Respirator test system
| DWPI Title: Test fixture for testing filtering characteristics of protective mask, such as reusable protective mask, has lower assembly including anatomical form emulating contours of portion of human face that contact protective mask |
| Abstract: A test fixture facilitates non-destructive testing of a protective mask. The test fixture includes a mock facial structure, a clamping form that makes a seal around at least part of the facial structure, and can employ the retaining straps of the protective mask to a make a seal around at least part of the facial structure. In use, the protective mask is tested in situ on the facial structure. In some examples, the clamping form has a negative contour of the mock facial structure or of the outer surface of a protective mask that is to be tested. The testing can include repetitive testing of the fit, structural components (e.g., ultrasonic welds and straps), and the degradation of materials as a function of donning/doffing or environmental factors (e.g., temperature and humidity). |
| Use: Test fixture for testing filtering characteristics of a protective mask, such as a reusable protective mask or a disposable protective mask tested in its manufactured geometry and facilitating non-destructive testing of a respirator for filtering and flow characteristics used in conjunction with a commercial filter tester. |
| Advantage: The test fixture facilitates non-destructive testing of a respirator or other type of protective mask for filtering and flow characteristics when used in conjunction with a commercial filter tester. The negative contour facilitates capture of the protective mask body between the clamping form and the mock facial structure and maintenance of the intended form factor of the mask. The fixture is a composite of rigid and compliant materials that maintains the facial structure while creating a natural seal. |
| Novelty: The test fixture (100) comprises a lower assembly including an anatomical form (140) emulating contours of a portion of a human face that contact a protective mask (150). A lower base plate (170) having a substantially planar face dapted to engage a first clamping plate of a filter tester. An upper assembly including a counter form that has a surface which is a negative of a protective mask or portions of the anatomical form. The counter form is adapted to mate. An upper base plate having a substantially planar face adapted to engage a second clamping plate of the filter tester. The lower subassembly and the upper subassembly are adapted to be reversibly mateable and are adapted to be clampable in a mated position between the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate of the filter tester. An air passage is defined for airflow through subassemblies. A protective mask mounted on the lower subassembly in contact with the anatomical form. |
| Filed: 9/28/2022 |
| Application Number: US17955383A |
| Tech ID: SD 15904.1 |
| This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DE-NA0003525 awarded by the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. The Government has certain rights in the invention. |
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