Side Plug-in Filter Cartridge for Respirator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional respirator filter cartridges often require multiple turns for attachment, can protrude from the mask body, causing discomfort and visual obstruction, and lack a modern aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A respirator design featuring a filter cartridge receptacle and a plug-in filter cartridge with a side portion that securely engages without rotational movement, allowing for easy insertion and audible confirmation of proper attachment, reducing spacing between the cartridge and mask body for improved comfort and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional threaded or bayonet attachment methods are used, then secure connection is achieved, but multiple turns or rotational movement is required increasing attachment time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring rotational movement to engage threads or bayonet connectors, the patent inverts the approach by using a linear push-in motion where the filter cartridge is simply inserted into the receptacle until it engages, eliminating the need for rotating or twisting motions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex rotational engagement mechanism (threads or bayonet connectors) and replaces it with a simple linear insertion motion, taking out the unnecessary rotational movement while retaining the secure connection function
2Ease of operation
If filter cartridge is attached on the inward major face, then connection is achieved, but spacing from mask body increases causing gravitational torque and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the attachment location from the inward major face (one dimension) to the side portion of the filter cartridge (another dimension), allowing the cartridge to be positioned closer to the mask body and reducing the moment arm that causes gravitational torque
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attaching the filter cartridge to the inward major face as conventional designs do, the patent inverts the attachment approach by securing it to the side portion, which fundamentally changes the spatial relationship and reduces the spacing distance
3Reliability
If conventional attachment methods are used, then filter cartridge is secured, but protrusion from mask body causes visual obstruction and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional attachment approach by moving from front-face attachment to side-portion attachment, which allows the filter cartridge to sit flush against the mask body rather than protruding forward, eliminating visual obstruction while maintaining secure connection
4Ease of operation
If filter cartridge is positioned farther from mask body, then attachment is easier, but gravitational torque on wearer's neck increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the attachment dimension from the inward major face to the side portion, which naturally positions the filter cartridge closer to the mask body's center of gravity, reducing the gravitational torque on the wearer's neck while maintaining attachment ease through the side push-in mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
A respirator (10) that includes a mask body (14), a filter cartridge receptacle (15), and a filter cartridge (12). The filter cartridge (12) has a side (30) that is capable of being plugged into the receptacle (15). The filter cartridge (15) can be inserted into the proper position within the receptacle (15) while the mask body (14) is being donned. The securement can be achieved without having the user visibly witness the actual engagement. An audible click or other indication can be provided so that the user knows that proper engagement has been achieved. The engagement may exhibit little spacing between the filter cartridge (12) and the mask body (14), thereby improving viewer visibility and making the inventive respirator (10) more comfortable to wear.