Authors:
Guek Wu Neo, John Cheng, Joyce Ho, Danny Leow
Abstract:
This disclosure proposes a method to use the detection of tension to provide indications on the duration of use of a mask. With the indications, to serve as a gauge to mask wearer on the lifespan of their mask and will know when he/she needs to replace with a clean mask.
Background:
The Public are required to wear face masks when they leave their homes because of the Coronavirus pandemic. Use of clean masks will greatly reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus or other germs as we know that extended use will likely degrade respiratory protection. Helping the Public in adopting good hygiene practices and helping fight the spread of infectious viruses eg. Coronavirus. The disclosure is a method to use the detection of tension to provide indications on the duration of the use of a mask. With the indications, to serve as a gauge to mask wearer on the lifespan of their mask will help them know when he/she needs to replace with a clean mask.
Description:
1. Using timer to record the mask usage duration with detected tension on the mask. Detection of tension can be placed at location that is considered to be used to hold the mask. Such as the elastic band used to hold to ears , around the head or the stretching of the mask while it is placed on the face etc.
2. Once the mask wearer puts on his/her mask, the tension is detected and that will start to trigger the timer.
3. Timer will feedback the usage duration & trigger the indicator. Timer will stop
counting once no tension is detected (Mask removed)
4. Indicator feedback to mask-wearer
i. >48 hours – Mask need to be replaced immediately – color RED
ii. >12hrs & <38hrs – Consider replacing the Mask – color BLUE
iii. <12hrs – Safe to use – color GREEN
Our prototype generating a contact closure to activate timer when tension is applied.
1. Prototype design - contact open when no tension
Figure 2: Prototype - contact closed when tension is applied to the 2 sides
Figure 3 Prototype : before putting on the mask (Contact open as No tension)
Figure 4: Prototype mask when worn (Contact is closed)
Claims:
Timer that provide indication of duration of the use of mask using tension. It is assumed that when the tension is detected, the mask is used.
Existing Art:
https://patents.google.com/patent/EP2332606B1/en
" If the mask frame is configured so that the development of stress whitening (e.g., increase in intensity or area displaying stress whitening, or both) occurs as a result of repeated deformation during use, then the mask will also provide a visual indication of aging and approaching end-of-life."
This patent provides a way of an indication to the end of life of the mask.
https://patents.google.com/patent/CN103796700B/en
"Due to the exposure of this foam, therefore it can serve as service life terminal indicatorThat is, once foam is dirty, it will be used Patient is set to obtain new mask as indicator）."
It also provides an indicator but not a timer. (similar as https://patents.google.com/patent/JP5922625B2/en)
TGCS Reference 2148
