Nose Mask with Cylindrical Compartments for Microbe Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional PPE masks are uncomfortable to wear and often restrict breathing, while providing inadequate protection against airborne microbes, particularly during pandemics like COVID-19, which poses a significant risk to healthcare workers and the general public.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, soft nose mask with cylindrical compartments and a loop connector, using disposable cellulose acetate filters that fit snugly into the nostrils, providing enhanced air filtration and comfort by allowing easier breathing while preventing the intake of harmful microbes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional PPE masks are used to provide full protection against airborne microbes, then protection effectiveness is improved, but breathing comfort deteriorates due to restricted air intake
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the respiratory protection system into two separate pathways: a filtered air pathway through the PPE mask for safety, and an unfiltered supplemental air pathway through the nose for comfort. This segmentation allows users to receive both protection and comfortable breathing simultaneously by utilizing both pathways together.
Solution Approach 2:
The nose acts as an intermediary organ that can process air independently of the PPE mask. By utilizing the nose's natural filtration and conditioning capabilities as a mediator, the system supplements the PPE mask's filtered air with additional comfortable breaths, reducing the burden on the mask's filtration capacity.
2Reliability
If conventional PPE masks are designed to fully cover the nose and mouth for complete protection, then protection effectiveness is improved, but wearing comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the protective function into two parts: the PPE mask provides baseline protection for the mouth and lower face, while the nose provides supplemental protection and comfort. This segmentation allows the system to achieve effective protection without requiring the discomfort of a tight-fitting full-face mask.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different protection strategies to different regions of the face: the PPE mask covers the mouth and lower face with filtered air, while the nose receives supplemental unfiltered air for comfort. This local differentiation of protection quality optimizes both safety and comfort across different facial regions.
3Reliability
If the filtered air capacity of PPE masks is increased to improve protection, then protection effectiveness is improved, but breathing comfort deteriorates due to slower air intake
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the air intake function into two parallel channels: a filtered channel through the PPE mask for protection, and an unfiltered channel through the nose for high-speed supplemental intake. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high overall air intake speed while still providing filtered protection through the mask channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the PPE mask's filtered air output with the nose's natural breathing function to create a combined respiratory system. By combining these two air sources, the system achieves both protection (from the mask) and high air intake speed (from the nose supplementation).
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 nose mask offers improved breath comfort and effective filtration of microbes, reducing the risk of airborne infections and making it easier for healthcare workers and the public to wear for extended periods without compromising respiratory comfort.
Implementation Method 1
Filters, as briefly explained in the BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION section above, are inserted into each compartment, and they serve, as their name implies, purifying the air inhaled
Data Source
AI summary
A Personal Protective Equipment that fits in the Nose of living species, especially human beings, this nose mask is designed for ease of use, comfort to the user, and most of all to filter harmful viruses, bacteria, other filterable microbes, dust particles, and prevent them from entering into their nostrils, thereby protecting the user and preventing them from contracting diseases such as but not limited to COVID-19 (largely known as the novel corona virus during the years 2019 to 2021 pandemic time period), while they are at work, outside, and/or indoors, to ensure that they lead a healthy life. Additionally this Personal Protective Nose Mask can be used for betterment of health by patients, under a Physician's care/treatment who are prescribed inhalable medicines.