Face Shield Air-Barrier Structure for Breathable Droplet Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional respiratory masks and face shields are uncomfortable, obstruct breathing, require removal for eating or drinking, and do not effectively protect against inhalation of harmful substances or pathogens when used together.

Innovation Solution

A face shield using a fluid dynamic protective barrier with air blades and purifying filters creates an invisible, interactive air barrier that protects the face from respiratory droplets and inhalation of harmful substances, allows eating/drinking without removal, and includes sensors for activation/deactivation based on environmental conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a solid protective shield is used, then protection against respiratory droplets is improved, but comfort and breathability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection effectivenessVSAvoidcomfort and breathability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies pneumatic principles by using a flow of air (fluid dynamic barrier) instead of a solid shield to protect the face. The air flow creates a protective barrier that is invisible and breathable, allowing air passage while blocking respiratory droplets through fluid dynamic properties rather than solid obstruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state and properties of the protective barrier from solid to fluid dynamic. By controlling air flow parameters (velocity, pressure, direction), the system creates a protective barrier that maintains protection effectiveness while enabling breathability and comfort, representing a fundamental parameter change in the protective mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the face shield covers the entire face, then protection coverage is improved, but breathing comfort and sweating worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection coverageVSAvoidbreathing comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The air flow barrier allows full facial coverage protection while maintaining breathability across the entire face. Unlike solid shields that completely block air passage, the fluid dynamic barrier permits air flow through the protected area, preventing suffocation and reducing facial sweating by allowing evaporative cooling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If respiratory masks and face shields are used together, then protection against inhalation and droplet contact is improved, but device complexity and discomfort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive protectionVSAvoidequipment structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air flow barrier system performs multiple protective functions simultaneously: it blocks respiratory droplets, prevents inhalation of harmful substances, and allows breathability. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate respiratory masks and face shields, simplifying the overall equipment while maintaining comprehensive protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If conventional face shields are used, then protection against droplet contact is improved, but adaptability for eating and drinking deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedroplet contact protectionVSAvoideating and drinking capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The air flow barrier is a dynamic protective system that can be adjusted or temporarily modified to allow eating and drinking activities. Unlike rigid solid shields, the fluid dynamic barrier can be locally disrupted or redirected to permit food and beverage passage while maintaining overall protection, providing adaptability for daily activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Provides comfortable, continuous protection against respiratory droplets and inhalation of harmful substances, facilitates breathing, reduces sweating, and enables eating/drinking without removal, while being ergonomic for various users.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid dynamic protective barrier, shaped to cover the entire face of the user, held in place by elastic straps or bands

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid dynamic barrier:

Implementation Method 2

purifying filters creates an invisible, interactive air barrier that protects the face from respiratory droplets and inhalation of harmful substances

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4255585B1A face shield

Publication Date: 2025.10.01 VISIONAIR LAB SRL

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AI summary

The invention relates to a face shield (V) comprising a structure (1) for application and fastening to the head of a user (U), and comprising: - at least one fan (2), associated with the structure (1 ) for application and fastening; - a first manifold (3), in fluid connection with the at least one fan (2), with an indicatively arched shape, comprising a slot (6) positioned at its base which runs along it substantially for the whole of its length; - operating controls and battery operated electrical power supply means, where said manifold (3) coacts with said at least one fan (2) to create an air blade (L) exiting from said slot (6) around the face of the user (U).