Rotating Respiratory Mask Cleaning Device with Pivoting Bracket

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for treating respiratory protective masks are complicated to use, often result in incomplete cleaning due to inadequate accessibility for the spray jet, and can lead to mask damage from improper assembly and connection methods.

Innovation Solution

A device with rotatable holding devices featuring a U-shaped retaining bracket that is pivotally movable and fixable, allowing easy and secure placement of masks on a support plate, ensuring the outer side remains accessible for cleaning and the inner side for detergent application, with optional features like a small parts container and lever mechanism for secure fixation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a rotatable holding device with U-shaped retaining bracket is used, then the ease of operation and security of mask placement is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of mask placementVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device is segmented into distinct functional components: a support plate for mask placement, a U-shaped retaining bracket for securing, and a pivot mechanism for adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining bracket is designed to be pivotally movable relative to the support plate, transitioning between a first position for securing the mask and a second position for releasing it. This dynamic mechanism simplifies operation by allowing easy attachment and detachment without complex locking systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the mask is secured firmly during treatment, then the reliability of treatment application is improved, but the risk of mask damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment application reliabilityVSAvoidmask damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The U-shaped retaining bracket applies localized pressure through its angled legs that contact the mask at specific points, providing sufficient securing force for reliable treatment application while avoiding excessive pressure that could damage the mask material. The distribution of contact points optimizes this balance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The design anticipates potential damage by distributing the securing force across multiple contact points and using a pivot mechanism that allows controlled movement, preventing stress concentration that could lead to mask damage during the treatment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If the spray jet has good accessibility to the mask outer side, then the cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding device positions the mask in a specific orientation on the support plate, with the U-shaped retaining bracket arranged to expose the outer side of the mask to the spray jet. This spatial arrangement in a different dimension allows effective cleaning without requiring complex positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3409385B1Device and method for treating respiratory masks
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 DRAGER SAFETY AG & CO KAAA
  • EP3409385B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3409385B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3409385B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention is a device (10) for treating respiratory masks (12) with several holding devices (18, 20) rotatable about a common axis for each respiratory mask (12), wherein each holding device (18, 20) comprises a carrier plate (18) and a retaining bracket (20), wherein a respiratory mask (12) can be placed on the carrier plate (18) and wherein the retaining bracket (20) is pivotally movable relative to the carrier plate (18) and a respiratory mask (12) placed on the carrier plate (18) can be fixed by means of the retaining bracket (20).