Curved Face Shield with Soft Sealing Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing face shields are uncomfortable for extended wear due to bulky designs that obstruct vision and fail to adapt to individual facial contours, leading to fogging and hindered communication.
Innovation Solution
A transparent, curved plastic face shield with a sealing structure of soft material and temples that securely fit over the face without covering the eyes, allowing for comfortable wear and clear vision, while accommodating facial contours and being worn separately from eyewear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a bulky planar face shield is used to protect the face, then protection coverage is improved, but comfort for extended wear deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The face shield transitions from a planar surface to a curved configuration that follows the natural contours of the face. The curved design allows the shield to conform to facial geometry, distributing pressure more evenly and reducing discomfort during extended wear while maintaining protective coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The face shield incorporates different zones with varying properties - the sealing structure uses soft material at contact points for comfort and seal integrity, while the main shield body uses harder transparent material for protection. This localized differentiation allows the shield to provide comprehensive protection while minimizing discomfort at specific contact areas.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a planar face shield is used to protect the face, then protection coverage is improved, but adaptability to facial contours deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The face shield is designed with curved surfaces that match the natural contours of the face. This curvature allows the shield to adapt to individual facial geometries, providing a customized fit that enhances both protection coverage and comfort without requiring multiple sizes or adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing structure incorporates flexible or soft material that can dynamically adjust to the unique contours of each user's face. This dynamic adaptation allows the shield to conform to variations in facial shape and size, ensuring consistent protection and comfort across different users.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the face shield covers both nose and eyes, then protection coverage is improved, but vision clarity deteriorates due to fogging
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the sealing function from the main shield body by positioning the sealing structure specifically at the nose bridge area rather than covering the entire face including eyes. This separation allows the shield to provide comprehensive protection while minimizing contact with the eye region, thereby reducing fogging and maintaining vision clarity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If an opaque or translucent face shield is used, then protection coverage is improved, but communication effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The face shield uses transparent or highly translucent material that allows light to pass through, maintaining visibility of the wearer's facial features. This optical property enables listeners to see visual cues such as lip movements and facial expressions, preserving communication effectiveness while still providing protection coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
An item of personal protective equipment includes a face shield having a transparent plastic element configured to fit over a person's face below the person's eyes, and wherein the bottom of edge of the plastic element is shaped to match contours of the person's face at the person's chin, a sealing structure comprising a portion of soft material coupled to the top edge of the plastic element such that the portion of soft material contacts the person's face below the person's eyes, thereby creating a seal, wherein the sealing structure comprises an elongated strip with a U-shaped cross section and a flap that extends from a top of the sealing structure towards the person's face, and a left temple coupled to a left side of the plastic element and a right temple coupled to a right side of the plastic element.