Mask With Flexible Support Frame For Expanded Filtering Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical surgical masks have a reduced filtering area due to the close fit around the face, limiting their effectiveness in blocking harmful gases and substances.
Innovation Solution
A mask design featuring a flexible support frame that creates a cup shape when worn, increasing the filter area by spacing the mask body away from the face, and incorporating multiple filter layers and a gap filling strip for improved fit and filtration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the mask closely fits the face to ensure coverage, then the seal and protection are improved, but the filtering area is reduced because the mask cannot form a dead space
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame introduces a third dimension (depth) to the mask structure, creating a cup-shaped dead space that protrudes from the face. This dimensional change allows the mask to maintain close facial contact for sealing while simultaneously creating an additional filtering chamber that increases the effective filtering area without compromising the seal.
2Area of moving object
If the mask is made larger to increase filtering area, then the filter coverage is improved, but the fit and comfort on the face deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is segmented into two functional zones: a smaller mask body that maintains close contact with the face for comfort and sealing, and a larger cup-shaped dead space created by the support frame that provides extended filtering area. This segmentation allows each part to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing the support frame that creates a three-dimensional cup shape, the mask extends the filtering area in the depth dimension rather than only in the planar dimensions. This allows increased filtering capacity without increasing the mask's footprint on the face, thereby maintaining comfort and fit.
3Area of moving object
If the mask forms a cup shape with support frame, then the dead space and filtering area are increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is constructed from flexible wire or rod materials that can be bent and shaped to form the cup structure. This flexibility allows the complex three-dimensional shape to be manufactured from simple linear elements, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining the functional benefits of the cup shape.
Data Source
AI summary
A mask is provided according to the present application. The mask includes a mask body with filtering performance and a flexible support frame. The support frame is arranged in the mask body and connected to the mask body. The mask body includes a first filter area corresponding to the support frame and a second filter area surrounding the support frame. While the mask is in use, the support frame supports the mask body, so that the first filter area and at least part of the second filter area are spaced apart from the user's face. When the mask according to the present application is worn, the support frame separates the whole first filter area and at least part of the second filter area of the mask body from the wearer's face, which significantly increases the filter area of the mask and makes the wearer's breathing smoother.