Respirator Air Outlet Vane for Flow Direction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Respirators lack user control over air flow direction, leading to discomfort due to perceived breeze or drafts, which can cause issues like eye drying.
Innovation Solution
A respirator assembly with an adjustable vane at the air outlet that can be pivoted to change the direction of air flow, allowing users to control the air flow direction while wearing the respirator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air is delivered through outlets in a respirator, then breathable air is provided to the user, but the user cannot control the direction of air flow causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the outlet structure adjustable rather than fixed. The outlet can be positioned at different locations and oriented at different angles, allowing the air flow direction to be dynamically changed according to user preference. This transforms a static respirator design into a dynamic one where the outlet configuration can be modified without changing the overall respirator structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the outlet function from the main respirator body by providing a separate, adjustable outlet assembly. This allows the outlet to be independently positioned and oriented, enabling users to control air flow direction without affecting the integrity or complexity of the main respirator structure. The segmented design permits flexible adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If air flow is directed into the space between shell and user's head, then breathable air is provided, but user discomfort occurs due to perceived drafts and eye drying
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different regions of the respirator to have different air flow characteristics. By adjusting the outlet position and orientation, users can direct air flow to specific local areas that provide comfort while maintaining adequate breathable air supply to the breathing zone. This enables localized optimization of air flow distribution to eliminate harmful drafts while preserving productive air delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of air flow delivery by allowing adjustment of outlet position, orientation, and potentially flow rate. These parameter changes enable users to optimize air flow characteristics to reduce discomfort from drafts and eye drying while maintaining sufficient breathable air delivery. The ability to modify flow parameters transforms a fixed air delivery system into an adaptable one that can accommodate user comfort requirements.
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
Enables users to customize the air flow direction for comfort, minimizing discomfort and adjusting the perceived cooling effect.
Implementation Method 1
a vane at the outlet that is adjustable between a first position wherein the air flow from the outlet is directed in a first direction and a second position wherein the air flow from the outlet is directed in a second, different direction
Data Source
AI summary
A respirator assembly has a shell that defines a breathable air space for a user wearing the respirator assembly. The respirator assembly has an air delivery conduit within the shell for providing air to the breathable air space. The air delivery conduit has an air outlet that is either adjustable in configuration or has a vane associated therewith that is adjustable in position so that the direction of the air exiting the air outlet is controllable between first and second air flow directions. The user is able to control the direction of air exiting the air outlet while the respirator assembly is worn by the user.