Self-Adherent Mask Strap for Secure Facial Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing masks with stringy, elastic ear loops often fail to provide a secure facial fit, leading to ineffective coverage of the mouth and nose, which can result in the transmission of nasopharyngeal and respiratory microorganisms in medical settings.
Innovation Solution
A mask design featuring a self-adherent securement strap that couples to itself, allowing for adjustable length and ease of use, which secures the mask around the back of the head rather than behind the ears, utilizing materials like electrostatically or physically self-adherent wraps to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If stringy elastic ear loops are used to secure the mask, then the mask can be easily donned, but the mask fails to provide a secure facial fit and allows air leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the securement element from thin stringy elastic material to a broader strap configuration. This parameter change allows the strap to distribute pressure more effectively across the head, providing both ease of donning and secure fit simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining a breathable mesh fabric layer with a self-adherent wrap layer. The mesh provides comfort and breathability while the self-adherent wrap provides secure attachment, resolving the contradiction between ease of use and fit security.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the securement strap is made adjustable, then the mask can fit different head sizes, but the strap complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-adherent wrap enables the strap to be self-adjusting. The user can simply wrap the strap around their head and adhere it at the desired tension point without requiring buckles, clips, or other complex adjustment mechanisms. The material's self-adherent property provides the adjustment functionality inherently.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap is designed with dynamic adjustability, allowing the user to modify the fit in real-time by repositioning and re-adhering the self-adherent wrap. This dynamic capability provides adaptability for different head sizes and shapes without adding permanent complex structures.
3Reliability
If the mask uses a self-adherent securement strap, then the fit security improves, but the material selection becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using self-adherent material specifically for the securement strap portion of the mask, while the main mask body can be made from various materials. This localized application of the self-adherent property provides fit security without constraining the material choices for other parts of the mask.
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 provides a secure and adjustable fit, reducing the risk of microorganism transmission and maintaining sterility, while being easy to don and adjust, thus preventing air leakage and improving overall mask efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
the securement strap comprises a self-adherent material; the self-adherent material of the securement strap couples to itself
Implementation Method 2
utilizing materials like electrostatically or physically self-adherent wraps
Data Source
AI summary
A mask (100) includes a mask panel (101) configured to cover a portion (1201) of the face (1202) of a wearer and a securement strap (102) configured to retain the mask panel against the portion of the face. The securement strap can be manufactured from a self-adherent material (603). The securement strap can be adjusted by compressing a first portion (701) of the self-adherent material against a second portion (702) of the self-adherent material, thereby causing the first portion to couple to the second portion.