Unitary Face Shield With Lateral Tabs And Ventilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved face shield that can be easily and comfortably worn to mitigate the spread of communicable diseases, offering greater protection than conventional masks and being reusable and easy to clean, while also reducing the risk of autoinoculation by preventing face contact.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost, unitary protective shield designed for attachment to headwear with a brim, featuring an elongate slot for brim reception, an upper suspension strap portion, and a lower protective portion that extends over the eyes, nose, and mouth, with lateral tabs for secure engagement, and optional features like silver layers for antimicrobial properties and ventilation to prevent fogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If face shields are designed to extend over the eyes, nose and mouth to provide greater coverage, then protection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The face shield is divided into multiple functional segments: a brim-engaging slot for attachment, an upper suspension strap portion for positioning, a lower protective portion for face coverage, and lateral tabs for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall design and manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The unitary panel serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the protective barrier, incorporates attachment mechanisms for headwear, includes suspension straps for positioning, and integrates lateral tabs for securing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If face shields are made as reusable and cleanable components, then durability is improved, but ease of manufacture may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The face shield employs a composite structure combining a clear panel material that is both durable and cleanable with integrated attachment features. The unitary construction allows the shield to be manufactured as a single piece that can withstand repeated cleaning while maintaining its protective properties and structural integrity.
3Reliability
If lateral tabs with adhesive are added for secure engagement, then reliability of attachment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral tabs are integrated directly into the unitary panel as inherent features rather than separate components. The adhesive is applied to these tabs during manufacturing, combining the attachment mechanism with the shield structure itself. This merging approach secures reliable attachment while avoiding the complexity of separate tab components.
Data Source
AI summary
A protective shield for use with headgear includes a unitary panel having a protective portion including opposing first and surfaces The unitary panel additionally includes at least one lateral tab connectable to the headgear. The protective portion is sized to extend over the face of a user when the at least one lateral tab is connected to the headgear and the headgear is worn on the user's head. The unitary panel is selectively connectable to the headgear in at least one of a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the at least one lateral tab is connected to the headgear such that the first surface assumes a convex configuration and faces away from the user. In the second configuration, the at least one lateral tab is connected to the headgear such that the first surface assumes a concave configuration and faces toward from the user.