Integrated Filter and Eye Shield for Airtight Respiratory Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective devices, such as masks and face shields, often fail to provide an airtight seal around the mouth and nose, do not protect the eyes, and are cumbersome to use, leading to reduced compliance in hazardous environments.
Innovation Solution
A protective device with a filter assembly that forms airtight compartments around the mouth and nose, incorporates a one-way valve, and includes an eye shield, along with features like UV-C LEDs and communication circuits for enhanced protection and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mask is worn to protect from airborne material, then protection from inhalation is improved, but communication difficulty increases and visibility of the user's mouth is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into separate functional zones: a transparent window area for mouth visibility, a filtered breathing area with HEPA filtration, and a valve area for exhalation. This segmentation allows the mask to simultaneously provide protection, maintain communication visibility, and enable easy conversation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mask have different properties: the front portion features a transparent window for visibility and communication, while the breathing areas incorporate high-efficiency filtration. The exhalation valve is positioned strategically to direct breath away from the transparent area, maintaining both protection and communication ease.
2Reliability
If a mask is designed to form an airtight seal around the mouth and nose, then protection effectiveness is improved, but ease of putting on and taking off deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mask incorporates elastic head straps that dynamically adjust to fit different head sizes and shapes, creating an airtight seal without requiring complex fastening mechanisms. The flexible material allows the mask to conform to the user's face, ensuring protection while enabling easy donning and doffing.
3Reliability
If a mask covers the mouth and nose area, then protection from inhalation is improved, but visibility of the user's mouth for communication is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is segmented into a transparent window portion that covers the mouth area and separate filtration zones. This allows the mouth to remain visible for lip-reading and communication while the surrounding areas provide HEPA filtration protection.
4Reliability
If protective devices are made comprehensive to protect both mouth/nose and eyes, then overall protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges a face mask with eye protection into a single integrated device. The mask structure incorporates eye shields or goggles that are securely attached to the same head straps and frame, providing comprehensive protection for both the respiratory system and eyes without requiring separate devices.
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 device provides effective isolation from airborne materials, reduces fogging, facilitates communication, and enhances user comfort, encouraging consistent use in environments where protection is necessary.
Implementation Method 1
a one-way valve positioned in a center portion of the filter assembly and coupled to the proximal layer of the filter assembly, the valve configured to allow air to pass through the valve from the proximal side of the filter assembly to the distal side of the filter assembly
Implementation Method 2
The filter assembly comprises a filter; a proximal layer and a distal layer where the proximal layer is positioned closer to the user than the distal layer, the proximal layer and the distal layer each having a plurality of perforations that allow air to pass through
Implementation Method 3
a seal positioned along a peripheral edge of the filter assembly, the filter assembly and the seal defining a first safety compartment for enclosing a user's mouth and nose
Implementation Method 4
UV-C light emitting diode (LED) positioned to emit UV-C radiation on a portion of the distal surface of the filter
Data Source
AI summary
A protection device for preventing exposure to undesired airborne material. The device including a filter assembly having a filter, and a proximal and a distal layer configured to hold the filter sandwiched between the proximal layer and the distal layer, a one-way valve positioned in the filter assembly and coupled to the proximal layer of the filter assembly, and a seal positioned along a peripheral edge of the filter assembly, the filter assembly and the seal defining a first safety compartment for enclosing a user's mouth and nose. The device can include an eye shield assembly having a skirt extending from the filter assembly and positioned distal to the seal, an optically transparent eye shield coupled to the skirt to form a continuous surface from the filter assembly to a top portion of the eye shield, and a frame coupled to the frame assembly and eye shield assembly.