EP4344751A1 - Masque facial - Google Patents

Masque facial Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4344751A1
EP4344751A1 EP22210807.8A EP22210807A EP4344751A1 EP 4344751 A1 EP4344751 A1 EP 4344751A1 EP 22210807 A EP22210807 A EP 22210807A EP 4344751 A1 EP4344751 A1 EP 4344751A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
recessed area
face mask
filter portion
magnetic
side wall
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP22210807.8A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Zhongchi LUO
Xuan Zhang
Tao Kong
Fu-Lung Lin
Wei Gu
Weizhong Chen
Jun Gu
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Koninklijke Philips NV
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koninklijke Philips NV filed Critical Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority to PCT/EP2023/076701 priority Critical patent/WO2024068734A1/fr
Publication of EP4344751A1 publication Critical patent/EP4344751A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
    • A62B18/02—Masks
    • A62B18/025—Halfmasks
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
    • A62B18/006—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort with pumps for forced ventilation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B23/00—Filters for breathing-protection purposes
    • A62B23/02—Filters for breathing-protection purposes for respirators
    • A62B23/025—Filters for breathing-protection purposes for respirators the filter having substantially the shape of a mask

Definitions

  • This invention relates to face masks, for providing filtering of pollutants.
  • the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 4 million people die from air pollution every year. Part of this problem is the outdoor air quality in cities. Nearly 300 smog-hit cities fail to meet national air quality standards.
  • Such masks may be made of material that acts as a filter of pollutant particles, or may have a filter for only part of the mask surface, and this filter may be replaceable when it becomes clogged.
  • a fan can be added to the mask, this fan drawing in air through the filter and/or providing assistance when breathing out.
  • an inlet (i.e. inhale) fan may be used to provide a continuous intake of air.
  • inhale i.e. inhale
  • a steady stream of air may then be provided to the face and may for example provide a slight positive pressure, to ensure that any leakage is outward rather than inward. However, this gives additional resistance to breathing when exhaling.
  • an exhaust (i.e. exhale) fan may be used to provide a continuous release of air. This instead provides breathing assistance when exhaling.
  • An exhale fan may be combined with a series check valve so that no flow can enter the mask through the fan.
  • the fan again creates a continuous flow of air through the mask. Air is drawn into the mask volume through the filter by the flow induced by the fan. This improves wearer comfort.
  • Another alternative is to provide both inlet and exhaust fans, and to time the control of the fans in synchronism with the breathing cycle of the user.
  • the breathing cycle may be measured based on pressure (or differential pressure) measurements. This provides improved control of temperature and humidity as well as reducing the resistance to breathing for both inhalation and exhalation.
  • a vented mask design raises concerns that an unfiltered discharge may transmit infectious agents.
  • This invention relates to an active mask (i.e. with fan assistance) but with no valve, in order to ensure safety to both the wearer and environment while still providing ventilation to the wearer.
  • Such a design needs a filtration material with low penetration and resistance, combined with a powerful fan and a coupling between them.
  • a lower cost design becomes possible by avoiding the need for a valve and valve casing.
  • a magnetic coupling has been proposed attaching the fan module to the filter material, so that the fan module can easily been removed to enable cleaning of the filter material.
  • the fan in particular its associated electrical and electronic components) is not suitable for cleaning and does not need to be replaced as regularly as the filter.
  • a pair of magnetic rings can for example be placed at opposite sides of the filter material with one ring consisting of a permanent magnet and the other ring comprising a magnet or more economically a magnetizable material (e.g. iron).
  • One of the rings is mounted on the fan around its air path and the other is a free part, so that the magnetic coupling can be formed or detached as needed.
  • the mating surfaces of the two magnet parts are arranged in parallel planes with the filter material sandwiched between them.
  • this allows the fan module to be used way with any disposable mask and attached at any position. This may not give the intended performance.
  • a face mask comprising:
  • the invention relates to a mask design in which a fan drives air through the filter material (rather than through a valve).
  • This face mask uses a magnetic coupling to attach the fan module to the filter portion.
  • the fan module will be coupleable to the filter portion at a position on the mask which is defined by the position of the first magnetic part.
  • the magnetic parts may both be permanent magnets or one part may be a permanent magnet and the other may be a magnetizable material (i.e. ferrous material).
  • the term "magnetic parts" should be understood accordingly.
