Multilayer Filtering Mask with Usnic Acid for Extended Wear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing face masks are inadequate in providing long-term protection against airborne contaminants, as they often fail to adhere perfectly to the face, allow inhalation of volatile substances, and have limited filtering efficiency against aerosols and bacteria, leading to frequent replacements and sustainability issues.

Innovation Solution

A wearable filtering mask with a multilayer filtering device incorporating usnic acid and beta cyclodextrins, applied via a spunbond technique to a non-woven fabric, which enhances adhesion and filtering efficiency while being made from recycled materials for improved sustainability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If surgical masks are used to provide shielding, then protection for surrounding people is improved, but inlet barrier performance against volatile substances deteriorates due to poor adhesion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection for surrounding peopleVSAvoidinlet barrier performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mask incorporates different materials with specific properties in different zones: hydrophilic layers for liquid absorption, hydrophobic layers for repelling water, and antimicrobial layers with specific compounds (usnic acid, zinc ricinoleate) to address local requirements for protection and adhesion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If filtering masks are used to protect against pathogens, then filtration efficiency is improved, but temporal duration of use deteriorates requiring frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidtemporal duration of use

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mask incorporates antimicrobial compounds (usnic acid, zinc ricinoleate) that provide continuous protection against bacterial and viral proliferation throughout the wearing period, maintaining filtration efficiency over extended durations of 6-12 hours or more without requiring replacement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The mask uses a composite structure with multiple layers including hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and antimicrobial layers, combining different material properties to achieve both high filtration efficiency and extended durability through sustained antimicrobial activity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If masks are reused for extended periods, then cost-effectiveness and sustainability are improved, but bacterial and viral proliferation increases due to heat and humidity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidbacterial and viral proliferation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mask converts the harmful effect of heat and humidity that normally promotes microbial growth into a beneficial outcome by incorporating antimicrobial compounds that thrive in these conditions and actively prevent bacterial and viral proliferation, allowing safe reuse for extended periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The antimicrobial compounds (usnic acid, zinc ricinoleate) embedded in the mask layers provide self-service protection by continuously inhibiting microbial growth without requiring external intervention, cleaning, or replacement, enabling cost-effective and sustainable reuse

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 provides enhanced protection against airborne contaminants, with a bacterial filtration efficiency of 99.65% and particle filtration efficiency of 96%, allowing for extended use of up to 150-200 hours with reduced risk of bacterial and viral proliferation, thus improving durability and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

a wearable filtering mask with a multilayer filtering device incorporating usnic acid and beta cyclodextrins, applied via a spunbond technique to a non-woven fabric

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

bacterial filtration efficiency of 99.65% and particle filtration efficiency of 96%

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic attraction: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 3

incorporating usnic acid and beta cyclodextrins, applied via a spunbond technique to a non-woven fabric

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS20230241427A1Improved filtering mask

Publication Date: 2023.08.03 U EARTH BIOTECH LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to personal protective equipment, specifically to a filtering device for the protection of the respiratory tract, which can be worn on the face of a user. In particular, the present invention relates to a wearable filtering mask comprising said filtering device (filtering means) for the protection of the respiratory tract and, furthermore, it relates to said filtering device (filtering means), preferably in the form of multilayer filtering means. Lastly, the present invention relates to a face mask that can be worn and configured to filter air.