Mask Apparatus Rear Suction Inversion for Airflow Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional masks with air suction ports on the front surface and discharge ports on the rear surface experience excessive air flow conversion, leading to increased flow resistance, power consumption, noise, and reduced filter lifespan due to exposure to foreign substances, while also compromising aesthetics and sealing integrity.
Innovation Solution
A mask design featuring a rear body with protruding accommodation portions housing an air cleaning module, including a fan and filter, with a sealing cover and exhaust flow path guide to manage air flow and prevent external contamination, and strategically positioned suction and discharge ports to minimize exposure and improve airflow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the air suction port is provided on the front surface of the mask, then external air can be introduced into the mask, but the number of flow conversions increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The suction port is relocated from the front surface to the rear surface of the mask, inverting the conventional air intake location. This allows air to be drawn in from the back and directed through the fan and filter to the front discharge ports, reducing the number of flow conversions and improving airflow efficiency
2Productivity
If the number of flow conversions of suctioned air increases, then air can be directed through the fan and filter, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the airflow direction and positioning the suction ports on the rear surface near the fan, the patent minimizes the number of flow conversions. Air is drawn directly into the fan intake and propelled through the filter to discharge ports on the front surface, reducing flow resistance and energy loss
3Productivity
If the load of the fan increases due to excessive flow conversions, then air can be pushed through the filter, but power consumption of the battery increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inverted airflow path positions the suction ports directly at the fan intake on the rear surface, eliminating unnecessary flow conversions. This reduces the workload on the fan, lowering power consumption while maintaining effective air discharge capability through the front surface ports
4Ease of operation
If the air suction port is disposed at the front surface of the mask, then air can be suctioned in, but dust may be introduced through the suction port when the mask is taken off
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the suction ports from the front surface to the rear surface of the mask, the patent ensures that when the mask is removed, the suction ports face away from the external environment. This prevents dust and contaminants from entering the mask while maintaining the air suction function during wear
5Object-affected harmful factors
If the suction port is provided at a separate air cleaning module detachably coupled to the side of the mask body, then the suction port can be protected, but flow resistance significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the suction ports directly with the fan assembly on the rear surface of the mask body, merging the air intake function with the propulsion system. This eliminates the need for separate detachable modules and their associated flow resistance, while the rear surface positioning naturally protects the ports when the mask is removed
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 design enhances airflow efficiency, reduces power consumption and noise, extends filter lifespan, and maintains a secure seal while improving the mask's aesthetic appeal and durability.
Implementation Method 1
external air introduced into the mask, passes through the fan and filter, and discharged to the user's respiratory tract
Implementation Method 2
passes through the fan and filter, and discharged to the user's respiratory tract
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A mask apparatus according to an implementation of the present disclosure includes a front body; a rear body which is configured to be coupled to the rear surface of the front body and includes: a pair of accommodation portions protruding from a front surface thereof toward the front body; an exhaust port formed under the pair of accommodation portions; and an exhaust flow path guide protruding forward along an edge of the exhaust port; a face guard configured to be coupled to the rear surface of the rear body to be in close contact with the user's face and having a breathing space formed therein; an air cleaning module configured to be placed in the accommodation portion to purify and supply external air and supply the air to the breathing space; and a sealing cover configured to be fitted to an end portion of the exhaust flow path guide.