  • a magnetic coupling solves the problem of providing a releasable coupling that does not require permanently attached connection member on the filter. Instead the fan can be separated from the filter by applying a force against the magnetic attraction of the first magnetic component.
  • the shaped recess means the fan module cannot be used in uncontrolled way with any disposable mask and attached at any position.
  • the shape features provide an economic way to ensure proper placement of the fan module and provide more secured coupling.
  • the recessed area extends inwardly towards the user's face.
  • the first magnetic part (the one facing the user) is on the radially outward side of the side wall and the second magnetic part (the one at the fan module) is on the radially inward side of the side wall.
  • the first magnetic part may be held in place by the shape of the recessed area.
  • the recessed area extends outwardly towards the outer side of the face mask.
  • the first magnetic part (the one facing the user) is on the radially inwards side of the side wall and the second magnetic part (at the fan module) is on the radially outward side of the side wall.
  • the first magnetic part may be held in place by adding a retaining feature.
  • the side wall is perpendicular to a general plane of the non-recessed area.
  • the magnetic parts comprise concentric rings with the filter portion side wall sandwiched between the magnetic parts.
  • the side wall is oriented at an angle offset from the perpendicular to a general plane of the non-recessed area.
  • the side wall is a sloped annular wall.
  • the side wall for example has a tapered ring shape.
  • the first and second magnetic parts for example each comprise a ring for fitting against the associated surface of the side wall.
  • the face mask may further comprise a retaining feature for holing the first magnetic part in place against the side wall in the absence of the second magnetic part. This make assembly and disassembly easier, by keeping the first magnetic part in place after the fan module is removed.
  • the recessed area for example has a non-circular shape. This means it can be ensured that the fan module fits to the filter portion with a desired orientation.
  • the recessed area for example has a shape with rotational symmetry of 1. Thus, there is only one correct orientation of the fan module.
  • One of the first and second magnetic parts is larger than the other (because they are connected in a concentric arrangement).
  • the larger magnetic part is for example segmented with elastic coupling between the segments. In this way, the larger magnetic part also applies a mechanical holding force to grip the smaller larger magnetic part, to supplement the magnetic holding force
  • the face mask is preferably a valve-less face mask.
  • the fan module drives air through the filter portion rather than driving air through an opening.
  • the invention also provides a face mask, comprising:
  • the invention provides a face mask which comprises a filter portion and a fan module for driving air which passes through the filter portion.
  • a magnetic coupling is used to couple the fan module to the filter portion,
  • the filter portion comprises a recessed area having a base wall, a non-recessed area which extends around the recessed area and a side wall extending between the recessed area and the non-recessed area.
  • the magnetic coupling comprises first and second magnetic parts disposed on opposite faces of the side wall.
  • FIGS. 1 to 3 show two examples of prior art mask designs of which embodiments of the present invention represent an inventive development.
  • Figs. 1 and 2 show a first design having an inner filter member to which a fan module is attached, and a protective outer casing.
  • the mask 10 is shown in exploded view and comprises the outer casing 12 and the inner filter member 14.
  • the outer casing is rigid or semi-rigid with ear straps 13, whereas the filter member 14 is formed of a fabric and thus easily deforms such that an outer edge can match the shape of a wearer's face.
  • the outer casing 12 is porous so that air can flow through the outer casing.
  • the outer casing protects the filter material from debris.
  • connection area 16 provides an area for connecting fluidly and mechanically to a fan module 20.
  • connection area 16 encompasses a passive check valve.
  • the connection area and the fan module may be connected together and disconnected manually.
  • a control unit 22 is further provided and comprises for example a battery and control circuitry for controlling the fan module. This may include sensors. It may be mechanically attached to the fan module.
  • the control module 18 is coupled to the outside of the filter member 14 and the control module includes both the fan module 20 and also the control unit 22. Note that the control circuitry may instead be integrally comprised by the fan module.
  • the various additional circuitry elements and battery may be divided between the fan module and a dedicated control unit in different ways.
  • connection area includes a physical connector module 16 which is permanently fixed to the filter member 14 so that it is discarded with the filter member 14 when there is filter replacement.
  • the fan module 20 is reusable and includes (at least) the fan drive circuitry and fan impeller.
  • the outer casing 12 has an opening 24 in which the fan module 20 is received.
