Face Mask Strap Engagement Teeth Friction Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current face masks are difficult to quickly remove and reapply, as they often require removal from the user's face to transition between a donned position and a drop-down position, which can be inconvenient, especially in situations requiring rapid adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A face mask assembly with a dynamic configuration that allows for selective adjustment between a locked and a drop-down position, featuring strap engagement components such as strap pathways, engagement tongues, and teeth that provide frictional resistance to maintain the mask in place without needing to remove accompanying headwear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the face mask is securely attached to the head using traditional straps, then the mask remains stable during use, but it becomes difficult to quickly remove and reapply the mask
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the strap engagement system adjustable and movable. The face mask can be dynamically engaged with the strap assembly at different positions along the strap length, allowing it to transition between a secured donned position and a dropped position. The strap engagement feature includes a movable engagement mechanism that allows the mask to be quickly released and repositioned without removing the entire strap assembly from the head, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
2Productivity
If the face mask is designed with fixed strap engagement, then the mask maintains a stable position, but it cannot be quickly adjusted between donned and dropped positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the strap engagement system into separate functional components: a strap assembly with adjustable length, a face mask with a strap engagement feature, and a movable engagement mechanism. This segmentation allows the mask to be independently adjusted along the strap length without affecting the overall strap assembly structure. The engagement feature can be quickly moved between engaged and disengaged states, enabling rapid mask adjustment while keeping the device complexity manageable through modular design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the strap length is made adjustable to allow mask repositioning, then the mask can be moved between positions, but the strap assembly becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the strap assembly to serve multiple functions: it provides both structural support for the face mask and enables adjustable positioning through its length adjustment capability. The strap assembly can be configured in different lengths and engagement positions to accommodate various mask positions (donned, dropped, intermediate), making it a multi-functional component that reduces overall device complexity by combining support and adjustment functions in a single structure.
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
Enables quick and efficient donning and removal of the mask by allowing it to be dynamically adjusted between positions while remaining securely attached to the head, facilitating easy access and minimizing the need to remove other protective gear.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of strap engagement teeth are configured to provide frictional resistance to the first strap to resist the movement of the face mask relative to the strap length of the first strap
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments described herein are directed to a face mask assembly configured with a drop-down feature and methods of using the same. In various embodiments, a face mask assembly comprises a face mask configured for dynamic engagement with a first strap of a strap assembly such that the face mask is configured for selective movement along a strap length of the first strap between a donned position and a drop-down position, the face mask comprising: a first strap pathway configured to receive at least a portion of the first strap and a strap engagement tongue positioned along the first strap pathway and comprising a plurality of strap engagement teeth protruding from of the interior tongue surface; wherein the face mask is configured to be selectively adjustable between a dynamic configuration and a locked configuration based on the arrangement of the first strap relative to the strap engagement tongue.