Flat-Fold Respirator Graspable Tab for Contamination-Free Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flat-fold respirators require users to touch the mask interior when opening, risking contamination and making the respirator unsafe for use.
Innovation Solution
A graspable tab extending from the periphery of the mask body allows users to open the respirator without contacting the interior, reducing contamination risk and facilitating easier donning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users open flat-fold respirators by touching the mask interior directly, then the respirator can be opened easily, but contaminants are introduced into the mask interior making it unsafe for use
Solution Approach 1:
A graspable tab is attached to the exterior of the mask body, serving as an intermediary element that allows users to open the respirator without directly touching the mask interior. The tab acts as a mediator between the user's fingers and the mask structure, transmitting the opening force while preventing contamination of the interior surface.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a graspable tab is added to the mask body, then contamination risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mask body is segmented into functional zones: the main mask structure and the separate graspable tab element. This segmentation allows the tab to be designed as a distinct component that can be easily attached or integrated, minimizing the impact on overall device complexity while achieving the contamination prevention goal.
Data Source
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AI summary
A respirator 10 that has a mask body 12 that has a plurality of panels 16, 18, 20 that can fold in towards each other and that can unfold into open in-use configuration. At least one of the panels has a tab 22 that assists in opening the mask body 12 from its folded configuration into its open in-use configuration. The use of the tab 22 on the panel(s) of the multi-paneled mask body 12 allows for easier donning and doffing and reduces the opportunity for contaminants to get into the mask interior when the mask is being opened by the user.