Transparent Face Mask With Active Pneumatic Airflow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Face masks can be uncomfortable to wear, causing wearers to remove them frequently, and they obscure facial features, hindering social interaction and recognition, while also potentially allowing unfiltered air to be inhaled and exhaled.
Innovation Solution
A face mask design featuring a transparent cover shield with integrated input and output fans that draw in and expel air, respectively, to improve breathability and visibility, along with a light signaling member for enhanced social interaction, and an optional eye shield for comprehensive protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional face masks are used to filter air, then air filtration is improved, but breathability and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical filtration (relying on mask material resistance) with an active pneumatic system using fans to force air through filters. The input fan draws external air through a filter into the inner space, and the output fan expels air from the inner space through another filter, enabling effective filtration without compromising breathability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic components (fans) to create controlled air flow through the mask system. The input fan generates positive pressure to push filtered air into the inner space, while the output fan creates negative pressure to extract and filter exhaled air, solving the breathability-filtration contradiction through active pneumatic management.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If opaque face masks are used for protection, then protection effectiveness is improved, but visibility and social interaction deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different parts of the mask system. The cover shield is made transparent to allow facial recognition and maintain social interaction, while separate filter components are positioned to provide protection without obscuring the face. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between protection and visibility.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If tight-fitting face masks are used for sealing, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but comfort and wearability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces reliance on tight mechanical sealing with an active pneumatic sealing system. The input and output fans create controlled air flow paths that maintain effective filtration without requiring the mask to fit tightly against the face, thereby improving comfort while maintaining filtration effectiveness.
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 design enhances user comfort by improving airflow and visibility, ensuring fresh air is inhaled and exhaled while maintaining facial recognition and social interaction, and providing additional protection with the eye shield.
Implementation Method 1
The input fan may be coupled to the cover shield, and may be configured to draw air from outside into the inner space
Implementation Method 2
The output fan may be coupled to the cover shield, and may be configured to expel air out of the inner space
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments, a face mask includes a cover shield, an input and an output fan. The cover shield is shaped to cover nose and mouth of a wearer, and defines an inner space between the cover shield and the skin of the wearer. The input fan is coupled to the cover shield, and is configured to draw air from outside into the inner space. The output fan is coupled to the cover shield, and is configured to expel air out of the inner space.