Disposable Helmet Hood Assembly With Airflow Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal protective equipment (PPE) for first responders and surgical personnel fails to provide effective isolation from viral and bacterial contamination, particularly during surgical procedures and viral pandemics, and does not adequately address face shield contamination from fluids.
Innovation Solution
Single-use, disposable helmets and hoods with integrated fans and UVC lights, designed to create a separate air space and prevent contamination, featuring collapsible designs and moisture-resistant materials for ease of use and superior protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional PPE is used during surgical procedures, then basic protection is provided, but effective isolation from viral and bacterial contamination is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The PPE system is divided into separate functional modules: helmet with face shield, hood, and integrated fan system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while maintaining overall system reliability for viral and bacterial isolation
Solution Approach 2:
A fan-mediated air flow system is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the external environment and the protected space. The fan creates controlled air circulation that actively prevents viral and bacterial contamination, enhancing protection effectiveness beyond passive barriers
2Reliability
If face shields are used during surgery, then basic fluid protection is provided, but contamination from fluids cannot be effectively prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The fan operates continuously during surgical procedures to maintain constant air flow across the face shield surface. This continuous action prevents fluid contamination by directing air flow that repels fluids while simultaneously preventing fogging, ensuring both protection reliability and clear visibility throughout the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The fan creates a pneumatic barrier using air flow to prevent liquid fluids from contacting the face shield. The controlled air current acts as an invisible protective layer that repels blood and other surgical fluids while maintaining visibility through the shield
3Duration of action of stationary object
If non-disposable PPE is used, then durability is improved, but cross-contamination risk during multiple procedures is not eliminated
Solution Approach 1:
The helmet, hood, and fan assembly are designed as disposable single-use PPE. After one surgical procedure, the entire assembly is discarded, eliminating any risk of cross-contamination between patients while maintaining protection effectiveness during the duration of each individual procedure
4Volume of stationary object
If compact packaging is used for disposable helmets, then storage efficiency is improved, but device assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hood is nested within the helmet structure during packaging, with the fan assembly and other components compactly arranged within the helmet volume. This nesting arrangement minimizes packaging volume for storage and shipping while maintaining ease of assembly during use, as components are pre-positioned for simple attachment
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 helmets and hoods provide complete protection against viral and bacterial contamination, ensuring clear visibility through fog-free face shields and minimizing the risk of cross-contamination during medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a fan to move air across a face shield to prevent moisture accumulation
Implementation Method 2
one or more UVC lights to emit ultraviolet C light for disinfection
Data Source
AI summary
Hood assemblies with disposable hoods are provided. In one implementation, a single-use, disposable hood includes a hood material sized to extend over a user's head and down to a neck/shoulder region of the user. The hood material includes a face shield opening extending through the hood material, a lower edge extending along a lower periphery of the hood material, and an air inlet hole through the hood material. The hood further includes an air inlet structure surrounding the air inlet hole, the air inlet structure having a base structure shaped as a truncated cone and a base aperture substantially aligned with the air inlet hole. The air inlet structure further includes an extension structure extending outward from the base structure, the extension structure having multiple vertical extensions arranged substantially perpendicular to the base structure and a ring structure attached to opposite ends of the vertical extensions from the base structure.