Modular Breathing Mask with Segmented PAPR and Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sports training masks face challenges such as difficulty in cleaning, bulkiness, inadequate air filtration, altitude-dependent resistance variability, and lack of performance measurement and recording capabilities, making them unsuitable for recreational activities, especially in polluted environments.
Innovation Solution
A modular respirator design featuring an elongate filter unit, exhaust unit, air flow generator, and adjustable neck band assembly, which provides a tightly sealed passage for filtered air, includes a blower unit with a brushless DC motor, and sensing devices for CO2 measurement, allowing for adjustable resistance and improved breathing performance monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) is used to provide filtered air and maintain positive pressure, then protection efficiency and breathing comfort are improved, but the device becomes bulky, heavy, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a PAPR unit for air purification and pressurization, and a separate training mask for resistance training. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing the overall weight and bulk compared to integrating all functions into a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication module serves as an intermediary between the PAPR unit and the training mask, enabling wireless control and monitoring. This allows the PAPR to operate independently while still providing filtered air to the training mask, avoiding the need for direct physical integration.
2Ease of operation
If a PAPR is used to maintain positive pressure and provide filtered air, then breathing comfort is improved, but the device becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the PAPR function into a distinct unit that can be positioned away from the face, reducing the volume occupied by the breathing apparatus while maintaining comfort through effective air delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The PAPR unit is positioned in a different spatial dimension (away from the face) rather than integrating all components at the face level, allowing for a more compact overall configuration while maintaining breathing comfort.
3Reliability
If a training mask restricts airflow to add inspiratory resistance, then lung capacity and breathing muscle strength are improved, but the mask becomes bulky on the user's face
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance training function is separated from the air purification function, allowing the training mask to be designed with a more streamlined fit while the PAPR unit handles the air filtration requirements independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The training mask is designed to serve multiple purposes: it provides inspiratory resistance for training while also being compatible with PAPR integration for air purification, making it a universal device that can function in various training scenarios without requiring a completely different design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a training mask is designed for recreational activities and sports training, then versatility is improved, but adequate air filtration for polluted environments becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The training mask is designed with universal functionality, being compatible with both standalone resistance training modes and integrated PAPR modes for air purification. This allows a single device to serve recreational athletes while also providing adequate air filtration for polluted environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication module acts as an intermediary that enables the training mask to receive controlled filtered air from the PAPR unit, allowing the mask to maintain its recreational training versatility while gaining enhanced air filtration capability when needed.
5Ease of operation
If a training mask provides fixed resistance settings, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to automatically adjust resistance according to altitude is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensing devices that monitor breathing performance and environmental conditions, providing feedback to automatically adjust resistance settings. This maintains ease of operation by eliminating manual adjustments while enabling altitude adaptation through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance setting transitions from a fixed state to a dynamic one, automatically adjusting based on real-time feedback from sensing devices that monitor altitude, breathing rate, and other parameters, allowing the mask to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
6Device complexity
If a training mask lacks performance measurement and recording capabilities, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to measure and record breathing performance is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Sensing devices measure breathing performance parameters such as breathing rate, tidal volume, and resistance levels, providing feedback that is recorded and analyzed. This enables comprehensive performance monitoring while keeping the measurement system integrated and not overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical measurement and recording mechanisms with electronic sensing devices and digital recording capabilities, simplifying the overall system while enabling comprehensive measurement and analysis of breathing performance data.
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 modular respirator offers a compact, effective, and adjustable solution for air filtration and resistance, enhancing breathing performance and comfort during recreational activities while providing real-time feedback on breathing efficiency, suitable for various altitudes and environments.
Implementation Method 1
blower unit with a brushless DC motor
Implementation Method 2
elongate filter unit having a filter inlet, a filter outlet, and a replaceable fluid filter for filtering pollutants within the fluid
Implementation Method 3
exhaust unit having an exhaust inlet, an exhaust outlet, and one or more one-way valves
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modular respirator comprising an elongate filter unit having a filter inlet, a filter outlet, and a replaceable fluid filter for filtering pollutants within the fluid. The elongate exhaust unit having an exhaust inlet, an exhaust outlet, and one or more one-way valves. A mask assembly having a mask for covering the oral and nasal passage of a user, a mask inlet at one end of the mask, a mask outlet at an opposite end of the mask, wherein the mask inlet is releasably fastened to the filter outlet, and the mask outlet is releasably fastened to the exhaust inlet.