CN113242752A

CN113242752A - Automatic power control mask

Info

Publication number: CN113242752A
Application number: CN201980084247.7A
Authority: CN
Inventors: J·利普斯; T·塔西诺恩
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Current assignee: Koninklijke Philips NV
Priority date: 2018-12-18
Filing date: 2019-12-12
Publication date: 2021-08-10
Also published as: EP3897873A1; WO2020126834A1; JP2022510846A; EP3669947A1; JP7428710B2

Abstract

It is presented an electric facemask (100) comprising a mechanism (101) configured to: cutting power to electrical components of the mask (100) when the mask (100) is folded about a fold line; and/or switch on the power to the mask (100) when the mask (100) is deployed. Additionally, a method (200) for controlling a power supply of a power mask is proposed.

Description

Automatic power control mask

Technical Field

The present invention relates to face masks (e.g., polluted face masks). In particular, the present invention relates to power saving techniques for power assist masks (e.g., fan assist masks).

Background

The fan operated mask is a battery powered device. It is desirable to keep power consumption to a minimum. One problem with these masks is that: when the mask is not worn, the fan will be left on. This may result in unnecessary power consumption.

When the user wears the mask, the user typically activates a switch to turn on the ventilation fan. Such switches add cost to the mask, take up space and make opening/closing inconvenient. An automatic electronic on/off function can solve these problems.

CN 203852758U discloses a mask with automatic electronic on/off function, wherein the mask is collapsed by using a swivel hinge.

It is therefore desirable to have a low cost solution that allows detecting whether the mask is worn, thereby enabling detection of a wear-to-unworn transition and/or an unworn-to-worn transition.

Disclosure of Invention

Throughout the specification the word "fold" is referred to. In the context of the present specification, "folding" means bending a material (e.g., a flexible material) over itself such that one portion thereof completely or partially covers another portion. "folding" may mean changing the shape of a material into a smaller, more portable shape. "folding" may include bending or rolling the material of the mask. The material may be a continuous sheet of material spanning a fold line, or there may be two sheets of material connected to define a fold line. A fold line is a region of material, for example, an integral region forming a living hinge or connecting line between two adjacent portions of material, about which the mask will preferentially deform (i.e., fold) when the mask is collapsed by a user. The fold lines are, for example, straight and thus serve as hinge lines, but do not require additional mechanical hinge structures.

The invention is defined by the claims.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a power mask comprising:

a switch mechanism;

an electrical component;

a folding line for conveniently folding the mask; and

a power source for powering the electrical component,

wherein the switching mechanism is configured to:

cutting power to the electrical component when the mask is folded about the fold line; and/or

Turning on the power to the electrical component when the mask is unfolded about the fold line.

In this first aspect of the present invention, a power mask is presented, the power mask comprising a mechanism (i.e., a switch mechanism) configured to: cutting power to the mask when the mask is folded about a fold line; and/or turning on the power to the mask when the mask is deployed.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, there is provided an electric face mask comprising a mechanism configured to: cutting power to the electrical components of the mask when the mask is folded.

In another embodiment, there is provided an electric face mask comprising a mechanism configured to: turning on the power to the electrical components of the mask when the mask is deployed.

In another embodiment, there is provided an electric face mask comprising a mechanism configured to: cutting power to the electrical components of the mask when the mask is folded; and when the mask is deployed, turning on power to the electrical components of the mask.

According to an embodiment, the electrical component is a ventilation unit for ventilating the mask.

According to an embodiment, the mechanism is positioned on or integrated in the mask, e.g. in the material of the mask.

According to an embodiment, the mask comprises one or more folding lines for facilitating folding of the mask. For example, the fold line may be a single line or multiple lines that allow the mask to be easily folded.

According to an embodiment, the mask comprises an air filtration material.

According to an embodiment, the mechanism comprises two elements positioned in/on the mask such that: the two elements are joined together when the mask is folded, and wherein the two elements are separated or decoupled from each other when the mask is unfolded, and wherein the mechanism is configured such that: when the two elements are joined or coupled together, power to the mask is cut off; and/or the power to the mask is switched on when the two elements are separated or decoupled from each other.

Thus, according to an embodiment, the mechanism comprises two elements positioned such that: the two elements are joined or coupled together when the mask is folded, and wherein the two elements are separated or decoupled from each other when the mask is unfolded; and wherein the mechanism is configured such that: when the two elements are joined or coupled together, power to the mask is cut off. According to an embodiment, the mechanism comprises two elements positioned such that: the two elements are joined or coupled together when the mask is folded, and wherein the two elements are separated or decoupled from each other when the mask is unfolded; and wherein the mechanism is configured such that: when the two elements are separated or decoupled from each other, power to the mask is turned on.

