Training Mask Air Routing with Segmented Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing training and snorkeling masks do not effectively separate inhaled and exhaled air, leading to a reduction in oxygen content and efficiency during respiratory training, as exhaled CO2-rich air is inadvertently recirculated with inhaled air, limiting training duration and effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a half mask with a central frontal air inflow and lateral discharge openings, utilizing valve-supported channels to separate and direct inhaled air directly into the mouth and nose while exhaled air is discharged laterally, preventing mixing and recirculation, and optionally includes snorkels for water-based training.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If inhaled and exhaled air are not separated in training masks, then the device complexity is reduced, but the oxygen content of inhaled air decreases due to recirculation of CO2-rich exhaled air
Solution Approach 1:
The air routing system is segmented into separate channels for inhaled and exhaled air. The connector divides the air flow paths, with dedicated inhaled air channels bringing fresh air from the front and exhaled air channels directing CO2-rich air laterally to the rear, preventing mixing and recirculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful recirculation of exhaled air is extracted and removed from the system. Exhaled air is channeled separately through dedicated outlets positioned at the rear of the connector, extracting the CO2-rich air from the breathing cycle before it can mix with incoming fresh air.
2Device complexity
If exhaled air is routed through long paths in snorkeling masks, then the device structure is simplified, but the exhalation resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exhalation path is segmented into a direct, short route through dedicated exhaled air channels in the connector, separate from the inhalation path. This segmentation allows for optimized channel geometry that minimizes length and resistance while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Ease of manufacture
If lateral introduction of inhaled air is used in training masks, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the air flow mixing with exhaled air occurs reducing training efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The air introduction system uses frontal channels that deliver inhaled air directly to the user's mouth and nose area, segmented from the lateral exhaled air paths. This frontal introduction ensures fresh air reaches the user without mixing with CO2-rich exhaled air, maintaining high oxygen content and training efficiency.
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
This separation of air flows enhances oxygen intake, reduces exhalation resistance, and allows for nasal breathing, extending training duration and efficiency, while also enabling effective respiratory muscle training during swimming.
Implementation Method 1
an also frontal air outlet provided with a check valve
Implementation Method 2
the air inlet comprises a rotary slide valve in a seat, said seat having at least one central air inlet opening surrounding the central air outlet in sections, wherein the rotary slide valve covers the air inlet opening differently depending on its rotational position and thus enables restricting the breathing air
Data Source
AI summary
A training mask for the training of the respiratory muscles and/or snorkeling mask with improved air routing of the inhaled and/or exhaled air includes a half mask (8) sealingly closing the mouth and nose area, wherein an air-conducting channel connector (15, 40) with hollow profile is arranged in front of the half mask (8), via which connector at least the inhaled air can be introduced frontally in the half mask (8) via an approximately central inflow opening (22).