Rotating Respirator Mask Strap Coupling with Stop Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional respirator masks suffer from air flow resistance and turbulence due to obstructed valve orifice configurations, leading to discomfort for the wearer. Additionally, the strap systems provide limited adjustability and are prone to tangling or misalignment when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A system for coupling a harness strap to a respirator mask, featuring a first coupling element that is rotatable about an axis of a second coupling element, with limited rotation (65-85 degrees) to allow adjustability and comfort, while preventing tangling or misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional valve orifice configurations are used, then the mask structure is simple, but air flow resistance and turbulence increase causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The valve orifice is divided into multiple segments or openings arranged in a specific pattern, allowing air to flow through multiple pathways simultaneously. This segmentation reduces turbulence and resistance by distributing the airflow across several smaller channels rather than one large obstructed channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve orifice configuration transitions from a conventional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional multi-level structure. The orifices are positioned at different heights and angles, creating a multi-dimensional airflow path that reduces resistance and improves breathing comfort while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If straps are made fully rotatable (360 degrees) for adjustability, then comfort and fit improve, but straps become tangled or misaligned when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element incorporates a stop arrangement that prevents the strap from rotating beyond a predetermined angle. This preliminary constraint stops the strap before it can become tangled or misaligned, while still allowing sufficient rotation (65-85 degrees) to achieve proper fit and comfort adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap coupling system transitions from a fully rigid fixed-position connection to a dynamically adjustable connection with controlled mobility. The limited rotation capability allows the strap to adapt to different wearing conditions and head positions, providing optimal comfort while maintaining stability when not in use.
3Stability of the object's composition
If straps are made non-rotatable for stability, then tangling is prevented, but adjustability and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element incorporates a stop arrangement that prevents the strap from rotating beyond a predetermined angle. This preliminary constraint stops the strap before it can become tangled or misaligned, while still allowing sufficient rotation (65-85 degrees) to achieve proper fit and comfort adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap coupling system transitions from a fully rigid fixed-position connection to a dynamically adjustable connection with controlled mobility. The limited rotation capability allows the strap to adapt to different wearing conditions and head positions, providing optimal comfort while maintaining stability when not in use.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a system for coupling a harness strap (302) to a respirator mask, comprising a first coupling element (304) attachable to a harness strap for securing a respirator mask to a wearer: and a second coupling element (326) fixed with respect to the respirator mask and configured to releasably engage with the first coupling element to couple the harness strap to the mask, wherein the first coupling element is rotatable about an axis of the second coupling element and said rotation is limited by a stop arrangement (328).