Disposable VR Mask Structure for Heat, Moisture, and Hygiene
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prolonged use of head-mounted display devices (HMDs) leads to thermal discomfort, moisture accumulation, facial pressure, and hygiene issues, including display fogging and microbial contamination, which degrade the immersive experience and pose health risks.
Innovation Solution
A disposable VR comfort mask with a multi-layered fabric structure incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal regulation, moisture-wicking layers, padding for pressure distribution, and breathable mesh for airflow, along with optional active cooling technologies like TEC modules, ensuring thermal management and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If HMDs are shared among users to increase productivity and reduce cost, then the quantity of users served increases, but hygiene issues and microbial contamination worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable comfort mask as a single-use barrier between users and the HMD. The mask is designed to be discarded after one use, eliminating microbial contamination while allowing the HMD to be shared among multiple users. This resolves the contradiction by using a low-cost, disposable item to protect the shared expensive equipment.
2Duration of action of moving object
If HMDs are used for prolonged periods to enhance immersive experience, then the duration of action increases, but thermal discomfort and moisture accumulation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The comfort mask uses a multi-layer composite fabric structure with different functional layers: a moisture-wicking layer that draws perspiration away from the skin, a heat-dissipating layer with phase change materials (PCMs) that absorb excess thermal energy, and a breathable outer layer. This composite structure enables prolonged HMD use by actively managing both moisture and heat throughout the wearing period.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask incorporates phase change materials (PCMs) that undergo phase transition (solid to liquid) at specific temperatures to absorb excess heat from the user's face during prolonged HMD use. This phase change process provides active thermal regulation, maintaining comfort over extended periods by dynamically responding to temperature changes.
3Duration of action of moving object
If HMDs are used for prolonged periods to enhance immersive experience, then the duration of action increases, but moisture accumulation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The comfort mask uses a multi-layer composite fabric structure with different functional layers: a moisture-wicking layer that draws perspiration away from the skin, a heat-dissipating layer with phase change materials (PCMs) that absorb excess thermal energy, and a breathable outer layer. This composite structure enables prolonged HMD use by actively managing both moisture and heat throughout the wearing period.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask incorporates breathable mesh and porous fabric structures that facilitate moisture evaporation and airflow. The porous materials allow perspiration to pass through the fabric layers and evaporate, preventing moisture accumulation on the skin during extended HMD usage while maintaining thermal comfort.
4Duration of action of moving object
If HMDs are used for prolonged periods to enhance immersive experience, then the duration of action increases, but facial pressure and skin irritation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The comfort mask is constructed from flexible, thin fabric layers that conform to the contours of the user's face. This flexible structure distributes the pressure exerted by the HMD across a larger surface area and prevents concentrated pressure points, reducing skin irritation and discomfort during prolonged use while maintaining the necessary seal and fit.
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 effectively manages thermal energy and moisture, enhances wearer comfort, reduces skin irritation and infection risks, and maintains hygiene by being disposable, suitable for shared HMD use in environments like VR cinemas.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating passive, cost-effective cooling solutions such as PCMs and breathable fabrics
Implementation Method 2
Thermal energy is dissipated through mechanisms such as radiation, evaporation, conduction, convection, and airflow
Implementation Method 3
When an electric current passes through the junction of two different conductive materials within a TEC module, heat is absorbed on one side and dissipated on the other, enabling active cooling
Implementation Method 4
Conversely, the Seebeck effect occurs when a temperature difference across the junction of two different materials generates an electric current
Implementation Method 5
a moisture-wicking layer for perspiration management
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a disposable VR comfort mask designed for use with HMDs. Engineered to enhance comfort and hygiene, the mask comprises a multi-layered structure including a heat-dissipating layer to regulate thermal energy, a moisture-wicking layer to manage perspiration, and padding to improve wearer comfort. The mask covers the face and crown, with apertures for the eyes and ears to promote airflow and to maintain sensory function, while leaving the mouth and nostrils exposed for unobstructed breathing. Incorporating passive cooling solutions such as PCMs and breathable fabrics, along with an integrated crown-covering mesh, the mask efficiently manages thermal energy and moisture. Thermal energy and moisture are dissipated primarily through airflow, conduction, convection, evaporation, and radiation. Designed for single or limited use, the mask is disposable, ensuring hygiene. Additionally, the mask is suitable for various types of HMDs across multiple industries, particularly in VR, AR, and MR applications.