Powered Mask Airflow Layout for Lower Resistance and Noise

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional masks with air suction ports on the front surface and discharge ports on the rear surface experience increased flow resistance, power consumption, noise, and risk of dust introduction due to excessive air flow conversions, and the suction port is often exposed, affecting appearance and filter life.

Innovation Solution

The mask apparatus design features suction and discharge ports on the rear surface, with a fan module and filter system optimized to reduce flow resistance and noise, and incorporates a waterproof sleeve and sealing cover to prevent dust and moisture ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the air suction port is formed on the front surface of the mask and the air discharge port is formed on the rear surface, then the mask structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flow resistance increases and power consumption increases due to excessive flow conversions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemask structure simplicityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by placing the air suction port on the rear surface and the air discharge port on the front surface of the mask. This reversal reduces the number of flow conversions air must undergo, thereby reducing flow resistance and power consumption while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent repositions the air ports from the conventional front-rear arrangement to a side-by-side arrangement on the rear surface, changing the spatial dimension of air flow path. This dimensional reorganization shortens the air flow path and reduces the number of conversions required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the air suction port is formed on the front surface of the mask, then the mask structure is simple, but the flow noise increases due to excessive flow conversions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemask structure simplicityVSAvoidflow noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the port positions to place the suction port on the rear surface, the patent reduces air flow conversions and consequently reduces flow noise generation, while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of multiple flow conversions (which cause noise) into a benefit by redesigning the air path to minimize conversions, thereby reducing noise while maintaining ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of manufacture

If the air suction port is disposed on the front surface of the mask, then the mask structure is simple, but the possibility of dust introducing through the air suction port increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemask structure simplicityVSAvoiddust introduction risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent places the air suction port on the rear surface facing away from the external environment, thereby eliminating the risk of dust introduction while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the rear surface of the mask as an intermediary position for the suction port, which is protected from direct exposure to external dust and contaminants, thereby reducing dust introduction risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of manufacture

If the air suction port is disposed on the front surface of the mask, then the mask structure is simple, but the outer appearance is not good when worn

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemask structure simplicityVSAvoidouter appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the port positions to place the suction port on the rear surface, creating a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing appearance on the front surface while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This design reduces flow resistance and noise, minimizes dust introduction, maintains a neat appearance, and extends filter life by keeping the suction port hidden, while ensuring effective air filtration and user comfort.

Implementation Method 1

a fan module whose rotation speed is variable according to the pressure detected by the pressure detection means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFan: Fan

Implementation Method 2

a filter so that harmful substances contained in external air are filtered out

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12605573B2Mask apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 LG ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

A mask apparatus that includes a mask body including a front body; and a rear body coupled to a rear surface of the front body and from which a pair of accommodation portions protrudes forward; a face guard coupled to a rear surface of the rear body to contact a user's face and define a breathing space therein; a fan module seated in the accommodation portion; a flow guide provided at a rear surface of the fan module and defining a portion of a discharge port communicating with the breathing space; a filter seated on the flow guide; and a filter housing rotatably coupled to the rear body to cover the filter, in which a guide shoulder is rounded and protrudes from the side of the flow guide, and in which guide grooves are defined on the side of the filter housing.