Breathable Face Mask With Overlapping Ear-Loop Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional face masks are uncomfortable, provide inadequate fit, restrict airflow, and generate waste due to single-use design, compromising effectiveness and sustainability.
Innovation Solution
A face mask with a face shield and free-cut ear loops, featuring a multi-layer construction with a flexible nose bridge, elastic rims, and breathable fabric layers, ensuring a secure fit and increased airflow while being washable and reusable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional face masks are made close-fitting to improve filtration effectiveness, then filtering performance is improved, but breathing difficulty increases due to substantial reduction in airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The face mask is segmented into multiple functional layers including a hydrophobic layer for fluid filtration, a hydrophilic layer for comfort and moisture management, and a spacer layer for structural support. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall breathability and filtration effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mask have different properties: the hydrophobic layer provides fluid resistance where needed, the hydrophilic layer provides moisture wicking at the skin interface, and the spacer layer provides structural integrity. The nose bridge area has enhanced rigidity for proper fitting, while the ear loops have elastic properties for comfort. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing filtration where required while maintaining airflow pathways.
2Reliability
If single-use face masks are used to ensure hygiene and effectiveness, then infection prevention is improved, but waste generation increases and long-term costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is designed to be washable and reusable, allowing it to be cleaned and reused multiple times. The removable insert can be washed and reinserted, extending the useful life of the mask significantly compared to single-use designs. This reduces waste generation and long-term costs while maintaining hygiene through proper cleaning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask uses composite materials including hydrophobic fabrics, hydrophilic fabrics, and spacer materials that are durable and washable. These composite structures maintain their filtration and comfort functions through multiple wash cycles, enabling reusable design without sacrificing infection prevention capability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If ear loops are used to support the mask on the face, then mask stability is improved, but comfort deteriorates especially during long periods of wear
Solution Approach 1:
The ear loops are made from elastic fabric that is flexible and thin, allowing it to conform to the shape of the ear without causing discomfort. The elastic properties provide the necessary tension for mask stability while the flexible nature prevents irritation during extended wear periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The ear loops incorporate elastic material that dynamically adapts to movement and stretching. The elasticity allows the loops to stretch when the head moves and return to their original position, maintaining mask stability while accommodating natural head movements and reducing discomfort during prolonged wear.
4Reliability
If conventional mask materials are used to provide filtration, then particle filtering is improved, but breathability deteriorates resulting in restricted airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system is segmented into multiple layers with different functions: a hydrophobic layer for blocking particles, a hydrophilic layer for moisture management, and a spacer layer for maintaining structural integrity and airflow channels. This segmentation allows efficient particle filtration while preserving breathability through the spacer architecture that prevents layer collapse.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask incorporates porous materials including the hydrophobic fabric with micro-pores for particle filtration, the hydrophilic layer with open structure for moisture wicking, and the spacer layer with three-dimensional porous architecture for maintaining airflow pathways. These porous structures enable effective filtration while preserving adequate breathability and airflow rate.
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 provides enhanced comfort, improved fit, and increased airflow while effectively filtering particles, reducing waste, and lowering long-term costs through its durable and washable design.
Implementation Method 1
The breathable face mask includes a hydrophobic layer configured to repel liquid droplets
Implementation Method 2
The breathable face mask includes a hydrophilic layer configured to wick moisture
Data Source
AI summary
A face mask configured to be worn on a human head includes a face shield and an ear loop. The ear loop is connected to a lateral side of the face shield. The ear loop defines an elongated narrow center portion positioned between an enlarged first end and an enlarged second end opposite the first end. The enlarged first end is connected to an upper portion of the lateral side of the face shield. The enlarged second end is connected to a lower portion of the lateral side of the face shield. The enlarged first end overlaps the enlarged second end along the lateral side of the face shield.