Pouch-Style Respirator Strap Layout for Secure Comfortable Fit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current respirators face issues with elastic bands/straps that are difficult to place correctly, frequently slide or slip out of position, and are uncomfortable, while wide headbands are challenging to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A pouch-style respirator design with wide, stretchable head straps attached in a side-by-side configuration, using materials that can stretch up to 150% of their length and retract significantly, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit without manufacturing complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wide headbands are used to improve comfort and distribute pressure, then comfort and security are improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases due to attachment challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a stacked configuration (vertical arrangement causing manufacturing difficulty) to a side-by-side configuration (horizontal arrangement enabling easy attachment). This dimensional change allows wide headbands to be attached laterally to the mask body, distributing pressure across a larger area while simplifying the attachment process and improving manufacturability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment configuration parameter from stacked to side-by-side, and adjusts the headband width parameter to be sufficiently wide (e.g., at least 0.5 inches) to distribute pressure effectively. These parameter changes simultaneously improve comfort while maintaining manufacturing ease
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastic bands are made stretchable to accommodate various head sizes, then adaptability is improved, but the bands may lose retraction ability and fail to hold the mask securely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic elastic bands with specific stretch and retraction properties. The bands are designed to stretch to at least 150% of their original length to accommodate different head sizes, while maintaining retraction capability to recover to at least 75% of their original length. This dynamic behavior allows the mask to adapt to various users while maintaining a secure fit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for the elastic bands: stretchability of at least 150% and retraction to at least 75% of original length. These parameter definitions ensure the bands provide both adaptability for different head sizes and reliability for secure mask retention
3Ease of operation
If elastic bands are used to secure the respirator, then ease of donning and doffing is improved, but the bands frequently slide, roll, or slip out of place
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible elastic bands that can be easily manipulated for donning and doffing. The flexibility allows the bands to conform to the user's head and be easily adjusted, while the material properties and configuration maintain stability to prevent sliding, rolling, or slipping during wear
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 design provides enhanced comfort and security by distributing pressure over a larger area, accommodating various head sizes, and simplifies manufacturing by avoiding overlapping strap attachment, resulting in a reliable and easy-to-use respirator.
Implementation Method 1
head straps that stretch along their length to at least 150% of their length and, when stretched to this stretched length, retract more than seventy-five percent of the stretched length when the stretch tension is removed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Methods, systems and apparatus for a pouch-style mask having upper and lower mask substrates, each having a first layer comprising spunbond material and a second layer comprising meltblown material, a perimeter comprising a user contacting portion and a non-user contacting portion, and a shoulder proximate a left-side transition between the user contacting portion and the non-user contacting portion and a shoulder proximate a right-side transition between the user contacting portion and the non-user contacting portion. The mask also has a head strap assembly comprising first and second head straps each having first and second end portions, where the first end portions of the first and second head straps are attached to the left upper and lower shoulders in a side-by-side configuration and the second end portions of the first and second head straps are attached to the right upper and lower shoulders in a side-by-side configuration.