Mask Apparatus Weight Distribution and Droop Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing masks with built-in fans and batteries often droop due to the weight of the battery, creating gaps between the mask and the user's face, and can cause discomfort and increased load on the ears.

Innovation Solution

A compact mask apparatus design where the battery is centered on the front surface, with fan modules placed on either side and a control module in between, arranged along the width of the mask body to distribute weight evenly and reduce ear load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the battery is disposed on a lower portion or one side of the mask, then the mask structure is simpler, but the mask droops downward due to gravity creating gaps between the mask and user's face

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemask structureVSAvoidmask position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the battery at the center region of the mask body, creating a balanced weight distribution that achieves gravitational equilibrium. This central positioning prevents the mask from tilting or drooping in any particular direction, maintaining stable contact with the user's face throughout the wearing period.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

2Device complexity

If the battery is disposed at a point adjacent to the user's ear, then the mask structure is simpler, but the load on the ear increases causing pain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemask structureVSAvoidear load
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By positioning the battery centrally on the mask body rather than at the edge near the ear, the patent creates a balanced weight distribution that eliminates gravitational torque on the ear. The center position allows the weight to be borne by the nose bridge and distributed across the face, removing the harmful concentrated load on the ear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Duration of action of moving object

If the battery capacity is increased to extend usage time and enable high-speed fan operation, then the battery capacity is improved, but the weight of the battery increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusage timeVSAvoidbattery weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the battery centrally to achieve optimal weight distribution. This balanced positioning ensures that the weight of a high-capacity battery is evenly distributed across the mask structure and user's face, making the increased weight more tolerable and preventing localized discomfort or drooping that would occur with asymmetric placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

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 design reduces the likelihood of the mask drooping, maintains a secure fit, and allows for longer battery life and higher fan speeds due to the increased battery capacity, while also naturally cooling the battery and circuit board.

Implementation Method 1

where the battery and the circuit board can be naturally cooled

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 2

where the battery and the circuit board can be naturally cooled

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3919135B1Mask apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3919135B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3919135B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3919135B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A mask apparatus includes a mask body configured to receive a battery at a center region of a front surface of the mask body, a plurality of electronic components that are disposed at the mask body and that include a pair of fan modules configured to be disposed at left and right sides of the battery, respectively, and a control module configured to be disposed between the battery and at least one of the pair of fan modules, and a mask body cover that is coupled to the mask body and covers the plurality of electronic components. The center region configured to receive the battery, the pair of fan modules, and the control module are arranged along a widthwise direction of the mask body.