Transparent Mask Sealing Structure for Comfortable Speech
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing respiratory masks are not adjustable, uncomfortable, and compromise the seal when speaking, leading to leaks and reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A transparent mask design with a membrane protruding from the perimeter, angled upwards and curving downwards, ensuring a seal without interfering with jaw movements, combined with adjustable retention means and easy filter replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional mask with exhalation valve is used, then breathing comfort is improved, but protection against infectious agents is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into distinct functional zones: a hydrophobic membrane layer for filtration, a hydrophilic inner layer for moisture management, and a hydrophobic outer layer for repelling external fluids. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally while working together to provide both comfort and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized membrane structure with hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties that acts as an intermediary between the wearer's breath and the external environment. This membrane selectively allows water vapor to pass through while blocking liquid droplets and infectious agents, resolving the contradiction between breathability and protection.
2Ease of operation
If a transparent mask is used to maintain visual contact, then communication is improved, but breath condensation on the mask increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical properties of materials, specifically using a transparent or translucent membrane that allows light transmission for visual contact while having hydrophobic properties that prevent condensation. The material's optical and surface properties are optimized to simultaneously achieve transparency and condensation resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask utilizes a composite membrane structure combining transparency with hydrophobic surface properties. This composite material allows light to pass through for communication while repelling condensation, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining visual contact and preventing breath condensation.
3Reliability
If the mask structure is made complex to improve protection, then protection reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protective functions into a single integrated membrane structure that provides filtration, moisture management, and condensation resistance simultaneously. This merging of functions into one component maintains high protection reliability while simplifying the manufacturing process compared to assembling multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane structure is designed to perform multiple functions: filtering infectious agents, managing moisture, preventing condensation, and enabling visual contact. This multi-functionality in a single component achieves high protection reliability without requiring a complex multi-component structure, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture.
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 mask allows comfortable speech while maintaining a secure fit and seal, facilitating breathability and ease of filter replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophobic membrane allowing water vapor to pass through the mask while preventing liquid water from passing through the mask
Implementation Method 2
a hydrophilic inner layer in contact with the user's mouth or nose configured to absorb moisture from the user's breath
Implementation Method 3
a hydrophobic outer layer facing away from the user's mouth or nose configured to repel external water
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a breathing protection method comprising the steps that consist of 1) obtaining a mask comprising: - a transparent mask body (1) of which the periphery comprises a top portion (36), a right side portion (2), a left side portion (3) and a bottom portion (4); - a membrane (8) located on the perimeter of the transparent mask body (1); - at least one assembly (15, 16); - a right means (9) and a left means (10); and 2) placing the mask on the face of a user, arranging the membrane (8), at the bottom portion (4) of the perimeter of the mask body (1), only in contact with the bottom of the user's jaw. The invention also relates to a breathing protection mask that is suitable for implementing the aforementioned method.