Strapless Face Mask with Dial Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing face masks are uncomfortable due to straps that cause irritation and tension headaches, lack adjustability, and are not visually appealing, requiring multiple purchases for different designs.
Innovation Solution
A strapless face mask with a flexible plastic frame and dial mechanism for adjusting tightness, and a sleeve that can be customized with various designs and decorations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If straps are used to secure the face mask, then the mask can be held in place, but it causes irritation and tension headaches after prolonged wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the straps from the mask system entirely and replaces them with a chin strapless retention mechanism where the mask body itself conforms to the face shape and is held in place through friction and geometric fit, eliminating the source of irritation while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using external straps to pull the mask onto the face, the design inverts the approach by having the mask body itself be shaped to fit the face contours, with the retention force coming from the mask's own structure conforming to the wearer's facial geometry
2Device complexity
If fixed strap length is used, then the mask structure is simple, but it cannot be adjusted for different face sizes and preferences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable elements that allow the mask to dynamically adapt to different face sizes and shapes. The chin strapless retention mechanism includes adjustable components that enable users to modify the mask's fit while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for parameter changes in the mask's geometric dimensions and curvature radii, enabling adjustment of the mask's fit characteristics to accommodate different facial contours and sizes without fundamentally changing the mask's basic structure
3Ease of manufacture
If solid color mask body is used, then the manufacturing is simple, but it lacks visual appeal and cannot be easily customized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mask into separable components including the mask body, chin strapless retention mechanism, and decorative elements. This segmentation allows the basic mask structure to be manufactured simply while enabling easy customization through interchangeable decorative components and accessories
Solution Approach 2:
The design creates a universal mask platform where the same basic mask body can accommodate multiple decorative elements, patterns, and customizations. The chin strapless retention mechanism serves multiple functions including structural support, adjustment, and aesthetic customization options
Data Source
AI summary
A strapless face mask device comprised of a hollow plastic frame that is covered by a sleeve or protective covering. The body sleeve or covering protects the face, nose, mouth and chin area of the wearer such that any respiratory droplets from the wearer are prevented from entering into the surrounding environment and potentially infecting other individuals. Further, the personal protection device has at least one and preferably two tightening mechanisms that allow a wearer to tighten or loosen the seal that the frame makes with their face. Each tightening mechanism may receive a cable that runs within the hollow frame via a spool within each mechanism. When each spool is rotated, the cable upon each spool is tightened or loosened which in turn increases or decreases the convex angle of the frame to tighten or loosen the seal of the frame against the face of the wearer.