Modular Respirator with Twist-Release Connectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current respirators are bulky, heavy, and lack ergonomic design, making them uncomfortable to wear, and are not easily adaptable for different functions such as breathing protection, training, and measurement, with limited interchangeable components and poor cleaning/sterilization capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A generic modular respirator design featuring Push-fit & Twist-release connectors, Bellow-Clip, and Bayonet or thread connectors allows for quick assembly and disassembly, enabling configuration for various functions like breathing protection, training, and measurement, with interchangeable components and improved ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional PAPR systems use a blower and filter assembly to provide filtered air, then breathing protection is improved, but the device becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The respirator is divided into separate modular components including a mask assembly, main unit with blower, and replaceable filter elements. This segmentation allows the heavy blower and filter components to be separated from the mask, reducing the weight burden on the user's head and face while maintaining full breathing protection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the main blower assembly. This allows the filter to be positioned optimally away from the user's head, and enables easy replacement without replacing the entire device, thereby reducing overall system weight and improving ergonomics while maintaining protection.
2Reliability
If APRs use elastomeric facepieces for better seal, then protection level is improved, but they lack exhalation filtration and have bulky inhalation filters affecting field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The mask assembly is designed with universal adaptability to work with both APR and PAPR main units. The mask includes integrated exhalation filtration capability and speech diaphragm options, making it suitable for both industrial and healthcare applications. This multi-functionality allows the same mask design to provide both facial seal reliability and exhalation filtration across different respiratory protection modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sports training masks provide manually adjusted resistance, then breathing training capability is improved, but they are too bulky and lack advanced functions
Solution Approach 1:
The training mask incorporates dynamically adjustable resistance mechanisms that can be modified during use. The mask includes adjustable valves and flow restrictors that allow real-time modification of breathing resistance levels, enabling advanced training functions without requiring a bulky fixed-resistance design. This dynamic adjustment capability provides versatility while maintaining a compact form factor.
4Reliability
If respirators have fixed configurations for specific functions, then specialized performance is improved, but interchangeability and adaptability between different functions are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The respirator system employs universal interface designs and standardized connection mechanisms that allow the same mask assembly to be used with different main units configured for various functions (PAPR, APR, training). The modular architecture with standardized couplings enables functional interchangeability while maintaining optimized performance for each specific application through appropriate main unit selection.
Data Source
AI summary
A generic modular respirator comprising: a mask assembly having a first end and a second end; a replaceable main unit having a first housing with a first push-fit and twist-release connector to engage the first end of the mask, and a second housing with a second push-fit and twist-release connector to engage the second end of the mask; wherein the mask assembly and the main unit are adapted to perform breathing functions, such as breathing protection, breathing training, breathing measurement and diagnostics; such that the mask assembly is adapted to be quickly fitted to and released from the main unit by actuating the first and second push-fit and twist-release connectors.