Dual-Configuration Air Filtration Visor for Respiratory Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air delivery systems, such as masks and face shields, face challenges including discomfort, ineffective filtration due to poor fit, and inconvenience when eating or drinking, while also lacking comprehensive filtration of both inhaled and exhaled air.
Innovation Solution
An air delivery system comprising a visor with an air filtration assembly that includes a fan, anode, filter, and cathode layers, capable of dual configurations to provide filtered air either to the user or to the environment, with a filtration mode indicator for visual confirmation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a close facial fit is achieved through elastic straps, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to accumulation of exhaled breath and extended wear discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The face shield is divided into separate functional zones: an upper fixed portion and a lower adjustable portion that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the upper portion to maintain a sealed fit for effective filtration while the lower portion can be adjusted for comfort, resolving the contradiction between filtration effectiveness and comfort during extended wear.
2Reliability
If the mask covers mouth and nose continuously, then filtration of inhaled air is improved, but convenience deteriorates due to need to repeatedly remove and replace when eating or drinking
Solution Approach 1:
The lower portion of the face shield is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing users to reposition or remove it temporarily when eating or drinking, while the upper portion remains in place to maintain continuous filtration of inhaled air. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between continuous filtration coverage and convenience during meals.
3Reliability
If face shields are made bulky to provide comprehensive protection, then protection effectiveness is improved, but comfort and simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The face shield uses a segmented design with a lightweight upper portion and a separate lower portion, allowing comprehensive protection without bulk. The segmentation enables each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall lightness and comfort, resolving the contradiction between protection effectiveness and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The face shield employs thin, flexible barrier materials that provide effective protection without adding bulk or weight. These thin film structures maintain protection effectiveness while ensuring comfort for extended wear, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive protection and simplicity.
4Reliability
If active mechanisms are incorporated to filter and pressurize air, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The face shield utilizes the user's own breath as the driving force for air filtration, eliminating the need for external power sources or complex active mechanisms. The passive design allows breath to naturally flow through the filter layers, providing effective filtration without increasing device complexity or cost, thus resolving the contradiction between filtration effectiveness and construction simplicity.
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 system effectively filters both inhaled and exhaled air, providing comfort and convenience by eliminating the need for frequent adjustments and ensuring continuous filtration without compromising airflow.
Implementation Method 1
fabricated from an electrostatically charged web of non-woven material such as polypropylene or other suitable non-conductive polymers
Implementation Method 2
a fan having an air inlet and an air outlet
Data Source
AI summary
An air delivery system includes a visor having an outer peripheral edge and an inner peripheral edge. An air filtration assembly is removably mounted above an opening in the visor between the outer and inner peripheral edges, the air filtration assembly comprising a fan having an air inlet and an air outlet, an anode layer disposed over the air inlet, a filter layer disposed over the anode layer and a cathode layer disposed over the filter layer. In a first configuration, the air filtration assembly provides air flow toward an inner surface of the visor and, in a second configuration, the air filtration assembly provides air flow away from an outer surface of the visor. The air filtration assembly includes a mode actuator configured to control operation of a filtration mode indicator in dependence upon positioning of the air filtration assembly in the first or second configuration.