Respiratory Mask Mounting Plate Segmentation for Seal and Rigidity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respirator half masks face challenges in providing both flexibility and rigidity to securely hold filter inserts and a harness while ensuring a comfortable fit and easy handling, as masks made of thick material are too rigid and those of thin material may collapse under the weight of components, compromising safety and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a substantially rigid mounting plate made of flexible material with a fastening cylinder and connecting strip for secure attachment of the holding device, combined with stiffening plates and adhesion promoters for improved adhesion and stability, allowing for a form-fitting connection that ensures a stable and easy attachment/detachment mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the mask body is made of thick material, then the required rigidity is achieved to securely hold the filter inserts and holding device, but the mask body cannot adapt sufficiently to the respective face shape
Solution Approach 1:
The mask body is segmented into two distinct parts: a flexible mask body made of elastomeric material that adapts to the face shape, and a separate stiffening plate made of rigid material that provides structural support. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask body combines two different materials with complementary properties: an elastomeric material for flexibility and face adaptation, and a rigid stiffering plate for structural support. This composite structure enables the mask body to simultaneously achieve both adaptability and rigidity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mask body is made of thin material, then a better seal is achieved, but the mask body may collapse under the action of the filter cartridges and retention device
Solution Approach 1:
The mask body is divided into a thin flexible portion for sealing and a separate rigid stiffering plate for structural support. This segmentation allows the thin material to provide excellent seal quality while the rigid plate prevents collapse under filter cartridges and retention device.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of thin elastomeric material and rigid stiffering plate creates a composite structure that achieves both good seal quality and structural integrity. The thin material conforms to the face for sealing, while the rigid plate maintains structural strength.
3Stability of the object's composition
If stiffening plates are integrated into the mask body, then sufficient flexibility and rigidity are achieved, but frequent attachment and detachment of the holding device becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holding device is merged with the stiffering plate through integral formation, creating a unified structure where the holding device forms part of the stiffering plate. This eliminates separate attachment and detachment operations, simplifying the interface between components.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffering plate serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, integrates the holding device, and forms part of the mask body structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device.
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 a stable, comfortable, and long-lasting mask body that securely holds the harness and filter inserts, ensuring adequate sealing and ease of handling, while allowing for jaw movement and preventing twisting or detachment issues.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible part of the mask body consists of a liquid silicone containing special adhesion promoter, so that in addition to the form-fitting connection, an improved adhesion connection with the stiffening plates made of hard plastic is achieved
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a mask body for a respiratory half-mask, having a substantially rigid installation plate (4) incorporated into the soft elastic material of the mask body (1) and comprising a fastening cylinder (8) integrally molded thereto, having latching tabs (9) and pivot-proof projections (10) for the production of a stable, removable plug-in connection to a holding device that is connected to a strap. The connection of the installation plate to the mask body material is carried out by means of a narrow connecting strip (12) that is integrally molded to the circumference of the installation plate in one piece, having cutouts (7) provided therein, which are interspersed by the mask body material surrounding the connecting strip (12) such that the strongly stressed installation plate is incorporated into the mask body material in a form-fitting and bonded manner.