Transparent Mask With Breathable Filter Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional masks hinder communication and trust-building in the service industry and pose difficulties for hearing-impaired individuals, while transparent masks struggle with adhesion and require complex ventilation systems, affecting breathing comfort.
Innovation Solution
A mask design featuring a transparent mask body with a breathable filter unit, an elastic member for secure fit, and a moisture absorber, allowing for ventilation and visibility of the mouth and nose, along with a detachable filter and fixing unit, and optional features like a microphone for voice-to-text conversion and temperature indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional non-woven mask is used to filter droplets and fine particles, then pathogen blocking is improved, but face visibility and communication are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into two distinct functional regions: a transparent mask body portion that covers the face and allows visibility, and a separate filter unit that can be positioned around the mouth and nose area. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specialized function - the transparent portion maintains visibility while the filter unit provides pathogen blocking
Solution Approach 2:
The filter unit acts as an intermediary element between the transparent mask body and the user's face. It provides the necessary filtration function while allowing the mask body to remain transparent and visible. The filter unit mediates between the conflicting requirements of visibility and pathogen blocking
2Loss of information
If a transparent mask made of silicone or plastic resin is used to enable face visibility, then face visibility is improved, but adhesion to the face and ventilation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mask structure is segmented into a transparent mask body and a separate filter unit with ventilation capabilities. This allows the transparent portion to maintain visibility while the filter unit incorporates ventilation holes and filtering layers to provide both adhesion and proper ventilation function
Solution Approach 2:
The filter unit combines multiple materials and structures including ventilating layers with ventilation holes and filtering layers with fine pores. This composite structure provides both the adhesion needed for secure fitting and the ventilation required for comfortable breathing, while the entire assembly can be attached to the transparent mask body
3Ease of operation
If a filter unit with ventilation holes is added to a transparent mask to improve breathing, then ventilation is improved, but device complexity and price are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation and filtering functions are segmented into a separate filter unit that can be independently designed and attached to the transparent mask body. This modular approach simplifies the overall design by separating complex ventilation requirements from the simple transparent mask body, making the system easier to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 2:
The filter unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides ventilation through ventilation holes, filtration through filtering layers, and structural support for securing the mask to the face. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity
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
Ensures comfortable breathing and visibility of the mouth and nose while maintaining a secure fit, addressing adhesion and ventilation issues, and providing additional functionalities like language translation and temperature monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member, which is formed so as to be in close contact with a user's face
Implementation Method 2
a filter unit, which is coupled to the mask body and made from a material through which air can be ventilated
Implementation Method 3
a filter unit, which is coupled to the mask body and made from a material through which air can be ventilated
Implementation Method 4
a moisture absorber is coated on an inner surface of the mask body
Data Source
AI summary
A mask according to one embodiment of the present invention is worn on the face of a user, and comprises: a mask body made from a first transparent material; and a filter unit coupled to the mask body and made from a material through which air can be ventilated, wherein the mask body is formed in a region corresponding to the nose and mouth of the user.