sound of gas flow through the mask, and existing noise attenuation solutions either filter out speech or require frequent adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A breathing mask with a sound monitor and controller system that selectively attenuates noise frequencies above 10 kHz during inhalation while allowing voice frequencies to pass through, eliminating the need for mechanical parts and adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If electronic filters and noise dampening means are incorporated with the microphone system, then noise interference is reduced, but speech sounds are also filtered out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a localized acoustic environment around the microphone using a foam material with specific properties. The foam is positioned adjacent to the microphone to selectively absorb noise frequencies while allowing speech frequencies to pass through, achieving frequency-selective attenuation without affecting speech transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the attenuation structure by using a foam material with specific density (0.02 to 0.06 grams per cubic centimeter) and acoustic absorption characteristics. This parameter optimization allows the foam to selectively attenuate noise frequencies above 10 kHz while preserving speech frequencies below 10 kHz.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a mechanical deactivation device with spring-biased contacts is used, then inhalation noise is blocked, but the device requires frequent adjustment and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical deactivation device with a passive acoustic attenuation structure made of foam material. This eliminates the need for moving parts, springs, and electrical contacts that require adjustment and maintenance. The foam structure remains stationary and requires no mechanical adjustment while still effectively blocking inhalation noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam attenuation structure is self-regulating and requires no active control or adjustment. It automatically performs its noise attenuation function based on its inherent acoustic properties, eliminating the need for external control systems or maintenance interventions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a reed switch with magnet and spring mechanism is used, then microphone deactivation during inhalation is achieved, but the device is sensitive to adjustment and spring strength variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the reed switch/magnet/spring mechanism with a passive foam attenuation structure. This eliminates the sensitivity to spring strength variations and adjustment requirements while maintaining reliable noise attenuation functionality throughout the device lifecycle.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If noise attenuation structures are added to the mask, then inhalation noise is reduced, but the bulk and weight of the mask increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin foam material structure that is acoustically effective yet minimally intrusive. The foam can be configured as a thin layer or coating adjacent to the microphone, providing noise attenuation while adding minimal bulk and weight to the mask system.
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 solution provides reliable and stable noise reduction without interfering with speech transmission, ensuring clear communication during emergency situations without requiring maintenance adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
a sound monitor for monitoring the intensity of sound near the communications microphone in a predetermined frequency range
Implementation Method 2
an attenuation device for attenuating the sound signals generated by the communications microphone
Data Source
AI summary
A breathing mask adapted to be placed over a wearer's face, comprises a mask body including a gas inlet port to be disposed in flow communication with the wearer's breathing passage for flow of a gas in a predetermined flow stream there through upon inhalation by the wearer; a communications microphone (30) mounted to said mask body to capture the voice of the wearer, said communications microphone generating sound signals; an attenuation device (34) for attenuating said sound signals; a sound monitor (36) for monitoring the intensity of sound near the communications microphone in a predetermined frequency range, connected to a controller device (38) for activating the attenuation device when the sound intensity monitored by the sound monitor is in a predetermined level range.