Patent CN114190630B

Updated November 6, 2026

Powered Fan Filter Assembly for Respiratory Masks

Standard passive masks rely on natural breathing pressure, which can cause heat buildup and fogging in glasses. A powered fan filter unit solves this by mechanically drawing fresh, filtered air into the mask while venting warm, moist exhalation out through a dedicated one-way valve. In this design, the unit splits into an intake section with a fixed column and guide channel, and an exhaust section with a tilted seat for the valve. The two sections snap together around the mask's opening, creating separate vertical paths for incoming and outgoing air. The fan sits behind the filter material in the intake section, pulling ambient air directly into the wearer's breathing space.

  • China invention patent - in force
  • No filings outside China
  • Respiratory protection accessories
  • Plastic housing, electric fan, filter media, rigid valve
Powered Fan Filter Assembly for Respiratory Masks - product render

🌬️

Active Air Intake

An internal fan draws external air through a filter into the mask, reducing breathing resistance.

🚪

One-Way Exhaust Valve

A rigid valve plate tilts open for exhalation and seals shut to prevent outside air from entering.

🔗

Snap-On Housing

Two detachable shell parts clamp onto the mask’s mounting area, separating intake and exhaust paths.

📏

Vertical Flow Separation

Intake and exhaust channels are arranged vertically relative to a divider line to keep air streams distinct.

🔥 Popularity – views

Bring this product to market

  1. ✓ Patent review Patent family and legal status reviewed in the relevant jurisdictions.
  2. 2 Product brief · now How it works, uses and options written up
  3. 3 Prototype First samples for buyers to review
  4. 4 Pilot run Small first batch for launch customers
  5. 5 Volume production Repeat orders at scale

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The problem

Passive masks often trap heat and moisture because they rely solely on the wearer’s lung pressure to pull air through the fabric. This creates a humid microclimate inside the mask, leading to discomfort, skin irritation, and fogging of eyewear. Additionally, when the mask fits tightly against the face, inhalation becomes difficult due to high resistance across the filter material. Users frequently adjust their masks or take breaks to relieve this pressure, compromising continuous protection. There is a need for a lightweight accessory that reduces inhalation effort and manages exhaust flow without adding significant bulk or weight to the standard mask structure.

The solution

  1. Housing Structure: The device comprises a first shell (exhaust part) and a second shell (intake part). These two shells combine detachably around the mask’s mounting portion.
  2. Flow Separation: A separation line divides the intake and exhaust zones. The intake part features a fixed column extending toward the mask, passing through a guide channel to deliver filtered air into the wearing space.
  3. Exhaust Mechanism: The exhaust part contains an exhaust channel aligned vertically with the intake path. It connects to an exhaust hole via a group connection hole.
  4. One-Way Valve: A rigid exhaust check valve body is mounted on an inclined seat within the exhaust part. It swings open away from the axis when the user exhales, allowing air to exit, and closes to block backflow.
  5. Fan Assembly: Inside the intake part, a fan filter assembly includes a suction piece (fan), a power supply, and filter material. The fan pulls external air through the filter and directs it into the mask.
Powered Fan Filter Assembly for Respiratory Masks - Patent drawing - cross section
Patent figure 3 - Cross-sectional view showing the separation between intake (12) and exhaust (11) channels.

Who it is for

  • Outdoor Workwear Brands adding ventilation accessories to dust-proof or cold-weather masks for construction or agriculture workers.
  • Medical Supply Distributors seeking enhanced comfort options for surgical-style masks used in long shifts.
  • Industrial Safety Suppliers providing respiratory aids for environments where heavy exertion makes passive masks uncomfortable.
  • Consumer Electronics Makers integrating small fans into wearable health or lifestyle products like smart masks.

How it works

The main parts

No.PartWhat it does
10aFirst ShellHouses the exhaust part and valve mechanism.
10bSecond ShellHouses the intake part, fan, and filter.
11Exhaust PartChannel for outgoing breath; includes tilted seat.
12Intake PartChannel for incoming air; includes fixed column.
30Fan AssemblyMotor/fan unit that draws air through the filter.
32Filter MaterialPlaced before the fan to clean incoming air.
50Check Valve BodyRigid plate that opens for exhalation and seals for inhalation.
200MaskThe base mask unit with a cut-out mounting area.

Operating Steps

  1. Assembly: The first and second shells snap together around the mask’s flat mounting portion, clamping the edges securely.
  2. Inhalation: When the user inhales, the negative pressure draws external air through the intake hole (14). The air passes through the filter material (32) and is pulled by the fan (31) into the guide channel (123).
  3. Air Delivery: Filtered air enters the wearing space (210) inside the mask, providing a steady stream of fresh oxygen.
  4. Exhalation: When the user exhales, positive pressure pushes the rigid check valve (50) open along its inclined seat (114). Warm, moist air exits through the exhaust hole (13).
  5. Sealing: During inhalation or when idle, the valve spring action or gravity keeps the check valve closed against the seat, preventing unfiltered outside air from leaking in through the exhaust port.
Powered Fan Filter Assembly for Respiratory Masks - Patent drawing - usage state
Patent figure 4 - Schematic of the device in use, showing airflow direction.