According to an embodiment, the mechanism comprises two elements positioned such that: the two elements are joined or coupled together when the mask is folded, and wherein the two elements are separated or decoupled from each other when the mask is unfolded; and wherein the mechanism is configured such that: when the two elements are joined or coupled together, power to the mask is cut off; and when the two elements are separated or decoupled from each other, power to the mask is turned on.

According to an embodiment, the two elements have magnetic properties, allowing easy attachment to each other when they attract each other.

According to an embodiment, the mechanism is foldable or bendable, and wherein the mechanism cuts power to the mask when the mechanism is folded or bent on its own; and/or wherein the mechanism powers on the mask when the mechanism is deployed.

Thus, according to an embodiment, the mechanism is foldable or bendable, and wherein the mechanism cuts off power to the mask when the mechanism is folded or bent. According to an embodiment, the mechanism is foldable or bendable, and wherein the mechanism powers on the mask when the mechanism is deployed. According to an embodiment, the mechanism is foldable or bendable, and wherein the mechanism cuts power to the mask when the mechanism is folded or bent; and wherein the mechanism powers on the mask when the mechanism is deployed.

According to an embodiment, the mechanism comprises a sensor for determining the folded state of the mask (whether the mask is folded or unfolded). The power to the mask is switched on or off depending on the folded state. According to an embodiment, the sensor is a light sensor. According to an embodiment, the sensor is a proximity sensor.

According to an embodiment, the mask is a contamination mask, e.g. a self-contained contamination mask.

In a second aspect of the invention, a method for controlling a power supply of a power mask is presented, comprising: determining whether the mask is in a folded state or an unfolded state; switching off the power to the mask if it is determined that the mask is folded and/or switching on the power to the mask if it is determined that the mask is unfolded.

Thus, in an embodiment, the method comprises: determining whether the mask is in a folded state or an unfolded state; cutting off the power to the mask if the mask is folded. In another embodiment, the method comprises: determining whether the mask is in a folded state or an unfolded state; switching on the power supply of the mask if the mask is deployed. In another embodiment, the method comprises: determining whether the mask is in a folded state or an unfolded state; cutting off the power to the mask if the mask is folded; switching on the power supply of the mask if the mask is deployed.

Particular and preferred aspects of the invention are set out in the independent and dependent claims. Features from the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims and with features of other dependent claims as appropriate and not merely as explicitly set out in the claims.

These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

Drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates a mask as described in the present disclosure worn by a user;

FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of components of a mask;

FIG. 3 illustrates a deployed mask as described in the present disclosure;

fig. 4 illustrates a folded mask as described in the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram of a method for controlling the power supply of a mask;

the drawings are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes.

Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.

The same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same or similar elements.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure proposes a powered mask that provides automatic deactivation and/or activation of power to the mask when the mask is folded or unfolded. Thus, depending on the particular embodiment, the mask may incorporate an auto-power-off function, an auto-power-on function, or an auto-power-on and-off function depending on the folded state of the mask. Detailed embodiments are described below.

In a first aspect of the present invention, a power mask is presented. The mask may be a contaminated mask whereby the mask includes an air filter that filters air entering the mask. In an embodiment, the mask is made of an air filtration material. Such air filtration materials are capable of filtering harmful contaminants in air, such as traffic contaminants, PM2.5 particles, or larger particles (e.g., pollen). The filter can also filter bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms. The mask may cover the mouth and/or nose of the user. When worn, the mask forms a closed mask chamber with the user's face.

In an embodiment, the mask includes a mechanism configured to: when the mask is folded, power to the mask is cut off, in particular the power supply to the electrical components of the mask. Thus, when the user removes the mask and folds it, the power is automatically cut off without any further interaction from the user.

In an embodiment, the mask includes a mechanism configured to: when the mask is deployed, power is turned on to the mask. Thus, when the user deploys the mask, power to the mask is automatically turned on without any further interaction from the user.

In an embodiment, the mask includes a mechanism configured to: cutting off power to the mask when the mask is folded; and the mechanism is configured to: when the mask is deployed, power is turned on to the mask.

The mechanism described above relieves the user of the burden of switching the mask on or off each time the mask is worn or removed. In addition, it eliminates the need for a mechanical on/off switch on the mask, which reduces cost and increases the useful life of the mask. In addition, since the user does not have to manually shut off the mask, there is no accidental power outage.

The mask includes fold lines for facilitating folding of the mask.

In an embodiment, the mask may be made of different material portions that are sewn together. The stitching may allow the mask to be easily folded over the stitching. Thus, in this example, the fold lines comprise lines of stitching. For example, the mask may be made of two or more parts that are sewn together. The two or more portions at least partially overlie one another when the mask is folded over the stitching. Alternatively, depending on the material selection, different parts of the mask are attached to each other using glue, heat pressing or ultrasound. In this case, the resulting mask structure is a continuous sheet of material that is deformed about a fold line. Each of these attachment techniques may be implemented such that different portions of the attachment zones may be used to allow for easy folding of the mask.

