Mask Storage Device with Hook Members for Hygienic Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mask storage products require users to manually flatten and handle masks, increasing the risk of contamination and are inconvenient for use in various situations, especially outdoors.

Innovation Solution

A mask storing device with a folding mechanism and hook members that allows the mask to be stored in portrait orientation, keeping the mask body enclosed while exposing the ear loops for easy access, reducing hand contact and enhancing usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If users manually flatten and handle masks before storage, then the mask can be properly stored, but the risk of contamination increases and convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination riskVSAvoidconvenience of use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mask storage device enables self-service storage by allowing the mask to be inserted and secured automatically through the ear loop engagement mechanism, eliminating the need for manual flattening and handling of the mask body, thus reducing contamination risk while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the mask body from direct hand contact by designing a storage structure where only the ear loops need to be manipulated, separating the contamination-prone mask body handling from the storage operation, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing convenience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If ear loops are stored inside the storage product with the mask body, then the mask is fully enclosed, but the ear loops become contaminated or difficult to access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemask cleanlinessVSAvoidear loop accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device segments the mask components by providing separate functional zones: the mask body is enclosed in the storage compartment while the ear loops are directed to external hook members, allowing differential treatment of mask parts to simultaneously protect cleanliness and ensure accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hook members act as intermediaries between the ear loops and the user, providing a secure attachment point that keeps ear loops accessible and uncontaminated while the mask body remains enclosed in the storage product

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the storage product is designed for landscape orientation requiring both hands, then the mask can be stored, but usability in outdoor situations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational convenienceVSAvoidsituational adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device incorporates dynamic elements including movable flaps and flexible ear loop routing that adapt to different usage scenarios, allowing one-handed operation in outdoor situations while maintaining proper mask enclosure and protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11786024B2Mask storing device and method for storing a mask

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 LIN YUAN CHUN

AI summary

A mask storing device comprises a storing unit, a hook member, a stopper portion, a positioning member, and a flexible stopper member for storing a mask. A method to store a mask, which functions as a safe and hygienicway to allow users to store and take out the mask safely by only holding ear loops without touching the body of the mask.