Wearable Mask With Sensor Assembly For Gas Property Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing face masks, particularly single-use surgical masks, contribute to microplastic pollution and lack advanced features for efficient viral and microbial transmission prevention, while electronic masks are limited in functionality and power management.
Innovation Solution
A wearable mask with a sensor assembly, control system, and user interface that measures gas properties, conserves power by activating sensors only when intended by the user, and transmits data to an external device for analysis, using a touch-sensitive interface and RF module for communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensor is continuously active to measure gas properties, then measurement capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is activated periodically rather than continuously, only when the mask transitions to an unlocked state. This periodic activation maintains measurement capability while significantly reducing overall power consumption of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system transitions between active and inactive states dynamically based on user interaction. The control system adjusts sensor operation mode according to whether the mask is locked or unlocked, optimizing power usage while preserving measurement functionality when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mask includes advanced electronic features for gas measurement, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly serves multiple functions: detecting gas properties, triggering alerts, and providing data for health monitoring. This multi-functionality consolidates what could be multiple separate systems into one integrated component, reducing overall device complexity while enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary that manages the sensor assembly, user interface, and alert mechanisms. This central coordination layer simplifies the integration of various electronic features by providing a single point of control, reducing the complexity of inter-component interactions.
3Speed
If the sensor is activated without user intent, then responsiveness is improved, but power waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from the user interface (touch-sensitive input) to determine when to activate the sensor. The control system monitors user interactions and only triggers sensor activation when appropriate input patterns are detected, ensuring responsive operation while preventing unintended power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of user input patterns before activating the sensor. By recognizing activation patterns in advance and only triggering the sensor when valid patterns are confirmed, the system ensures rapid response when needed while avoiding premature or unintended sensor activation that would waste power.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a mask for wearing on the face of a user. The mask comprises a mask body, a filter connected to the mask body, an electrical power source, and a control system. The mask further comprises a gas sensor configured to measure properties of a gas, such as a user's breath and/or ambient air.