Contoured Face Shield with Soft Contact Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional face shields are uncomfortable for extended wear due to bulkiness and fogging issues, and they do not adapt well to individual facial contours, obstructing vision and requiring adjustments with other eyewear.
Innovation Solution
A face shield with a curved transparent planar plastic element, soft plastic contact points, and elastic bands that fit around the head, ensuring a snug, fog-free fit without covering the eyes, allowing compatibility with glasses or goggles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a planar face shield is used to protect the face, then protection coverage is improved, but comfort for extended wear deteriorates due to bulkiness
Solution Approach 1:
The face shield transitions from a planar surface to a contoured shape that curves to match the natural contours of the face. This curvature allows the shield to conform to the face's geometry, reducing bulkiness while maintaining protective coverage, thereby improving comfort for extended wear periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The face shield incorporates different material properties in different regions: softer materials are used in areas that contact the face directly to improve comfort, while more rigid materials are used in areas requiring structural integrity and protection. This localized variation in material quality resolves the contradiction between protection and comfort.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a planar face shield covers the nose and eyes for protection, then protection coverage is improved, but vision clarity deteriorates due to frequent fogging
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the face shield coverage away from the eye area, creating a configuration that protects the nose and lower face while leaving the eye region exposed or partially exposed. This separation eliminates the fogging problem that occurs when shields cover the eyes, maintaining vision clarity while preserving essential protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The contoured design curves the shield to follow facial anatomy, naturally directing it away from the eye area. This curvature allows the shield to protect vulnerable areas like the nose and cheeks while maintaining clear vision by avoiding direct coverage of the eyes, thus preventing fogging-related vision obstruction.
3Ease of manufacture
If a standardized face shield design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to individual facial contours deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The face shield employs region-specific material properties and contoured shapes tailored to different facial areas. Softer, more flexible materials are applied to regions requiring conformability to individual facial contours, while maintaining overall structural integrity. This localized differentiation enables adaptability to various face shapes without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a comfortable, fog-free, and adaptable personal protective equipment that can be worn for extended periods without obstructing vision, accommodating various facial contours and allowing simultaneous use with other eyewear.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic band coupled to a left side and a right side of the planar plastic element, wherein the elastic band is configured to extend around the person's head and secure the face shield to the person's face
Data Source
AI summary
An item of personal protective equipment including a face shield. The face shield includes a transparent planar plastic element that extends from below the eyes to the chin configured to have a portion shaped and sized to match the contours of a person's face. The face shield further includes a soft plastic portion that comes into contact with person's face below the eyes, and a retention mechanism, such as an elastic band or temples, affixed to the face shield allowing the face shield to be retained on the face of the person in a manner that prevents exposure to viruses/diseases while avoiding obstruction of the person's eyes.