Microphone Mask With Rigid Support For Voice Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing face masks with integrated microphones struggle to enhance audibility and protect conversation privacy while keeping costs low, as previous solutions were insufficient in these aspects.
Innovation Solution
A face mask design featuring a cloth-like material main body, a microphone supported by a rigid fitting portion, and optionally incorporating piezoelectric fibers and a communication module, which allows for effective voice collection and privacy protection without significant cost increases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a microphone is attached to a mask to enhance voice audibility, then voice collection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a conventional off-the-shelf microphone that can be easily attached to and removed from the mask. This disposable approach allows voice collection functionality to be added without permanently modifying the mask structure, keeping both complexity and cost low while maintaining effective voice capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The microphone is separated from the mask body as an independent component, connected only by a flexible cord. This segmentation allows the microphone to be positioned optimally for voice collection while keeping the mask structure simple and the attachment mechanism easy to implement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid support portion is used to support the microphone, then microphone positioning stability is improved, but mask comfort and flexibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into a rigid portion (for microphone positioning) and a flexible cord (for connecting to the mask). This segmentation allows the rigid support to provide stable microphone positioning while the flexible cord ensures mask comfort and adaptability to different face shapes.
Solution Approach 2:
Rigidity is applied locally only where needed for microphone support, while the rest of the mask remains flexible and comfortable. The rigid support portion is confined to a small area near the microphone attachment point, minimizing impact on overall mask comfort.
3Measurement precision
If piezoelectric fibers are integrated into the mask for voice sensing, then voice detection capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric fibers are integrated directly into the mask fabric during the manufacturing process, combining the voice sensing function with the mask material itself. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate sensing components and reduces overall manufacturing complexity despite the advanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask is constructed as a composite material incorporating piezoelectric fibers within the fabric structure. This composite approach enables voice detection capability while maintaining the mask's protective function, and can be manufactured using standard textile processing techniques.
4Power
If multiple electrodes and wires are arranged in the mask for piezoelectric energy harvesting, then power generation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrodes and wires for piezoelectric energy harvesting are integrated into the mask structure during manufacturing, merging the power generation function with the mask fabric. This approach enables power generation from breathing movements without requiring separate power harvesting components.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric fiber layer serves multiple functions: it acts as both the structural fabric of the mask and the energy harvesting element. The same material that provides physical protection also generates electrical power from mechanical deformation during breathing, eliminating the need for separate power generation components.
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 effectively suppresses voice audibility reduction and protects conversation privacy at a relatively low cost by using a stable microphone support and potentially integrating piezoelectric elements for voice sensing and power generation.
Implementation Method 1
a mask main body made of a cloth-like sheet containing piezoelectric fibers and wires
Data Source
AI summary
A mask is worn to cover a mouth of a wearer, and includes a mask main body made of a cloth-like material, a microphone arranged on the mask main body, and configured to collect voice of the wearer, a cord connected to the microphone, and a support portion that supports the microphone. The support portion is joined to a peripheral portion of the mask main body and higher in rigidity than the mask main body.