According to an embodiment, the mask is manufactured using injection molding. In an embodiment, the soft material within the injection molded two-dimensional wire is configured such that it can be folded multiple times without fatigue to avoid breaking the fold line. The fold line may then be a living hinge which is an integral part of the material of the mask.

According to an embodiment and as shown in fig. 1, the mask 100 includes at least one electrical component 102. The electrical component 102 may be a ventilator that ventilates the mask 100 by directing air into and/or out of the mask cavity. The electrical components 102 may include sensor components, such as light sensor(s), pressure sensor(s), gas sensor(s), and the like. The mask 100 includes a power source 103 for powering the electrical components 102. The power source 103 may be a battery that is preferably, but not necessarily, located on the mask 100. A power supply 103 is coupled to the electrical component 102. The mechanism 101 present on/in the mask is configured such that the power supplied by the power supply 103 to the electrical components 102 is cut off when the mask 100 is folded. Alternatively or additionally, the mechanism 101 is configured such that power to the electrical components 102 is turned on when the mask 100 is deployed. Thus, the mechanism 101 comprises a unit for detecting the folded state of the mask 100. In other words, the mechanism 101 includes a unit for detecting whether the mask 100 is folded. As shown in fig. 2, the mechanism 101 is coupled to a power supply 103 and controls the power supply 103 in terms of switching the power supply 103 on or off. A power supply 103 is coupled to the electrical component 102 for supplying power.

According to an embodiment, the mechanism 101 is positioned on the mask 100 or integrated in the mask 100. For example, the mechanism 101 may be integrated into the material of the mask 100, such as into the air filter material of the mask 100. An advantage of the present invention is that the mechanism 101 can be fully integrated in the mask 100, as this improves the portability and usability of the mask 100.

A fold line 120 for easily folding the mask is illustrated in fig. 3. For example, the mask 100 may be made of a semi-rigid material, whereby the mask 100 includes a line 120 in which the material is more compressed or the material is partially removed, allowing the mask 100 to be easily folded at the fold line 120. The fold line 120 may extend across the mask 100, thereby dividing the mask 100 into two or more portions, which allows for easy folding of the mask 100. As mentioned above, the fold line(s) may also be formed by the stitching of the mask 100.

According to an embodiment and as shown in fig. 3, the mechanism 101 comprises two

elements

101a, 101 b. These elements may be electrodes. These elements may be positioned on opposite sides of fold line 120, but equidistant from the location shown in fig. 3. These elements are positioned so that the two

elements

101a, 101b can be joined together when the mask 100 is folded. Thus, when the user folds the mask, the two

elements

101a, 101b are in direct or indirect contact with each other. For example, when the

elements

101a, 101b are integrated in the mask material, the

elements

101a, 101b may be in indirect contact because the mask material is positioned between them. When the mask 100 is deployed, the two

elements

101a, 101b separate from each other. Thus, when the user deploys the mask 100, the previously engaged

elements

101a, 101b disengage or decouple from each other. The

mechanisms

101a, 101b are configured such that power supplied to the mask 100 by the power source is cut off when the two

elements

101a, 101b are joined together. Alternatively or additionally, the

mechanisms

101a, 101b are configured such that power to the mask 100 is switched on when the two

elements

101a, 101b are separated from each other. Control of the power supply may be accomplished by a controller, such as a microcontroller, coupled to the mechanism (

elements

101a, 101b, e.g., electrodes) and the power supply. When the controller detects that the

elements

101a, 101b are in contact or coupled with each other, the controller cuts off the power supply. When the controller detects that the

elements

101a, 101b are not in contact with each other or are decoupled from each other, the controller may switch on the power supply.

According to an embodiment, the

elements

101a, 101b may have magnetic properties, whereby the two elements attract each other; and the element may be a magnetic element. This is advantageous because the

elements

101a, 101b act as a unit to hold the mask 100 in a folded or compact state and also as a mechanism for detecting the folded state of the mask 100. Thus, no additional components are required to keep the mask closed. Such magnetic elements can also be easily integrated into the mask material. When two

elements

101a, 101b are used to detect whether the mask 100 is folded, the presence of a fold line 120 (e.g., a suture) that allows for easy folding is advantageous because it allows for easy alignment of the two elements. A folded mask 100 is illustrated in fig. 4. Fig. 4 illustrates that the elements 101 coincide when the masks 100 are folded to be in contact or coupled with or present adjacent to each other.

