Semipermeable Membrane Vents for Fog Prevention in Headwear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional eye, face, and head wear lack features that effectively prevent fogging, water ingress, and dust penetration while maintaining breathability and comfort.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of semipermeable membrane vents, such as GORE™ Protective Vents, and thermoplastic elastomer straps with a sub-frame assembly that includes over-molded components for improved sealing and structural integrity, along with inflatable seals and adjustable strap systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional eye, face, and head wear is used, then basic protection is provided, but fogging occurs and breathability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates semipermeable membrane vents made of porous materials that allow water vapor to pass through while blocking liquid water. These vents are strategically positioned in the frame to enable breathability and prevent fogging by allowing moisture to escape from the interior environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The semipermeable membrane acts as an intermediary between the interior and exterior environments, selectively allowing vapor transmission while blocking liquid ingress. This mediator enables controlled exchange of gases and vapors while maintaining the integrity of the sealed environment.
2Reliability
If the frame is sealed to prevent water and dust ingress, then protection is improved, but breathability and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Semipermeable membrane vents made of porous materials are integrated into the sealed frame structure. These porous vents allow water vapor and breathable gases to pass through while maintaining the seal against liquid water and dust particles, thus preserving both waterproofing and breathability.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame combines impermeable sealing materials with semipermeable membrane materials to create a composite structure that simultaneously provides waterproofing, dustproofing, and breathability. The composite design allows different regions of the frame to have different permeability characteristics.
3Ease of operation
If semipermeable membrane vents are added to prevent fogging and maintain breathability, then comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The semipermeable membrane vents are merged with the frame structure itself, integrating the ventilation function into the existing frame design rather than adding separate components. This integration minimizes additional complexity while achieving the desired breathability and fog prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The semipermeable membrane vents serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide breathability, prevent fogging, and maintain the waterproof seal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
4Reliability
If thermoplastic elastomer over-molded components are used to improve sealing and structural integrity, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame employs composite construction with a rigid sub-frame and an over-molded thermoplastic elastomer component. This composite structure combines the structural integrity of the rigid base with the sealing and flexibility properties of the elastomer, achieving enhanced reliability through material properties rather than complex assembly processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoplastic elastomer is over-molded directly onto the sub-frame, merging two components into a single integrated structure. This combining eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and fasteners, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural integrity and sealing performance.
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 solution provides enhanced waterproofing, dustproofing, and breathability, preventing fogging and reducing pressure on seals, while allowing for easy maintenance and customization, offering improved comfort and performance in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one semipermeable membrane vent may be disposed in the frame, the lens, or the shield
Implementation Method 2
The at least one semipermeable membrane vent may be formed of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene
Data Source
AI summary
Eye, face, and head wear is disclosed. The eye, face, or head wear may include a frame. A lens or a shield may be associated with the frame. At least one semipermeable membrane vent may be disposed in the frame, the lens, or the shield. At least one sliding air intake vent may be included in a bottom of the frame. The frame may include a frame assembly including a sub-frame and a member over-molded onto the sub-frame. The member over-molded onto the sub-frame may also be over-molded onto an edge of the lens or the shield. An inflatable face seal or an inflatable nose seal may be coupled to the frame. The frame may further include a perforated forehead section and a semipermeable membrane vent disposed therein. A strap may be included, as well as at least one strap spool assembly for adjusting the strap.