Smart Face Mask Electronics Module for Respiratory Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing face masks lack the capability to provide feedback on correct wearing patterns and breathing patterns, which are crucial for preventing the spread and contraction of respiratory illnesses, and for detecting potential respiratory fatigue or skin conditions.
Innovation Solution
A connected smart face mask with an electronics module that includes sensors and a microcontroller unit to monitor and transmit data on mask wearing patterns, breathing patterns, and skin conditions, providing real-time feedback and alerts through a wireless link to a user device, which can also communicate with a face mask analytics system for broader data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional face masks are used without electronic components, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but the capability to monitor mask wearing patterns and breathing patterns is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to detect mask wearing status and breathing patterns, then transmitting this data wirelessly to a mobile device that provides real-time feedback to the user about proper mask usage and breathing health
Solution Approach 2:
The electronics module serves multiple functions: it monitors mask wearing patterns, tracks breathing patterns, detects skin conditions, and communicates health data, allowing a single component to provide comprehensive health monitoring rather than requiring separate devices for each function
2Reliability
If sensors and electronics module are added to the face mask, then the capability to detect breathing patterns and skin conditions is improved, but the weight of the face mask increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing specific sensors only where needed on the mask - such as breath sensors positioned to detect exhaled air and skin sensors on contact areas - rather than uniformly distributing electronics throughout the entire mask structure
3Loss of information
If real-time monitoring and wireless communication are implemented, then the capability to provide timely health alerts is improved, but the energy consumption of the face mask increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the electronics module transmit data at scheduled intervals rather than continuously, and by placing the module in sleep mode during periods when monitoring is less critical, thus reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining effective monitoring coverage
Data Source
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AI summary
In some implementations, a device may receive sensor data from an electronics module associated with a face mask. The device may process a first set of measurements included in the sensor data to determine a user mask wearing pattern that indicates whether a user is wearing the face mask in compliance with guidelines related to reducing a risk of the user spreading a respiratory illness or a risk of the user contracting a respiratory illness. The device may process a second set of measurements included in the sensor data to determine a user breathing pattern that indicates whether the user is at risk of having a medical condition or at risk of experiencing respiratory fatigue. The device may generate one or more outputs that include information related to one or more of the user mask wearing pattern or the user breathing pattern.