3D Facemask With UV Light And Rain Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional facemasks are inadequate in focusing ambient air for ultraviolet light filtration, often uncomfortable and poorly fitting, and fail to shield from weather elements, leading to issues like fogging and inadequate protection.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional facemask assembly with a polygonal configuration, integrated ultraviolet light assembly, and a rain shield, featuring a permeable vent portion and impermeable body shell, along with scalable filtration options and embedded magnets for secure coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional planar facemasks are used, then they are simple to manufacture, but they fail to focus ambient air for ultraviolet light filtration and do not fit properly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional planar (2D) facemasks to a three-dimensional polygonal configuration. The body shell comprises bottom, top, and front walls arranged in a 3D structure that focuses ambient air into a concentrated stream, enabling effective UV light exposure and improving germ suppression functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The facemask is divided into multiple functional segments: an outer shell made of permeable fabric material for comfort and airflow, and an inner body shell made of impermeable material for structural integrity and air focusing. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally.
2Ease of operation
If traditional facemasks with ear straps are used, then they are easy to wear, but they interfere with hearing aids and are objectionable to some users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional ear strap component from the facemask design. Instead, the facemask is secured to the user's face using alternative attachment mechanisms that do not involve ear straps, thereby eliminating interference with hearing aids while maintaining wearing convenience.
3Reliability
If traditional facemasks are used, then they provide basic filtration, but they fog glasses and fail to shield from weather elements
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shell is constructed of permeable fabric material that serves multiple functions: it allows ambient air to pass through for breathing comfort, provides a barrier against weather elements like rain, and prevents fogging of glasses by managing moisture and airflow. This multi-functional design addresses multiple problems simultaneously.
4Reliability
If impermeable materials are used for the body shell, then they block particles effectively, but they prevent proper airflow and comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the facemask. The outer shell uses permeable fabric material for comfort and airflow, while the inner body shell uses impermeable material for particle blocking and air focusing. This local differentiation of material quality allows each region to perform its specific function optimally without compromising overall performance.
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 ensures comfortable and secure fit, effective germ suppression through UV light exposure, and protection from weather, while maintaining airflow and preventing fogging.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet light assembly positioned in the body interior area adjacent the vent portion, the UV light assembly being operable to produce electromagnetic energy capable of suppressing germs when actuated
Implementation Method 2
The rain shield walls are constructed of a water impermeable material
Implementation Method 3
embedded complementary magnets or complementary eyelet openings
Data Source
AI summary
A face mask assembly includes a body shell having walls arranged in a three-dimensional configuration having an open back and interior area partially air impermeable. The front wall includes a vent portion permeable to airflow. An outer shell includes walls coupled in a polygonal configuration defining an open back and interior area that receives the body shell. The outer shell walls are permeable to an ambient airflow. A rain shield having moisture impermeable walls has a configuration complementary to that of the outer shell and is releasably coupled to a front surface of the outer shell, such as with embedded complementary magnets or eyelet openings. The facemask assembly includes an ultraviolet (“UV”) light assembly in the body interior area adjacent the vent portion, or in the interior of the rain shield and adjacent the vent portion, the UV light assembly producing electromagnetic energy capable of suppressing germs when actuated.