Pivotable Face Mask and Shield with Rearward Air Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current face protection systems, such as masks and shields, are cumbersome and difficult to adjust, leading to issues like fogging, movement, and inefficiency in filtering and directing air and particulates during inhalation and exhalation, especially in environments like construction sites where dust and debris are prevalent.
Innovation Solution
A combined face mask and shield system with a pivotable design and vented slots that direct exhaled air rearward, incorporating a cap and filter to prevent forward airflow and minimize fogging, allowing for secure attachment without direct head attachment, and featuring a shatter-proof screen for enhanced protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a shield is worn to protect the face from air particulates, then facial protection is improved, but the shield becomes foggy during exhalation impairing eyesight
Solution Approach 1:
The protection system is divided into separate functional components: a mask for filtration and a shield for facial protection. The shield is further segmented with ventilation channels and airflow management features that separate the exhalation path from the shield's outer surface, preventing fogging while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Ventilation channels and airflow management structures act as intermediaries between the user's exhalation and the shield's outer surface. These channels direct exhaled air away from the shield, preventing condensation and fogging while maintaining the shield's protective function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a shield is made rigid and fixed to protect the face, then protection effectiveness is improved, but the user must completely remove the shield to access the face
Solution Approach 1:
The shield incorporates dynamic elements including pivotable connections that allow the shield to rotate or tilt relative to the mask, and flexible attachment mechanisms that enable adjustment without complete removal. This allows the user to access their face or adjust components while maintaining protective coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield system is divided into modular components that can be independently adjusted or removed. The pivotable connection between shield and mask allows selective access to different areas while maintaining overall protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If both shield and mask are worn concurrently, then comprehensive protection is improved, but adjustment and manipulation become time-consuming and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mask and shield are merged into an integrated assembly with shared attachment mechanisms and coordinated design features. The pivotable connection and common attachment system allow both components to be adjusted together as a single unit, reducing the time and complexity of manipulation compared to separate adjustment of two independent devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated assembly serves multiple functions through unified design: filtration, facial protection, ventilation, and adjustable positioning all work together through coordinated mechanisms that can be manipulated as a single system rather than separate components.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a mask is worn to filter inhaled air, then filtration is improved, but the mask moves and separates from the user's face during normal activities
Solution Approach 1:
The mask incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms including movable straps and flexible components that adapt to facial movements and maintain optimal sealing and positioning during speech, breathing, and other normal activities.
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 system effectively filters and directs air and particulates, preventing fogging and movement issues, while providing comprehensive facial protection without the need for direct head attachment, enhancing user convenience and safety in hazardous environments.
Implementation Method 1
a filter removably disposed in the interior recessed area of the adapter
Implementation Method 2
a cap removably engageable with the adapter, wherein the cap is configured to prevent any gas passing through the filter in a first direction from exiting the mask in the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable face covering may include a mask including a filter and a cap, wherein the cap is configured to prevent any gas passing through the filter in a first direction from exiting the mask in the first direction; and a face shield including a partially-transparent screen, wherein the face shield is pivotally coupled to the mask.