Salt-Infused Face Mask Filter for Breathable Virus Neutralization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional face masks are inadequate in preventing transmission of viruses and pathogens, particularly for extended wear during physical activities, and existing air filtering devices like N95 respirators have limitations in filtering small particles and require proper fitting and training.
Innovation Solution
A face mask with a filter layer infused with 99.99% pure sodium chloride particles, created using a halogenerator, providing antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiviral protection, combined with a breathable facial section for extended wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional surgical face masks are used, then basic filtration is provided, but the masks do not kill viruses on the surface and allow transmission upon contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the mask surface by coating it with salt solution, transforming it from a passive barrier to an active virus-neutralizing surface. The salt concentration and purity (99.99% sodium chloride) are specifically controlled to optimize virus destruction while maintaining breathability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful accumulation of viruses on mask surfaces into a benefit by using salt to actively destroy viruses. The salt coating transforms the mask from merely trapping viruses to actively neutralizing them, turning the previously harmful surface accumulation into a controlled virus destruction mechanism.
2Reliability
If N95 respirators are used, then filtration efficiency is improved, but they are difficult to wear for long periods and require proper fitting training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameter by incorporating salt particles into the filter layer, which maintains high filtration efficiency while improving breathability and comfort for extended wear without requiring professional fitting training.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite filter material combining conventional filtration materials with salt particles (99.99% pure sodium chloride). This composite structure provides both efficient particle filtration and virus neutralization capabilities while maintaining comfort for long-term wear during physical activities.
3Reliability
If N95 respirators are used, then protection against respiratory viruses is improved, but they cannot provide sufficient protection against smaller size airborne particles and pathogens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the functional parameter of the filter by adding salt particles that actively neutralize viruses through crystallization, providing protection against smaller airborne particles (40-50 nm) that conventional filters cannot effectively capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces salt as an intermediary substance that mediates virus destruction. The salt particles act as a chemical mediator that destroys viral structures through crystallization, providing an additional mechanism beyond physical filtration to protect against small airborne pathogens.
4Ease of operation
If face masks are designed for extended wear during physical activities, then breathability is improved, but protection against viruses and pathogens is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite filter material that combines breathable fabric with salt particles, achieving both high breathability for physical activities and effective virus protection through the dual mechanism of physical filtration and chemical neutralization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the functional parameters by incorporating salt particles that provide active virus destruction capability, allowing the mask to maintain both high breathability and reliable virus protection simultaneously during extended physical activities.
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 mask effectively neutralizes viruses and pathogens, is sustainable and reusable, offering two-way protection, and is lightweight for comfortable long-term use.
Implementation Method 1
The infusing step is conducted by a halogenerator
Implementation Method 2
infusing particles of 99.99% pure sodium chloride into a filter layer
Implementation Method 3
when a virus-carrying droplet encounters a mask coated in a salt solution, the droplet absorbs the salt
Implementation Method 4
Once the liquid of the droplet evaporates, all that remains is the virus and crystallized salt
Implementation Method 5
crystallized salt which slices through the virus, neutralizing it
Data Source
AI summary
A filter which includes a layer of non-woven material infused with or containing particles of pharmaceutical salt and optionally essential oil for use in a face mask, is provided. The particles can be infused by a halogenerator. The filter can be placed in a pocket on an exterior side of a facial section, or otherwise attached to the facial section of the face mask. The salt filter deactivates the virus or other pathogen and thus effectively limits the transmission of viruses and other pathogens to and from a person wearing the face mask. The facial section can be formed of a mesh material. The face mask, including the salt filter, is preferably breathable, and light-weight, reusable.