Odor Neutralizing Mask Insert Using Activated Charcoal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing odor-blocking solutions, such as masks and air filtration systems, are often costly, ineffective, or impractical for everyday use, particularly in professions and situations where strong smells impair task performance or quality of life, as they fail to adequately address unpleasant odors and can irritate skin or be uncomfortable to wear.
Innovation Solution
An air-permeable guard with multiple layers of materials like paper, cloth, plastic, and melt-blown fibers, incorporating odor-absorbing substances like activated charcoal and masking agents like coffee or essential oils, designed to be inserted between the face and a mask or covering, providing odor absorption, neutralization, and a pleasant scent while being reusable and cost-effective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If expensive air filtration masks are used to block odors, then odor blocking effectiveness is improved, but cost increases making them prohibitive for daily use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the odor protection function into separate components: a reusable surgical mask for particle filtration and a disposable insert for odor absorption. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables users to replace only the odor-absorbing insert when saturated, reducing overall cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary odor-absorbing insert that fits inside the surgical mask. This insert contains materials like activated charcoal and coffee grounds that specifically target odor molecules, while the outer mask continues to provide its standard filtration function. The intermediary component adds odor protection without requiring replacement of the entire mask system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If alcohol wipes are placed between face and mask to block odors, then odor blocking is improved, but skin irritation and tissue damage worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable insert that can be discarded after single or limited use. This eliminates the need for reusable materials that require cleaning and potential chemical exposure. The insert provides odor protection during its service life and is then discarded, preventing cumulative skin irritation from repeated exposure to cleaning agents or chemical treatments.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If lip balm or mentholated vapor rub is applied inside mask to mask odors, then odor masking is improved, but skin residue and discomfort worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the odor management function from direct skin contact materials (like lip balm) and places it in a separate absorbent insert. The insert materials such as activated charcoal and coffee grounds adsorb odor molecules through their porous structures, providing odor control without requiring application to the skin. This separation eliminates the sticky residue and discomfort associated with topical applications.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If face shields are worn to block odors, then odor blocking is improved, but field of view and breathing comfort worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies odor protection locally at the point where air enters the respiratory system, rather than using a full face shield. The insert is positioned specifically within the mask opening to filter inhaled air, providing odor protection only where needed for breathing. This localized approach maintains full facial visibility and natural breathing patterns while delivering odor control functionality.
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
Effectively blocks and reduces odors, improving comfort and task performance by providing a cost-effective, reusable solution that complements existing masks or coverings, while being gentle on skin and environmentally friendly.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating odor-absorbing substances like activated charcoal
Implementation Method 2
masking agents like coffee or essential oils
Implementation Method 3
masking agents like coffee or essential oils
Data Source
AI summary
An air-permeable guard adapted to attach to a covering, the air permeable guard comprising a plurality of layers attached together to create one or more compartments. The guard further comprises at least one agent stored in the one or more compartments wherein the at least one agent may be a counteracting agent, a masking agent or a disinfectant agent. The masking agent may be coffee, oil and self encapsulated oil beadlet. The counteracting agent may be activated charcoal, sodium bicarbonate, zeolite, diatomaceous earth, silica gel and bentonite clay. The disinfectant agent may be a water based coating containing a cationic siloxane. In another embodiment of the invention the compartments may store the agents in a portion of the guard that is adapted to come in contact with the wearer's nostrils.