Ski Mask Screen Pivot Mechanism for Ventilation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Visual protection accessories, such as ski masks, often suffer from inadequate ventilation, leading to mist buildup on the internal face of the screen, especially during slower speed phases or stationary periods, where existing ventilation systems are insufficient or impractical.

Innovation Solution

A visual protection accessory with a frame-mounted screen that includes pivot parts allowing the screen to pivot from a contact position to a ventilation position, creating a distance of 5-10 mm from the frame, enhancing airflow and preventing mist buildup, featuring a C-shaped pivot piece with dual hinges for relative movement between the screen and frame, and snap-fit mechanisms for secure positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the screen is placed in contact with the frame to provide a compact structure, then the structural stability is improved, but the ventilation efficiency deteriorates leading to mist buildup

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidventilation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The screen is made movable relative to the frame through a pivoting mechanism, allowing it to transition between a contact position (for structural stability and compactness) and a spaced position (for ventilation efficiency). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling the structure to adapt its configuration based on operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spacing means divide the space between the screen and frame into a controlled gap, creating a ventilation channel that allows air flow while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation enables both the contact stability and ventilation functionality to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If foam is used to cover lights on the frame to allow air entry while blocking snow, then the protection against snow is improved, but the ventilation efficiency deteriorates during slower speed phases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesnow protectionVSAvoidventilation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The screen's movable design allows it to be positioned away from the frame during phases requiring enhanced ventilation (such as waiting or slower speed phases), compensating for the limited air flow through the foam-covered openings. This dynamic positioning ensures consistent ventilation efficiency across varying operational conditions while maintaining snow protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If electric ventilation system is installed to provide sufficient ventilation, then the ventilation efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spacing means create a passive ventilation system that utilizes natural air flow and pressure differences to achieve effective ventilation without requiring external power sources or active control mechanisms. The screen's position relative to the frame naturally facilitates air circulation, eliminating the need for electric motors, batteries, or control electronics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention removes the electric ventilation system entirely, extracting the active ventilation function and replacing it with a passive mechanical solution based on the screen's positionable structure. This eliminates the complexity and weight associated with electric systems while maintaining ventilation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If multiple openings are added to increase air flow, then the ventilation efficiency is improved, but the structural integrity and protection capability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation efficiencyVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding multiple openings to the frame structure, the invention uses the dynamic positioning of the screen to control ventilation. By moving the screen away from the frame, a large ventilation area is created without compromising the frame's structural integrity or protection capability. The frame remains solid and intact while achieving effective air flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 improved ventilation efficiency, preventing mist buildup and enhancing user comfort by allowing increased airflow, even during stationary or low-effort phases, without the bulkiness or limited autonomy of electric systems.

Implementation Method 1

each of the two pivot parts comprises a first upper hinge and a first lower hinge for pivoting connection to the frame. each of the two pivot parts is also mounted to pivot relative to the screen. each of the two pivot parts comprises a second upper hinge and a second lower hinge for pivoting connection to the screen.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting connection: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

said fixed holding means comprising at least one embossment provided on the frame or on the connecting piece which engages in snap action with a groove provided on the frame or the connecting piece.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSnap action engagement: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3344204B1Visual protection accessory provided with means for spacing the screen away from the frame
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 SOC JULBO
  • EP3344204B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3344204B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention mainly relates to a visual protection accessory comprising a frame on which a screen is mounted, and that is essentially characterised in that it comprises means (15) for spacing the screen (5) away from the frame (2) suitable for making the screen (5) adopt a first use position in which the screen (5) is in bearing contact with the frame (2), and a second aeration position in which the entire surface of the screen (5) is spaced apart from the frame (2) on the side opposite the face of the user. The invention also relates to a ski mask comprising such an accessory.