Segmented Face Protector for Nose Coverage and Mouth Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing face covers and masks often obstruct mouth movement, fail to properly ventilate nasal exhaust, and do not effectively protect the tip of the nose from sun exposure and frostbite, leading to discomfort and inefficiency in protecting the face from environmental elements.
Innovation Solution
A multi-piece face protector system with separate upper and lower mask pieces that cover the nose and cheeks without obstructing the mouth, featuring adjustable straps and optional ear loops for improved fit and ventilation, and a design that allows for independent repositioning of mask pieces to manage breathing exhaust and sun exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a single-piece face mask covers the nose and mouth, then protection from environmental elements is improved, but mouth movement and breathing ventilation are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The face mask is divided into separate upper and lower pieces that can be independently positioned. The upper piece covers the nose area while the lower piece covers the cheek area, allowing the mouth to remain exposed and unobstructed for normal movement and breathing.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the face receive different levels of coverage. The nose area is covered for protection, while the mouth area is left exposed for functionality. The mask pieces are positioned to provide localized protection where needed without obstructing functional areas.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If material covers the entire nose including nostrils, then protection from sun and cold is improved, but nasal exhaust ventilation is blocked causing fogging on eyewear
Solution Approach 1:
The nose coverage is segmented such that the upper mask piece covers the bridge and tip of the nose for sun and cold protection, while deliberately leaving the nostril openings exposed to allow nasal exhaust to escape freely without trapping warm air against the face or eyewear.
Solution Approach 2:
The nostril openings are extracted from the covered area, creating intentional openings in the mask material at the nostril locations. This allows nasal exhaust to be vented directly to the environment rather than being trapped under the mask, preventing fogging on glasses or goggles.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the mask extends down to cover the mouth area, then protection from environmental elements is improved, but normal mouth function for eating and drinking is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The face protection is segmented into an upper piece that covers the nose and upper cheek area, and a lower separate piece that can be positioned independently. This segmentation allows the mouth area to remain between the two pieces, exposed and unobstructed for normal functions like eating, drinking, and speaking, while still providing protection to the surrounding facial areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Protection is applied locally to areas that need it (nose, upper cheeks) while leaving the mouth area exposed for functionality. The mask pieces are positioned to create a localized protection zone that does not extend over the mouth, maintaining functional access while providing environmental protection where required.
Data Source
AI summary
Face covers, protective outwear systems, and methods for manufacturing the same are disclosed. A cover is disclosed for protecting the human face, head, neck, and/or shoulders against environmental conditions. The cover, which does not cover the eyes, nostrils or mouth, includes 2-4 separate pieces which can be worn together or individually. A first piece covers the face from above the mouth to below the eyes, including the nose and cheeks. A second piece covers the face from below the mouth to the bottom of the neck. These pieces can overlap on the cheeks to minimize/prevent air and moisture from reaching the face. A third piece covers the head and/or neck and/or shoulders. These pieces can be joined together by any known means. Any piece can be made with a moldable material and/or elastic components which allow the mask to fit different faces and/or help ventilate exhalations away from the face.