Elastic Mask Web Pivoting for Comfortable Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional masks with elastic laces can cause discomfort due to excessive tightness, leading to user discomfort in the face and ears.
Innovation Solution
A mask design featuring a web divided into portions with an elastic supporting element that allows for pivoting away from the face, made from materials like metal or shape memory alloys, ensuring comfortable fit without excessive tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic laces are used to secure the mask to the face, then the mask can be held in place effectively, but the elastic laces may cause discomfort in the face and ears when excessively tight
Solution Approach 1:
The web is divided into two portions corresponding to two cheeks, allowing independent movement of each side while maintaining overall mask stability through the elastic supporting element connecting them
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic supporting element allows the web portions to pivot away from each other dynamically, adapting to facial movements and expressions while maintaining secure fit, eliminating the need for excessive tension
2Reliability
If the elastic supporting element keeps the web portions close together, then the mask maintains contact with the face for effective protection, but it may restrict natural facial movements
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic supporting element provides a dynamic connection that maintains web portions in vicinity during rest while allowing pivoting motion during facial expressions, achieving both secure fit and movement freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic supporting element changes its structural parameters (flexibility, tension) based on facial movements, remaining relatively flexible during expressions and returning to a tighter configuration during rest
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 mask provides an effective and comfortable fit by maintaining contact with the face without causing ear discomfort, using an elastic supporting element that adjusts to the user's face shape, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic supporting element is connected to the web to keep the portions of the web in the vicinity, yet allowing the portions of the web to be pivoted away from each other
Implementation Method 2
the elastic supporting element is made of a shape memory alloy
Data Source
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AI summary
A mask includes a web and an elastic supporting element. The web includes two portions corresponding to two cheeks of a user in use. The elastic supporting element is connected to the web to keep the portions of the web in the vicinity, yet allowing the portions of the web to be pivoted away from each other.