Segmented Face Mask with Pre-scored Separation Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing face masks come in various sizes, which complicates inventory management and can lead to shortages during public health crises, as stockpiling requires guessing the correct size, and adult masks do not fit children properly.
Innovation Solution
A face mask design featuring multiple sections with a separation zone and pre-scored lines, allowing sections to be removed to create a smaller face edge and opening, accommodating different face sizes by altering the mask's size without compromising filtration integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If face masks are manufactured in multiple sizes to fit different face dimensions, then the fit and protection effectiveness is improved, but inventory management complexity increases and stockpiling becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into multiple sections with pre-scored separation zones that allow the mask to be segmented into different sizes. Users can tear along the separation zones to create smaller masks from a larger single mask, enabling one mask to serve multiple size requirements and eliminating the need to stock multiple pre-manufactured sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask design incorporates variable geometry through separable sections, allowing the mask dimensions to be dynamically adjusted by the user based on their face size. The pre-scored lines and separation zones enable the mask to transition from a single large configuration to multiple smaller configurations, providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed-size variants.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sizes of face masks are stockpiled in advance for public health crises, then availability for different users is improved, but storage space requirements and logistical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single large mask serves multiple functions by being usable by different face sizes through the separation zones. One mask can be used as-is for larger faces or torn down to smaller sizes for children or smaller adults, making the mask universal across multiple user types and eliminating the need to stockpile multiple size variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask incorporates pre-scored separation zones that enable users to segment the mask into smaller portions as needed. This segmentation capability allows a single stocked mask to serve multiple size requirements, reducing the total volume of inventory needed while maintaining availability for diverse user groups during crises.
3Device complexity
If adult-sized masks are used for children, then inventory simplicity is maintained, but proper fit and adequate protection are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mask design allows dynamic adjustment of size by tearing along pre-scored separation zones. An adult-sized mask can be dynamically reduced to a child-appropriate size by removing sections, ensuring proper fit and protection while maintaining inventory simplicity. The mask transitions from a one-size configuration to a customized smaller configuration based on user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask is designed with separable sections that can be removed to create appropriately sized masks for different face dimensions. This segmentation enables an adult mask to be divided into smaller portions suitable for children, ensuring proper fit and protection without requiring separate child-sized inventory.
Data Source
AI summary
A face mask has upper and lower portions made of mask material. The upper and lower portions are joined together at side portions and a front portion. The side portions converge as the side portions extend from a face edge to the front portion. The mask has sections between the face edge and the front portion, with each section having a head retainer, a nose strip or both. The sections are divisible from each other along separation zones or bands that extend between the side edges. The size of the mask can be reduced by removing one or more sections, leaving one or more sections that incorporate the front edge and the shortened side edges.