Why : There are multiple solutions to resolve the opacity of current masks. They are all real jewelry of technology, but that says jewelry says expensive. Also I would like to offer you a solution for less than one euro and reusable a large number of times, that a maker can manufacture is even.

What : I propose an alternative solution, to allow the greatest number of people to choose a simple choice that can encourage us to meet the expectations of the deaf and hard of hearing.

How : With a Joker Smile ;-).

Oh What's ? OK, like this, it is difficult to get a good idea of the solution.

And Now ?

I have two smile models, one for children (the smallest) and another for adults.

There are 4 parts to print (in 3D, for each model) and 6 parts to assemble. Among the 4 parts, we have the facade and the 3 others which will seal and give shape to the object. You will have to cut out of a plastic film of 200 microns the external shape corresponding to part 2. And you will have to equip yourself with a mask (paper or fabric) which you will cut once the assembly is finished. 

It is therefore possible to make a flat print without support to save material and optimize printing time.The adult model weighs less than 20 grams.

For assembly, the mask correctly positioned on your face (as high as possible on your nose without meeting genes), wrap the nose well, mark the position of the opening of your mouth. Then, take the mask, the plastic film and the part 2 (clips upwards) one on the other, come to position inside the mask this assembly so that half of the interior vertical parts of the shape of the smile coincides with the mark made previously. Slide part 1 under the mask (clips up), keeping the mounting position, fix the upper part of the assembly in part 1, stretch the skin of the mask, clip the lower part, then clip the parts 3 and 4 and shape the folding mask of all the assembled parts. Finally, cut the part of the mask that is on the plastic film.

It can be removed and can be mounted on another mask. As long as you use a mask, it should not be disassembled, you should be able to wash it assembled with the mask.

It is very light to wear, we hardly feel any difference with the mask alone. But after a certain number of minutes of chatting, it is important to be able to clean the plastic film, as for the other solutions.

And of course, it will be important to test it with deaf and hard of hearing people and in the conditions of use for which it is manufactured.

Then: After modification of parts 1 and 2 and 4, part 3 could allow us to make these models universal and make part 3 a block with several thicknesses depending on the thickness of the mask. Perhaps increase the curvature of the mask, to avoid raising the edges.

Manufacturing :

• Recommended Materials: PETG (or PLA).
• Recommended Machines: 3D printers​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ with:
  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​layer height​​​​​​​ : 0,25 mm
  • wall thickness​​​​​​​ : 3 mm