Filtered Mask Assembly with Airtight Seal and Eye Shield
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 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, includes a transparent eye shield, and incorporates a one-way valve and UV-C LEDs to sanitize air, while allowing easy attachment to the head with temple arms and ear supports for improved comfort and communication.
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 mouth is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into separate functional components: a transparent face shield for visibility and communication, a filtered breathing apparatus for protection, and an eye shield for ocular protection. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall protection and communication capability.
2Reliability
If a mask is designed to form an airtight seal, then protection effectiveness is improved, but ease of putting on and taking off deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mask components are designed as separate, easily attachable segments that can be put on and removed independently. The face shield, breathing apparatus, and eye shield can be assembled and disassembled without requiring complex manipulation, maintaining airtight seals through simple gasket-based connections.
3Reliability
If protective devices are designed to protect mouth and nose, then inhalation protection is improved, but eye protection is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges three separate protective functions into a single integrated device: respiratory protection through the filtered breathing apparatus, facial visibility and communication through the transparent face shield, and ocular protection through the eye shield. This combination provides comprehensive protection against airborne materials while maintaining communication capability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a face shield is added to protect eyes, then eye protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device is segmented into modular components including a face shield, breathing apparatus, and eye shield that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This modular segmentation simplifies the overall device complexity by allowing each component to be optimized separately and connected through standardized interfaces with gaskets.
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 enhanced protection by ensuring filtered air intake, safeguards the eyes, and facilitates communication, increasing user compliance by reducing the hassle of wearing protective gear.
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
UV-C light emitting diode (LED) positioned to emit UV-C radiation on a portion of the distal surface of the filter. UV-C LED's are a class of LED's that emit UV-C radiation, which refers to a class of ultraviolet energy wavelengths that have a unique ability to kill viruses, bacteria, mold, and other pathogens
Implementation Method 3
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
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.