  • An inner surface of the outer casing may also have a receiving dock area for the control unit 22, or else there may be a receiving dock area 26 on the outer surface of the filter member for locating the control unit 22.
  • An electrical connector bridge 28 provides electrical connection between the control unit 22 and the fan module 20 of the fan assembly, for transfer of power and control signals.
  • the fan module 20 and the control unit 22 are at opposite lateral sides of the mask, i.e. one on each side of the nose of the wearer. This provides a balanced weight distribution. By having two modules, the weight of each individual part is reduced, so that the loading at any one location is reduced.
  • the fan is an exhaust fan. In a most simple design, it operates continuously to provide a continuous supply of air to the face (using air drawn through the mask filter). This provides temperature and humidity control. However, it may be operated in synchronism with the breathing of the wearer (with suitable breath sensing), and it may be controlled bi-directionally.
  • Fig. 2 shows the design of Fig. 1 in an assembled state from one front side.
  • the outer casing is optional, and a lower cost design may include only the filter material and connected fan module.
  • Fig. 3 shows a design without the outer casing.
  • the fan module 20 attaches to the filter member 14 and is at the outside of the mask.
  • One option is a magnetic coupling between a first magnetic part in the fan module and another magnetic part on the opposite side of the filter member, so that the filter member is clamped between magnetic parts which hold the fan module in place.
  • the fan module 20 can for this purpose be attached directly to the filter material, i.e. there is no opening in the filter material.
  • the invention relates to a particular design of a magnetic coupling used to sandwich the filter material between first and second magnetic parts, wherein one magnetic part is attached to or integrated with the fan module. It is of particular interest for the type of mask device shown in Fig. 3 .
  • Figs. 4 to 6 show a most basic way to implement a magnetic coupling for example suitable for the mask of Fig. 3 .
  • Fig. 4 shows the face mask from the front
  • Fig. 5 shows a cross sectional side view
  • Fig. 6 shows a perspective view.
  • Figs. 4 to 5 show a face mask 10 comprising a filter portion 14 comprising filter material to filter air passing between an inner side of the face mask which faces toward the user's face during use, and an outer side of the face mask.
  • a fan module 20 is for arrangement in fluidic series with the filter portion for driving air which passes through the filter portion.
  • a magnetic coupling is provided for releasably coupling the fan module to the filter portion in a position in fluidic series with the filter portion.
  • the magnetic coupling comprises a first magnetic part 30 and a second magnetic part 32 which are positioned on opposite sides of the filter portion 14 and which are magnetically attractive to one another.
  • the first magnetic part 30 is a ring which is bonded to the filter portion or it may be a loose ring. It is separate from the fan module.
  • the second magnetic part 32 is comprised by the fan module 20.
  • the mating surfaces of the magnetic parts are arranged in two planes essentially parallel to the plane of the enclosed filter fabric.
  • this allows the fan unit to be used with any disposable mask and attached at any position.
  • This invention proposes an economic way to ensure proper placement of the fan and provide more secure coupling.
  • Fig. 7 shows a mask in accordance with the invention from the front.
  • the mask is generally the same as in Fig. 4 .
  • Fig. 7 also shows that the magnetic parts have a non-circular shape, and in particular a shape which only allows the magnetic parts to mate with the shape of the recessed area in one desired orientation as well as location.
  • Figs. 8 to 10 show three possible implementations of the invention.
  • Fig. 8 shows that the filter portion comprises a recessed area 40 having a base wall 42.
  • a non-recessed area 44 extends around the recessed area and a side wall 46 extends between the recessed area and the non-recessed area.
  • the recessed area is for example formed by hot pressing.
  • the first and second magnetic parts 30, 32 are disposed on opposite faces of the side wall. They each comprise a ring.
  • the recessed area 40 extends inwardly towards the user's face.
  • the base wall 42 is pressed inwardly relative to the rest of the filter material layer.
  • the side wall 46 is perpendicular to the base 42. This means the magnetic parts are concentric with the first magnetic part 30 disposed around the outside of the second magnetic part 32 with the filter material layer sandwiched between them.
  • a notch 50 is formed for retaining the first magnetic part 30, so that when the fan module and its second magnetic part is removed (by pulling it away from the mask) the first magnetic part remains in place and does not fall off the filter portion.
  • Fig. 9 shows a second example.
  • the recessed area 40 again extends inwardly towards the user's face.
  • the side wall 46 is oriented at an angle offset from the perpendicular to a general plane of the non-recessed area.
  • the side wall in particular has a tapered ring shape.
  • the magnetic parts again each comprise a ring.
  • the tapered side wall for example has a taper angle to the general plane of the filter portion in the range 30 to 60 degrees.
  • Fig. 10 shows a third example.
