Ventilated Protective Eyewear for Condensation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Condensation on protective eyewear lenses due to trapped humidity and moisture from the sealing component, leading to reduced optical clarity and potential danger during humid environments or strenuous activities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of ventilation holes around the goggle frame's mounting surface to facilitate direct airflow between the sealing component and the external environment, allowing moisture and condensation to exit, thereby reducing moisture within the goggle's internal volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If ventilation holes are added to the goggle frame, then airflow and moisture removal are improved, but the sealing effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The goggle frame is segmented into multiple regions with ventilation holes distributed around the mounting surface, allowing localized airflow paths that do not compromise the overall seal. The sealant material is also segmented into multiple application layers that can accommodate the ventilation holes while maintaining sealing continuity around them.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the goggle frame have different properties: areas with ventilation holes have optimized hole patterns for moisture removal, while adjacent areas maintain continuous sealant application for protection. The sealant material itself has local quality variations with hydrophobic properties concentrated in regions prone to moisture accumulation.
2Ease of operation
If traditional open cell foam sealant is used, then comfort and fit are improved, but moisture absorption and transfer to the interior volume occur
Solution Approach 1:
The sealant material parameters are changed from traditional open cell foam to a hydrophobic composition with modified cellular structure. The new material maintains the compliance and comfort of foam while introducing water-repellent properties that prevent moisture absorption and transfer to the goggle interior volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealant is formulated as a composite material combining the mechanical properties of open cell foam with hydrophobic coating or additive components. This composite structure provides both the comfort and fit of traditional foam sealants and the moisture-resistant properties needed to prevent condensation.
3Reliability
If the foam sealant is compressed by head strap tension, then secure fit is improved, but airflow through the sealant is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The sealant system is designed with dynamic characteristics where the hydrophobic material properties allow it to maintain sealing effectiveness under compression while still permitting moisture vapor transmission. The material can adapt its density and permeability characteristics based on the applied pressure from the head strap.
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
Enhanced airflow through the sealing component reduces condensation on the lens, improving optical clarity and preventing fogging by effectively managing moisture and heat buildup during use.
Implementation Method 1
ventilation holes disposed around the mounting surface of the goggle frame to which a goggle seal is attached. Ventilations holes disposed in such an arrangement provide for less restricted airflow between the seal of the safety goggles and the external environment
Implementation Method 2
moisture held in the components of the goggle, namely the element which seals the goggle to a wearer's face, which can absorb perspiration and transfer additional moisture into the volume of the goggle
Implementation Method 3
The additional airflow provided for by the ventilation holes creates an additional pathway for moisture to leave and dry the seal of the safety goggles
Data Source
AI summary
A goggle device is disclosed that comprises a frame, a lens attached to a frame, and a sealing component attached to the frame and configured to seal against a face of a user. A space between the lens and the face of the user defines an interior volume of the goggle. The frame includes a plurality of apertures that provide for ventilation through the sealing component of the goggle. The plurality of apertures can be disposed between the external environment and the sealing component. The disclosed goggle devices provide an additional pathway for moisture to leave the sealing component of the goggle thereby reducing the wetting and sponging effect that occurs in the sealing component from physical exertion of the user as well as allowing airflow to dry the sealing component of the goggle thereby reducing condensation on the lens and improving optical clarity.