Rear-Intake Mask Reduces Flow Resistance and Power Consumption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional masks with air inlets on the front surface experience increased flow resistance, power consumption, noise, and reduced filter lifespan due to frequent air flow conversions, and are aesthetically unappealing, with a higher risk of dust introduction and filter damage.

Innovation Solution

A mask apparatus with an air inlet and outlet on the rear surface, featuring a rotatable filter housing and inclined partition ribs in the intake grille to guide air evenly through the filter, reducing flow resistance and exposure to external forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the air inlet is provided on the front surface of the mask, then the air can be introduced into the mask, but the flow resistance increases and power consumption increases due to frequent flow conversion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair inlet placementVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional design by moving the air inlet from the front surface to the rear surface of the mask, adjacent to the filter module. This reversal eliminates the need for frequent flow conversions, reducing flow resistance and power consumption while maintaining effective air filtration functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of manufacture

If the air inlet is provided on the front surface of the mask, then air flow can be established, but flow noise increases due to frequent flow conversion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair inlet placementVSAvoidflow noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the air inlet position from front to rear surface, the patent reduces the number of flow conversions required, thereby minimizing flow noise generation while maintaining proper air intake functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of manufacture

If the air inlet is provided on the front surface of the mask, then air can be introduced, but the filter lifespan is shortened due to dust introduction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair inlet placementVSAvoidfilter lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the air inlet to the rear surface adjacent to the filter module, which protects the inlet from direct exposure to external dust and debris. This positioning reduces dust accumulation on the filter, extending its operational lifespan while maintaining air filtration effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Ease of manufacture

If the air inlet is provided on the front surface of the mask, then air flow can be established, but the appearance is aesthetically unappealing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair inlet placementVSAvoidappearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

By relocating the air inlet to the rear surface of the mask, the patent achieves a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing front appearance while maintaining functional air intake capability through the rear-positioned inlet adjacent to the filter module

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

5Ease of manufacture

If the air inlet is provided on the front surface of the mask, then air can be introduced, but an inlet cover is required which may be separated or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair inlet placementVSAvoidinlet cover reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for a separate inlet cover by positioning the air inlet on the rear surface adjacent to the filter module. This integration removes the potential failure points of separate covers while protecting the inlet from external damage and separation issues

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

Significantly reduces flow resistance and power consumption, increases filter lifespan, and enhances aesthetics by minimizing dust introduction and eliminating the need for external covers, while maintaining effective air filtration.

Implementation Method 1

a fan module whose rotational speed is varied according to pressure measured by the pressure sensing unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFan: Fan

Implementation Method 2

a filter module whose rotational speed is varied according to pressure measured by the pressure sensing unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4122541A1Mask apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.01.25 LG ELECTRONICS INC

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AI summary

A mask apparatus includes: a mask body including a rear body and a front body coupled to a front surface of the rear body and providing an inlet and an outlet, a face guard coupled to the rear body, accommodating a portion of user's face, and defining a respiration space, and an air cleaning module purifying air introduced into the inlet of the front body and supplying the purified air to the respiration space. A portion of the rear body protrudes toward the front body and defines an accommodation portion configured to accommodate the air cleaning module. The air cleaning module includes: a fan module accommodated in the accommodation portion, a filter disposed at a rear side of the fan module and purifying air flowing into the fan module, and a filter housing including a filter frame and a filter cover covering surrounding side and rear surfaces of the filter.