Regeneratable Anti-Fogging Element for Ski Goggle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing goggles for winter sports face challenges in minimizing fogging due to inadequate ventilation and moisture absorption, leading to reduced visibility and discomfort for wearers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a passive anti-fogging system with hydrophilic materials, such as activated cellulose acetate propionate, integrated into the goggle design to absorb and release moisture, combined with a uni-directional air flow path and removable cartridges for customizable moisture absorbency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If peripheral vents are increased in size to improve moisture ventilation, then fogging is reduced, but wind, snow, and hard ice particles can enter the goggle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous hydrophilic material (such as activated cellulose acetate propionate) as an antifogging element that can be inserted into the goggle. This material allows moisture vapor to pass through while blocking larger particles like wind, snow, and ice, thus resolving the contradiction between ventilation and particle protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The antifogging element acts as an intermediary component between the internal goggle environment and the external atmosphere. It mediates the exchange of moisture vapor while filtering out harmful particles, enabling ventilation without direct exposure to external elements.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If forward facing vents are used to increase air exchange rate, then fogging is reduced at high speeds, but too much cold air enters at high velocities causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The porous hydrophilic material provides controlled moisture management without being affected by forward velocity. Unlike forward-facing vents that allow uncontrolled cold air intake at high speeds, the porous material maintains consistent performance regardless of motion, preventing excessive cold air entry while still reducing fogging.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If double lens structures are used to provide insulation, then fogging is somewhat reduced, but the structure becomes more complex and may not be sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of incorporating moisture management functionality into the lens structure itself (which would increase complexity), the patent extracts this function by using a separate, removable antifogging element. This element can be independently optimized and replaced without affecting the lens design, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The antifogging function is segmented from the main goggle structure into a separate removable element. This segmentation allows the lens structure to remain simple while the antifogging element provides the necessary moisture management, avoiding the complexity of integrated double lens systems.
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 solution effectively reduces fogging by dynamically managing moisture levels within the goggle space, enhancing visibility and comfort across varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an antifogging element having a hydrophilic surface, such as an activated acetate surface, configured to reduce the likelihood of fogging by absorbing moisture
Implementation Method 2
at least one heat conductive element configured to conduct heat from the wearer's face to the inlet vent; wherein the inlet vent and the outlet vent are configured to produce a uni-directional, buoyancy-driven air flow through the goggle space
Implementation Method 3
at least one heat conductive element configured to conduct heat from the wearer's face to the inlet vent
Data Source
AI summary
A passive anti-fogging ski goggle is disclosed. In some embodiments, the goggle includes a moisture absorbing element or material, thereby reducing the amount of moisture within the space between the goggle and the wearer. In certain embodiments, the goggle includes one or more cartridges, which can be received in vents of the goggle and can include the moisture absorbing element or material. The elements can surrender moisture to the atmosphere under conditions within the normal range encountered on a ski slope.