Applications

Construction and Mining Sites

Workers in dusty environments benefit from the active intake, which ensures consistent filtered air supply even during heavy physical labor, reducing fatigue compared to passive N95-style masks.

Healthcare Settings

Medical staff wearing masks for extended periods experience less heat stress and facial sweating. The separated exhaust path helps reduce fogging on protective eyewear, improving visibility during procedures.

Outdoor Sports and Cycling

Cyclists and runners in cold weather need breathable protection. The fan maintains airflow without requiring the user to loosen the mask, balancing warmth and oxygen intake during high-exertion activities.

Industrial Manufacturing

Factories with volatile organic compounds or particulates require reliable filtration. This unit provides a mechanical assist to overcome filter resistance, ensuring adequate ventilation rates for safety compliance.

Where it is less suitable

  • Sterile Surgical Environments - The plastic housings and electronic components may not meet strict sterilization protocols required for direct patient contact in operating rooms.
  • Extreme Heat or Fire Zones - The battery and motor components have temperature limits and may fail in very hot industrial settings like smelting.
  • Low-Budget Disposable Use - Unlike simple paper masks, this requires reusable electronics and filters, making it unsuitable for single-use low-cost scenarios.

Patent & Production

At a glance

Patent numberCN114190630B (application CN202010977091)
TypeChina invention patent (发明专利) - protects product structure and method
Original titleFan filter device for masks (口罩用风扇过滤装置)
Patent ownerJekoro Co ltd
InventorsWu Jinshu
Filing date2020-09-17
Grant date2024-08-02
Status (China)In force - valid until at most 2040-09-17, provided annual fees are paid
Patent familyPublic record shows Chinese filings only - no US, European, Japanese, PCT or other filings listed
Cited by0 later documents
SourceGoogle Patents (search for CN114190630B)

What the claims cover, in plain language

Claim 1 - A fan filter for a mask disposed on the outer side, corresponding to the user’s mouth/nose. The device has a shell combined with the mask, split into a first shell (exhaust part) and second shell (intake part). A separation line divides them. The first shell has an air outlet and exhaust hole; the second has an air inlet and inlet hole. Both connect to the mask’s wearing space. The intake part has a fixed column with a guide channel. The exhaust part has a group connection hole. A fan filter assembly (suction piece, power supply, filter material) is in the intake part. An exhaust one-way valve body is in the exhaust part, arranged obliquely. When exhaling, air pushes the valve open to exit; when inhaling, it seals.

Claim 2 - The exhaust part includes an inclined seat. The valve is a rigid plate with a fixed part on the upper edge and a movable part abutting the lower edge.

Claim 3 - The first shell has a positioning portion surrounding the exhaust passage. The second shell has a fastening portion surrounding the fixed column. They fasten together.

Claim 4 - The air inlet is on the side of the second shell along the axis. The air outlet is perpendicular to the axis.

Claim 5 - The second shell has a stopping portion extending outward, forming an exhaust area between it and the fastening portion.

Claim 6 - The mask has a filter wearing part (hemispherical) and a mounting part (flat cut). The shells attach to this flat part. Openings allow flow between channels and the wearing space.

This is a simplified reading for orientation only. The legal scope is defined by the exact claim wording in the official Chinese document.

What this means for US production

This patent was filed in China and is currently in force there. The public record shows no US or other foreign counterpart. Therefore, making or selling this specific design in China requires the owner’s permission. However, since there is no US patent, the design itself does not restrict manufacturing or sales in the United States based on this document alone.

Two points to settle early:

  • Other patents may exist. Powered respirators and mask accessories are a crowded field. Major brands hold patents on similar fan-assisted structures, valve mechanisms, and battery integration. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) review is essential to ensure your specific implementation does not infringe on existing US IP.
  • Component sourcing. The fan, battery, and filter materials must be sourced separately. Their individual certifications (e.g., UL for batteries, FDA/NIOSH for filters if claiming medical/respiratory performance) are critical and independent of this structural patent.

Customization and manufacturing

What can be customized

AreaOptions
Shell MaterialABS, PC, or TPU for flexibility and durability.
Fan TypeBrushless DC motors for longevity; variable speed controls.
Filter MediaHEPA-grade, activated carbon, or electrostatic meltblown layers.
Valve DesignSilicone flaps vs. rigid plates; magnetic return springs.
Battery Capacity500mAh to 2000mAh depending on runtime needs.
Mounting InterfaceClip-on adapters for different mask shapes (N95, cloth, surgical).

Things to plan for (US market)

  • FDA Regulations - If marketed as a medical device (surgical mask), it falls under Class I or II regulations. General wellness claims may avoid strict medical device pathways but still require accurate labeling.
  • NIOSH Approval - If used for occupational respiratory protection (dust, chemicals), the filter component must meet NIOSH standards. The structural attachment must not compromise seal integrity.
  • UN 38.3 / DOT - Lithium-ion batteries require transport testing and labeling.
  • FCC Part 15 - Electronic fans and wireless controllers (if any) must comply with electromagnetic interference rules.
  • CPSC - General consumer product safety requirements apply to electrical components and child-accessible parts.

