Sipper Mask Sliding Valve and Stabilizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional masks require removal for eating or drinking, leading to exposure and potential contamination, as well as misplacement or loss, highlighting the need for a safe and secure method to consume liquids while maintaining facial protection.
Innovation Solution
A face cover with a slidable attachment mechanism and integrated valve system, allowing for the insertion of a straw that prevents liquid leakage and includes stabilizing elements for structural integrity, enabling the wearer to consume liquids without removing the mask.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the mask is removed to consume liquids, then the wearer can eat or drink, but the face is no longer protected and the mask may be misplaced, lost or contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is segmented into multiple functional layers including a front layer, back layer, and integrated attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism is further segmented into a tab, slot, and opening components that can independently function to allow liquid consumption while maintaining overall mask integrity and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the liquid consumption function directly into the mask structure by integrating an attachment mechanism with an opening that can be selectively exposed. This combines the protective function of the mask with the convenience of liquid consumption, eliminating the need to remove the mask.
2Ease of operation
If an opening is added to the mask for liquid insertion, then the wearer can consume liquids without removing the mask, but liquid may escape through the opening
Solution Approach 1:
A valve mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the opening and the interior of the mask. This valve selectively controls liquid flow, allowing liquid to pass through the straw into the mask interior while preventing liquid from escaping outward through the opening, thus resolving the leakage problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism creates a controlled copy of the opening function, where the valve aperture replicates the passage capability of the opening but with added control features to prevent unwanted liquid escape in the opposite direction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a slidable attachment mechanism is added to control the opening, then the opening can be selectively exposed, but the mask structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism employs a dynamic slidable tab that can move between different positions to expose or cover the opening as needed. This dynamic element provides adaptability for selective liquid consumption while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure compared to more complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The slidable tab mechanism is designed to be manually operated by the wearer themselves, eliminating the need for additional actuators, motors, or complex control systems. The wearer simply slides the tab to the desired position, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall device complexity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If stabilizing elements are added to provide stiffness, then the mask maintains structural integrity, but the mask material usage and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Stabilizing elements are positioned in the spatial dimension between the front layer and back layer of the mask, extending into the depth dimension rather than only adding material to the surface layers. This provides structural stiffness and stability by utilizing the third dimension, thereby achieving reinforcement without significantly increasing surface material usage or weight.
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 a safe and secure means to consume liquids while maintaining facial protection, preventing leakage and contamination, and ensuring the mask remains securely in place during use.
Implementation Method 1
whereby the opening has a valve mechanism to liquid from escaping out of the face cover when closed
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for safe sipper mask with a slidable element to open and close an opening on the mask as well as straw placed in the opening with a protrusion to stop the straw from entering too far into the mouth of the wearer whereby the mask has a stabilizer positioned between the inner and outer surfaces to provide stiffness.