Reformable Wearable Device with Pliable Region for Custom Fit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Long-term medical devices, such as face masks, often suffer from comfort and fit issues due to their non-customizable nature, leading to complications like chafing, blistering, and infection, especially in cases where facial dimensions change over time.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device that can be reshaped to fit individual facial dimensions using materials that soften with heat or through ultrasonic, photonic, electrical, or air-pressurized treatments, allowing for a secure and comfortable seal without the need for frequent replacements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If universal size masks are used, then device availability is improved, but fit quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mask incorporates a pliable region that can dynamically change from a rigid predefined shape to a flexible deformable state, allowing the same device to adapt to different facial dimensions. This dynamic property enables a single universal mask to provide customized fit quality through user deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask material undergoes parameter changes by transitioning from a rigid state during manufacturing and storage to a pliable state during use. This parameter change allows the mask to be deformed into custom shapes that match individual facial contours while maintaining manufacturing efficiency with universal sizing.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom molds are created, then fit quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the customization step from the manufacturing process and transfers it to the user端. Instead of creating custom molds during manufacturing, the mask includes a pliable region that users can directly deform to match their facial contours, eliminating the complex custom mold creation process while maintaining high fit quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask enables self-service customization by providing a pliable region that users can manually deform to fit their own facial dimensions. This eliminates the need for external customization services or complex mold-making processes, allowing users to create their own custom fit masks.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid materials are used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is segmented into different regions with different mechanical properties: a rigid portion that maintains structural stability and attachment points, and a pliable region that provides adaptability for customization. This segmentation allows the mask to simultaneously achieve both structural integrity and reshape capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the mask have different local qualities: the attachment points and structural framework remain rigid for stability, while the pliable region is specifically designed to be deformable for adaptability. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between structural stability and reshape capability.
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 wearable device provides a customizable, comfortable, and secure fit that adapts to changes in facial features, reducing pressure and extending the device's lifespan by allowing users to reshape it as needed, eliminating the need for frequent repurchasing.
Implementation Method 1
utilize materials that soften with heat
Implementation Method 2
through ultrasonic, photonic, electrical, or air-pressurized treatments
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides for systems and methods for reforming wearable devices. The system may comprise a wearable device. The wearable device may comprise a gasket. The wearable device may comprise a pliable region. The pliable region may comprise a predefined diameter to interface with a plurality of wearable devices. The pliable region may comprise the gasket. The wearable device may comprise a supply device. The wearable device may comprise an attachment mechanism. The wearable device may interface with a reforming device. The reforming device may interface with a scanner. The reforming device may adjust the wearable device based on information received from the scanner. The reforming device may receive information from an external device. The external device may comprise a scanner that sends information to the reforming device.