Powered Mask Airflow Layout for Lower Resistance and Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing masks with air suction holes on the front surface and discharge holes on the rear surface experience increased flow resistance, power consumption, noise, and risk of dust ingress due to multiple air flow conversions, and have aesthetic and durability issues with separate covers.
Innovation Solution
A mask design with suction holes outside the face guard and discharge holes inside, featuring a centrifugal fan and air cleaning module with a filter housing and suction grill, minimizing flow conversions and reducing noise and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the air suction hole is defined in the front surface of the mask, then external air can be introduced into the mask, but flow resistance increases due to excessive flow conversions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional design by moving the air suction hole from the front surface to the rear surface of the mask. This inversion allows air to be drawn in from behind the mask body, reducing the number of flow conversions required and thereby decreasing flow resistance and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of air intake by transitioning from a front-surface horizontal intake to a rear-surface intake that flows along the lateral surface. This dimensional change optimizes the airflow path and reduces unnecessary flow conversions.
2Ease of operation
If the air suction hole is defined in the front surface of the mask, then air can be drawn in, but power consumption of the battery increases due to increased fan load
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the air suction hole location to the rear surface, the fan encounters less resistance and requires less power to move the same volume of air, thereby reducing overall power consumption of the mask device.
3Ease of operation
If the air suction hole is defined in the front surface of the mask, then air intake is achieved, but flow noise increases due to excessive flow conversions
Solution Approach 1:
Moving the suction hole to the rear surface inverts the airflow direction, allowing air to enter more smoothly along the lateral surface and reducing turbulent flow conversions that generate noise.
4Ease of operation
If the air suction hole is defined in the front surface of the mask, then air can be drawn in, but dust ingress increases when mask is removed
Solution Approach 1:
By relocating the suction hole to the rear surface, the opening is positioned away from the front-facing direction when the mask is removed or worn, naturally reducing the likelihood of dust and debris entering the hole during normal use and removal.
5Ease of operation
If the air suction hole is defined in the front surface of the mask, then air intake is achieved, but outer appearance is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
Inverting the suction hole location to the rear surface removes the visual element from the front appearance of the mask, resulting in a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing outer appearance while maintaining the air intake function.
6Object-affected harmful factors
If a suction hole cover is mounted to prevent exposure, then dust ingress is reduced, but device complexity increases and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the suction hole to the rear surface, the design eliminates the need for separate cover components that would be required for front-surface openings, thereby simplifying the overall structure and improving durability.
7Ease of manufacture
If the suction hole is defined in a separate air cleaning module, then assembly flexibility is improved, but flow resistance significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the suction hole directly into the rear surface of the mask body rather than placing it in a separate detachable module, which reduces the number of flow conversions and connection interfaces, thereby significantly reducing flow resistance while maintaining manufacturing flexibility.
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
Enhances airflow efficiency, reduces noise and power consumption, and improves durability and aesthetics by eliminating separate covers, while maintaining effective air filtration.
Implementation Method 1
an air cleaning module with a centrifugal fan and filter housing to minimize flow resistance
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Provided is a mask apparatus. The mask apparatus includes a mask body which include a rear body and a front body coupled to a front surface of the rear body and in which a suction hole and a discharge hole are defined, a face guard coupled to a rear surface of the rear body so as to be in close contact with user's face and having a breathing space therein, and an air cleaning module mounted on the rear body to purify external air flowing into the suction hole and supply the external air into the breathing space. The face guard includes a coupling portion configured to face the rear surface of the rear body, a close contact portion that is in contact with the user's face, a connection portion configured to connect the coupling portion to the close contact portion so as to have a predetermined width in a front and rear direction, and a spaced protrusion configured to protrude from an outer surface of the connection portion so that at least a portion of the connection portion is maintained in a state of being spaced apart from the suction hole at both sides based on a center of a lower end of the front surface of the coupling portion.