  • the recessed area 40 extends outwardly away from the user's face.
  • the side wall 46 is oriented at an angle offset from the perpendicular to a general plane of the non-recessed area.
  • the side wall again has a tapered ring shape.
  • an optional addition feature is shown of a retaining feature 60 for holing the first magnetic part 30 in place against the side wall in the absence of the second magnetic part.
  • These retaining features are designed such that when detaching the magnetic coupling by pulling the fan module outward, the inside part of the magnetic coupling (i.e. the first magnetic part) does not fall.
  • the larger one of the two magnetic parts can be partitioned into a plurality of segments linked by elastic materials. This concept is shown in Fig. 11 .
  • the first magnetic part is assumed to be the larger one (as in Figs. 8 and 9 ) and it is segmented into three parts 30a, 30b, 30c which are pulled together by elastic couplings 70 between the segments.
  • the elastic coupling stretch so that a retaining force is generated that helps to hold the magnetic coupling together.
  • the elastic couplings are for example rubber.
  • Fig. 12 shows the filter member 14 with a recessed area 40 which extends inwardly towards the user's face.
  • the smaller magnetic part is placed in position and the larger magnetic part is then placed over the side wall facing the smaller counterpart to form the magnetic coupling. The opposite is performed for disassembling.
  • the second and first magnetic parts may each include one or more magnets, wherein the magnet(s) of the second part are magnetically attracted to the magnets of the first part.
  • one of the second and first magnetic parts may include one or more magnets, and the other may include magnetic material attractive to the magnet(s) of the other part.
  • a plurality of magnetic elements may be included in one or both of the magnetic parts of the coupling, or just one.
  • One or more magnetic strips might be used in some examples.
  • the mask can optionally include an outer cover portion which is layered over the filter portion 14, for protection.
  • the outer cover portion may be rigid or semi-rigid with ear straps 13, whereas the filter member 14 may be formed of a fabric and thus easily deforms such that an outer edge can match the shape of a wearer's face.
  • the mask comprises the filter portion without such an outer covering, to minimize resistance against the breathing of the user and to reduce cost. Ear bands may be attached to the filter portion to permit wearing of the face mask in the usual way.
  • the filter portion comprises a filter material and different grades of filtration are possible.
  • the fan module may be a self-contained modular unit which contains a fan motor, fan impeller for driving air, a battery, and control electronics for driving the fan.
  • the control circuitry may further include sensors.
  • the fan module may be an inward fan. In a most simple design, it operates continuously to provide a continuous supply of air to the face (using air drawn through the mask filter). This provides temperature and humidity control. However, it may alternatively be operated in synchronism with the breathing of the wearer (with suitable breath sensing), and it may be controlled bi-directionally.
  • the filter portion 14 when breathing in, air is drawn through the filter portion 14.
  • the fan may be operating during this time, providing an airflow, or it may be turned off to save power.
  • the fan When breathing out, the fan may operate to create outward flow. Breathing comfort is improved particularly because the fan removes the exhaled air from the mask cavity and therefore prevents re-breathing (recycling) of previously exhaled and hence un-fresh air.
  • the filter material has sufficient rigidity to retain its shape and thereby maintain the local shape of the recessed area. However, it also has sufficient flexibility that it can be deformed slightly from its default rest shape to a shape that fits the face of different possible users.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Pulmonology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Respiratory Apparatuses And Protective Means (AREA)
EP22210807.8A 2022-09-29 2022-12-01 Masque facial Pending EP4344751A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/EP2023/076701 WO2024068734A1 (fr) 2022-09-29 2023-09-27 Masque facial

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN2022122611 2022-09-29

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4344751A1 true EP4344751A1 (fr) 2024-04-03

Family

ID=84370631

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP22210807.8A Pending EP4344751A1 (fr) 2022-09-29 2022-12-01 Masque facial

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4344751A1 (fr)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019064199A2 (fr) * 2017-09-29 2019-04-04 3M Innovative Properties Company Appareil de transmission d'énergie sans fil et système d'énergie sans fil le comprenant
WO2022180272A1 (fr) * 2021-02-26 2022-09-01 Eric Fouchard Dispositif d'aide à la respiration pour masque de protection respiratoire

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019064199A2 (fr) * 2017-09-29 2019-04-04 3M Innovative Properties Company Appareil de transmission d'énergie sans fil et système d'énergie sans fil le comprenant
WO2022180272A1 (fr) * 2021-02-26 2022-09-01 Eric Fouchard Dispositif d'aide à la respiration pour masque de protection respiratoire

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