How a project runs

  1. Inquiry - Define target mask compatibility, battery life, and filtration level.
  2. Design - CAD modeling of housing, airflow simulation, and component selection.
  3. Prototype - 3D-printed housings, off-the-shelf fan/battery integration, functional testing.
  4. Pilot Run - Mold tooling for shells, assembly line setup, quality control checks.
  5. Production - Injection molding, sub-assembly, final packaging.

Quantities & timeline

Injection molds for the two-part shell are the primary upfront cost. Battery and motor lead times vary globally. Certification testing (electrical safety, biocompatibility if applicable) adds 4-8 weeks. Send us your target mask model, battery specs, and volume estimates and we will reply with options.

Production notes

Tooling and process

The housing typically requires injection molding tools for the first and second shells. The intake and exhaust channels are complex geometries, so multi-cavity molds are likely needed for efficiency. Assembly usually involves heat pressing or screw-fastening of the halves, followed by inserting the fan module.

Cost drivers

Mold costs typically dominate initial investment, especially for tight-tolerance air-seal surfaces. High-grade filter media and brushless motors drive per-unit BOM costs. Packaging must protect fragile electronic components, adding material expenses.

Prototyping path

We would start with 3D-printed resin prototypes to verify fitment on target masks. Test airflow using a mannequin head and pressure sensors. Iterate on valve stiffness and seal gaps before committing to steel molds.

What we would change before tooling

We would simplify the separation line geometry if it causes mold undercut issues. We might integrate the fixed column and guide channel into a single molded feature to reduce part count. Ensuring the valve seat angle matches the rigid plate thickness is critical to prevent leakage.

Common failure points

Air leaks around the mounting interface are common if the mask material compresses unevenly. Valve sticking can occur if humidity condenses on the rigid plate. Electrical failures often stem from vibration loosening solder joints on the fan PCB.

Patent drawings

Powered Fan Filter Assembly for Respiratory Masks - Patent Fig. 1
Fig. 1 - Implementation diagram of the mask with the device.
Powered Fan Filter Assembly for Respiratory Masks - Patent Fig. 2
Fig. 2 - Exploded structural view.
Powered Fan Filter Assembly for Respiratory Masks - Patent Fig. 3
Fig. 3 - Cross-sectional view along line 3-3.
Powered Fan Filter Assembly for Respiratory Masks - Patent Fig. 4
Fig. 4 - Usage state schematic (I).
Powered Fan Filter Assembly for Respiratory Masks - Patent Fig. 5
Fig. 5 - Usage state schematic (II).

Drawings reproduced from the public patent document for reference.

Frequently asked questions

Does it fit all masks?

The patent describes a mounting part that is flat-cut on the mask. It works best with structured masks like N95s or bowl-shaped masks that have a solid surface area for the clip-on housing. Soft cloth masks may require a different adapter.

How long does the battery last?

The patent mentions a power supply but does not specify capacity. Runtime depends on fan speed and battery size chosen during design. Typical small fans run for several hours on compact lithium cells, but exact numbers are confirmed on prototypes.

Can I wash the device?

The housing is detachable. The electronic fan and battery modules should not be submerged. The filter material is replaceable. Cleaning instructions depend on the final material choice (e.g., wipe-down for plastic shells).

Does it help with glasses fogging?

By directing exhaled air through a separate exhaust valve rather than letting it escape upward around the cheeks, the design aims to reduce airflow toward the eyes. Effectiveness varies by mask fit and valve seal quality.

Is the noise level high?

The patent does not specify decibel levels. Noise depends on the fan RPM and housing insulation. Low-speed brushless motors are typically quieter, but sound tests are done during prototyping.

Can this design be made and sold in the US?

The patent is in force in China, but the public record shows no US counterpart. This means you are not restricted by this specific patent when manufacturing or selling in the US. However, other US patents may cover similar technology, so a freedom-to-operate check is recommended.

Are you affiliated with the patent owner?

No. IP2M is an independent design and manufacturing service working from the public patent document.

Request a quote

Click Request a Quote below to see our email address - copy it, or open your email app with a ready-made message. Please mention patent CN114190630B in the subject.

Helpful details to include:

  • Your company and channel (medical distributor, outdoor gear brand, industrial supplier)
  • Target mask models and sizes
  • Desired battery life and fan speed
  • Filter type (HEPA, carbon, etc.)
  • Estimated quantity and target price
  • Timeline - when you would like samples and the first shipment

You can also reach us at (332) 203-9997.

Page editor: Emily Zhang, Product Editor · IP2M

Last updated November 6, 2026. If something on this page looks wrong, email [email protected] and we will check it against the patent.

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This page is based on the public patent document CN114190630B, assigned to Jekoro Co ltd. IP2M is an independent manufacturing service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or licensed by the patent owner. Images marked as concept renderings are illustrations, not photos of an existing product. Patent status information is provided for reference only and is not legal advice; confirm freedom to operate for your market before production. Full disclaimer.