Scented Face Mask with Odor-Blocking Liner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Healthcare workers face unpleasant odors while caring for patients, which their standard personal protective equipment, including face masks, does not adequately address, as these masks primarily protect against infectious droplets but not odors.
Innovation Solution
A scented face mask design featuring a main body with an inner layer to prevent pathogens and liquid droplets, an outer layer for protection, a scented liner to absorb or emit fragrances, and adjustable straps for comfort, which also prevents stains and makeup from reaching the mask surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard face mask is worn to protect against infectious droplets, then protection against pathogens is improved, but protection against unpleasant odors is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The face mask is divided into multiple functional layers: an outer layer for pathogen protection, a middle scented layer for odor management, and an inner layer for comfort. Each layer performs a specific function, allowing the mask to address both pathogen protection and odor elimination simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The mask combines different materials with complementary properties: a rigid outer layer for structural protection, a scented middle layer for odor absorption/emission, and a soft inner layer for skin comfort. This composite structure enables multiple functions to be achieved in a single device
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a scented liner is added to the face mask, then protection against unpleasant odors is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scented liner is integrated directly into the mask structure as a middle layer between the outer and inner layers. This merging approach combines odor protection functionality with the existing protective mask structure, avoiding the need for separate components while achieving multiple functions
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fastening edges are added to prevent stains and makeup from reaching mask surfaces, then mask cleanliness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening edges are positioned at the periphery of the mask to create a protective barrier before stains or makeup can reach the main mask surface. This preliminary protective action prevents contamination at the source, maintaining mask cleanliness without requiring complex cleaning mechanisms
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 scented face mask improves the working environment for healthcare workers by providing a pleasant fragrance while preventing the inhalation of pathogens and odors, enhancing comfort and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The scented liner may prevent the at least one odor by absorbing the at least one odor
Implementation Method 2
an inner layer to contact the face of the user and prevent movement of at least one of the at least one pathogen and the at least one liquid droplet therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A scented face mask, including a main body to be worn on a face of a user and prevent movement of at least one of at least one pathogen and at least one liquid droplet therethrough, a scented liner disposed on at least a portion of the main body to prevent at least one odor to move through the main body, a first fastening edge disposed on at least a portion of a first edge of the main body to prevent at least one of stains and makeup from moving toward each surface of the main body, and a plurality of second fastening edges disposed on at least a portion of a plurality of second edges of the main body to prevent at least one of stains and makeup from moving toward each surface of the main body.