Openwork Elastic Respirator Straps for Breathability and Twist Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional respirator straps are solid, heavy, and lack aesthetic appeal, making them uncomfortable and difficult to detect if twisted, as they do not allow for breathability or visual differentiation between sides.
Innovation Solution
The use of openwork elastic straps with a netting construction featuring polymeric strands periodically joined at bond regions, allowing for breathability, reduced weight, and visual differentiation through alternating colors on each side.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If solid elastic straps are used, then structural strength is maintained, but weight increases and heat retention occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by constructing the elastic strap as a netting structure with interconnected loops and open spaces, rather than using solid elastomeric material. This porous construction reduces weight and improves breathability while maintaining structural strength through the geometric configuration of the netting pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the continuous solid strap material into discrete polymeric strands arranged in a netting pattern. These strands are periodically joined at bond regions but do not substantially cross over each other, creating a segmented structure that reduces weight while preserving mechanical strength through distributed load paths.
2Strength
If solid elastic straps are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but breathability and heat dissipation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The netting structure with open spaces allows air circulation and heat dissipation through the strap, reducing heat retention on the wearer's neck while maintaining structural integrity through the engineered geometry of interconnected loops and bond regions.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the strap into discrete strands with periodic bonding, the design creates channels for air flow and heat dissipation while distributing structural loads across multiple bond regions, maintaining integrity without compromising thermal performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If single-color straps are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but visual detection of twists is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by providing the first and second arrays with different colors, creating visual asymmetry that allows the wearer to easily detect if the strap is twisted. When the strap is correctly positioned, the color pattern appears symmetric; when twisted, the asymmetry becomes apparent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the colors of the first and second arrays at specific locations on the strap. This localized color differentiation provides visual information about strap orientation without affecting the overall manufacturing process or structural properties.
4Device complexity
If solid straps with single color are used, then aesthetic simplicity is maintained, but aesthetic appeal and twist detection are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The different color arrays create visual asymmetry that serves dual purposes: enhancing aesthetic appeal through color variation and enabling functional twist detection. The asymmetric color pattern can be integrated into the netting structure without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By applying color differentiation at specific locations (different colors for first and second arrays), the design enhances aesthetic appeal and provides functional information without requiring complete redesign of the entire strap structure, thus balancing aesthetic versatility with manufacturing feasibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a respirator are disclosed. The respirator can include a mask body and one or more elastic straps that are secured to the mask body on opposing sides. The elastic straps can have an openwork construction and can include a netting that has an array of polymeric strands periodically joined together at bond regions throughout the array. In one or more embodiments, the openwork elastic straps are lighter and more breathable than conventional straps. This improvement in breathability can make the respirator more comfortable to wear.