PAPR Full Face Mask with Integrated Blower and Curved Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) face challenges such as difficulty in achieving a perfect seal due to facial features, require special training for use, generate fan noise, restrict vision, are heavy, and uncomfortable, making them difficult to use in health hazardous environments.
Innovation Solution
A full face mask designed for PAPRs with a clear field of vision, minimal fan noise, and a blower unit integrated within the mask for reduced weight and improved comfort, using a transparent plastic for unobstructed vision and an electrostatic filter for low flow resistance, along with a rechargeable battery option and adjustable sealing for ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full face mask is made of thick rubber or sound restricting material to ensure sealing, then sealing performance is improved, but conversation ability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into separate functional zones: a transparent communication panel in the lower face area for speech transmission, and sealing regions around the face perimeter for maintaining the pressure barrier. This segmentation allows the mask to simultaneously achieve reliable sealing through the sealing rim while enabling clear conversation through the transparent material section.
2Area of stationary object
If the field of vision is enlarged to improve visibility, then vision capability is improved, but distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent communication panel and lens components utilize curved surfaces optimized for optical performance. The curved geometry of the transparent section provides a wide field of vision while the specific curvature design minimizes optical distortion, allowing users to see clearly in multiple directions without significant image deformation.
3Device complexity
If the blower unit is placed outside the mask to simplify structure, then device complexity is reduced, but weight and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The blower unit is integrated into the mask structure itself, combining the air supply function with the mask housing. This merging eliminates the need for separate external blowers and connecting ducts, thereby reducing the overall weight that would otherwise be supported by the neck, while maintaining functional complexity through integrated design.
4Quantity of substance
If ducting is added to connect external blower to mask to enable air supply, then air delivery capability is improved, but flow losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The blower unit is integrated directly into the mask housing, eliminating the need for separate ducting systems. This integration removes the energy losses associated with air flow through external ducts and connections, while maintaining effective air delivery to the user through the integrated air supply pathway.
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 solution provides a comfortable, easy-to-use PAPR with improved visibility, reduced noise, and adjustable pressure, enhancing user experience and performance in hazardous environments while maintaining effective air filtration.
Implementation Method 1
integrated filter, preferably an electrostatic filter for minimizing the flow resistance
Implementation Method 2
provide a blower unit giving rise to a minimum of fan noise and with the ability to control the pressure inside a full face mask, and preferably to maintain a positive pressure inside the mask
Data Source
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AI summary
A full face mask (1) for a PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) to be used in health hazardous environments, having an air inlet (7, 8) and an air outlet (16), manufactured in one piece from a transparent plastic in a one step vacuum forming process with a single curved field of vision (4) exempt from distorsions and comprising a compartment (5) inside a forehead area of the full face mask for accommodating a blower unit (2).