Multilayer Mask with Segmented Filter Properties
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing masks either fail to prevent the penetration of blood and droplets effectively or compromise breathing due to the use of fine filters, and lack the ability to inactivate viruses and bacteria.
Innovation Solution
A mask design featuring multiple filters with specific air permeability and water absorption capacities, including a hydrophilic outer filter for blood and droplet absorption, a low-water-absorption filter to block penetration, an electret filter for dust collection, and an inner filter for air permeability, along with inorganic antibacterial-antiviral particles for virus inactivation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fine filter is used to prevent the penetration of blood and droplets, then blood barrier properties are improved, but air permeability decreases making it difficult to breathe
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into multiple filter layers (first filter, second filter, third filter, fourth filter) with different functions. The first filter (outer layer) has high water absorption capacity (100-1000%) to absorb blood and droplets, while the second filter has low water absorption capacity (<30%) to block penetration. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in one function, preventing blood penetration while maintaining breathability through the third electret filter layer.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mask have different properties tailored to their specific functions. The outer first filter has high hydrophilicity for liquid absorption, the second filter has hydrophobicity for blocking, and the third filter has electret properties for particle filtration. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction by optimizing each region for its specific purpose rather than using a uniform filter throughout.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an antiviral agent is fixed to the mask surface to inactivate viruses, then virus inactivation capability is improved, but the mask cannot prevent the penetration of materials containing large amounts of water such as blood
Solution Approach 1:
The mask structure separates the virus inactivation function from the blood penetration prevention function into different layers. The first filter layer handles blood and droplet absorption with its high water absorption capacity, while the third electret filter layer handles virus and particle filtration. This segmentation allows both functions to coexist without compromising either.
Solution Approach 2:
The first filter acts as an intermediary layer that absorbs and retains blood and droplets on its outer surface, preventing them from reaching the electret filter layer where viruses could penetrate. This intermediary absorption layer ensures that the electret filter's antiviral properties remain effective by keeping the surface dry and free of liquid contaminants.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple filters with different properties are layered to achieve both blood barrier properties and virus inactivation, then comprehensive protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is segmented into four distinct filter layers, each with a specific function: first filter for liquid absorption, second filter for blocking penetration, third electret filter for particle and virus filtration, and fourth filter for comfort. This clear segmentation makes the complex structure manageable and manufacturable by treating each layer as a separate component that can be produced and quality-checked independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask uses composite material construction with different nonwoven fabric types for different layers. The first filter uses hydrophilic nonwoven fabric for liquid absorption, the second filter uses hydrophobic nonwoven fabric for blocking, and the third filter uses electret nonwoven fabric for particle filtration. These composite materials allow each layer to perform its specific function while maintaining overall mask integrity and manufacturability.
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 allows easy breathing while effectively preventing blood and droplet penetration and inactivating adhering bacteria and viruses, enhancing safety against infectious diseases.
Implementation Method 1
a first filter disposed on an outer surface and having air permeability and a water absorption capacity of 100% or more and less than 1000%
Implementation Method 2
a third filter layered on the second filter on the side of the inner surface and formed of an electret filter having air permeability and a water absorption capacity of less than 50%
Implementation Method 3
inorganic fine particles having bactericidal properties and/or antiviral properties are fixed to at least a portion of the first filter and/or the fourth filter
Data Source
AI summary
A mask having an inner surface facing a wearer and an outer surface located opposite to the inner surface has first to fourth filters. The first filter is disposed on the outer surface of the mask and has air permeability and a water absorption capacity of 100% or more and less than 1000%. The second filter is layered on the first filter on the side of the inner surface of the mask and has air permeability and a water absorption capacity of less than 30%. The third filter is layered on the second filter on the side of the inner surface of the mask and is formed of an electret filter having air permeability and a water absorption capacity of less than 50%. The fourth filter is disposed on the inner surface of the mask and has air permeability.