Wearable Air Purifier Headgear Airflow for Thermal Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable air purifiers face issues with thermal discomfort due to prolonged use, particularly in regions of skin contact such as the headband and earpieces, leading to perspiration.
Innovation Solution
The wearable air purifier incorporates a dual airflow path system, where one path delivers purified air to the mask region and the other path directs airflow through the headgear, specifically through the headband and earpieces, to provide cooling effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single airflow path is used to deliver purified air to the mask region, then the device structure is simple, but thermal discomfort occurs in the head and ear regions during prolonged use
Solution Approach 1:
The single airflow path is divided into two separate paths: a first airflow path that delivers purified air to the mask region, and a second airflow path that directs air through the headgear to cool the head and ear regions. This segmentation allows the device to simultaneously address air purification and thermal comfort without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan is configured to serve dual functions by directing airflow through both the first airflow path to the mask and the second airflow path through the headgear. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address both air purification and thermal cooling needs, reducing the need for additional separate systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If airflow is directed through the headgear to cool the user, then thermal comfort is improved, but device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second airflow path is integrated into the existing headgear structure, combining the cooling function with the structural components already present in the wearable device. By utilizing the headgear as part of the airflow path rather than adding separate cooling structures, the device achieves thermal comfort without proportionally increasing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear serves dual purposes: it provides the structural framework for wearing the device and simultaneously acts as a conduit for the second airflow path to deliver cooling air. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated cooling structures that would add unnecessary weight.
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 dual airflow system effectively reduces thermal discomfort by cooling the head and ear regions, enhancing user comfort during prolonged use.
Implementation Method 1
a fan configured to direct airflow to the first airflow path and the second airflow path
Implementation Method 2
the headgear defines a second airflow path... the path portion may direct airflow into an ear chamber defined by the earpiece. This cools an ear of the user directly
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable air purifier is provided and can include a headgear, an air delivery mask connected to the headgear, and an airflow generator. The air delivery mask can define an air delivery region. The headgear defines an airflow path which is defined at least in part by a head-engaging surface. The airflow generator can direct airflow to the air delivery region through the air delivery mask and can also direct air through the airflow path to cool the head-engaging surface.