According to an embodiment, the mechanism is foldable or bendable. The mechanism is positioned in the mask such that when the mask is folded (e.g., over a fold line or suture), the mechanism folds or bends. When the mechanism is folded or bent, power to the mask is cut off. Alternatively or optionally, the power to the mask is switched on when the mechanism is deployed or unbent. Embodiments of such mechanisms may include a light source coupled to the waveguide, whereby, when the waveguide is bent, light transmitted through the waveguide is detected upon exiting the waveguide. The waveguide is positioned in the visor such that when the visor is folded, the waveguide bends. When the light leaves the waveguide, the power is turned off, since this means that the mask is folded. When the light does not exit the waveguide, power can be turned on, as this means that the mask is deployed. Alternatively, the mechanism may also comprise a material that is not electrically conductive when bent (and thus when the mask is folded).

According to an embodiment, the mechanism comprises a sensor for determining the folded state of the mask. For example, the mechanism may be a light sensor positioned in the mask such that when the mask is folded, the light sensor is covered by the material of the mask. Thus, the mask is manufactured such that the material of the mask covers the sensor when the mask is folded. When the detected light is below a predefined threshold, the power is switched off, since this means that the mask is folded. Alternatively or optionally, the power is switched on when the detected light is above a predefined threshold, as this means that the mask is deployed. For all of the described embodiments, the controller may be coupled to the sensors and the power source to perform such power control of the mask. Alternatively, a proximity sensor capable of sensing nearby materials of the mask may be used. Alternatively, a sensing mechanism may be used whereby the sensor detects whether the detectable element is detected or is in proximity to the sensor. When the detectable element is detected, the mask can be considered to be in the folded state and power can be turned off. When the detectable element is not detected, the mask can be considered to be in the deployed state and power can be activated.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a method 200 for controlling the power supply of a power mask as proposed in the first aspect is proposed. The method comprises the following steps: determining whether the mask is folded or unfolded about a fold line 201; if the mask is folded, the power supply 202 is cut off. Alternatively or optionally, if the mask is deployed, the power source 203 is switched on. Whether the mask is folded can be determined by checking whether the two elements in the mask are joined together as described above. Alternatively, it may be determined whether the mask is folded by checking whether the detected light is above or below a certain threshold when the mask is folded, as described above. Whether the mask is folded may also be determined by checking whether the mechanism in the mask is folded. Any of the techniques described in the first aspect of the invention may be used in the method of controlling the power supply to the mask.

Claims

1. An electric facemask (100), comprising:

a switch mechanism (101);

an electrical component (102);

a folding line (120) for conveniently folding the mask (100); and

a power supply (103) for powering the electrical component (102),

wherein the switching mechanism (101) is configured to:

cutting power to the electrical component (102) when the mask (100) is folded about the fold line (120); and/or

Switching on the power to the electrical component (102) when the mask (100) is unfolded about the fold line (120).

2. The mask (100) according to claim 1, wherein the electrical component (102) is a ventilation unit for ventilating the mask (100).

3. The mask (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the switch mechanism (101) is positioned on or integrated in the mask.

4. The mask (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mask (100) comprises an air filtration material.

5. The mask (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the switch mechanism (101) comprises two elements (101a, 101b) positioned such that: the two elements (101a, 101b) are joined together when the mask (100) is folded, and wherein the two elements (101a, 101b) are separated from each other when the mask (100) is unfolded, and wherein the switch mechanism (101) is configured such that:

when the two elements (101a, 101b) are joined together, power to the electrical components of the mask (100) is cut off; and/or

When the two elements (101a, 101b) are separated from each other, power to the electrical components of the mask (100) is switched on.

6. The face mask (100) according to claim 5, wherein the two elements (101a, 101b) are magnetic and mutually attractive.

7. The mask according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the switch mechanism (101) is foldable, and wherein:

when the switch mechanism (101) is folded, the switch mechanism (101) cuts off power to the electrical components of the mask (100); and/or

When the switch mechanism (101) is deployed, the switch mechanism (101) turns on power to the electrical components of the mask (100).

8. The mask (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the switch mechanism (101) comprises a sensor for determining a folded state of the mask (100).

9. The mask (100) according to claim 8, wherein the sensor is a light sensor.

10. The mask (100) according to claim 8, wherein the sensor is a proximity sensor.

11. The mask (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mask (100) is a contaminated mask.

12. The mask (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the powering on or off is performed automatically without interaction with a user wearing the mask (100) other than unfolding or folding the mask (100).

13. A method (200) for controlling a power supply of a power mask, comprising:

determining whether the mask is folded or unfolded about a fold line (201); and is

Cutting off the power supply (202) to electrical components of the mask if the mask is folded about the fold line (120) and/or

Turning on the power source (203) to the electrical components of the mask if the mask is unfolded about the fold line (120).

14. The method (200) of claim 13, wherein the powering on or off is performed automatically without interaction with a user wearing the mask (100) other than unfolding or folding the mask (100).