PAPR Face Shield with Foam Frame and Self-Adhesive Straps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional PAPR systems are expensive, heavy, bulky, and uncomfortable, often failing to form a proper seal, leading to inefficiencies in protecting against airborne pathogens and allergens, and existing masks lack adjustability and ease of use, especially during physical activities.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, one-size-fits-all PAPR system featuring a transparent face shield with an interior tubular foam frame, flexible self-adhesive strap members, and a HEPA filter bag that houses an automated air pump and filter, allowing for easy assembly and use, with a design that accommodates eyewear and allows for eating and drinking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional PAPR systems are used, then protection against airborne pathogens is provided, but the systems are expensive, heavy, and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The PAPR system is divided into separate components: a lightweight face shield with foam frame for sealing, a HEPA filter bag containing the pump, and flexible strap members. This segmentation allows the heavy pumping mechanism to be isolated in a removable bag while the face shield remains lightweight and comfortable.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump and filter components are nested within the HEPA filter bag, which serves as both the housing and filtration system. This nesting consolidates heavy components into a single contained unit that can be easily removed and replaced, reducing the overall system burden on the wearer.
2Reliability
If traditional PAPR systems are used, then protection against airborne pathogens is provided, but the systems are expensive and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The face shield serves multiple functions: it provides the sealing surface, holds the foam frame for strap attachment, and integrates the air inlet. The HEPA filter bag simultaneously houses the pump, filter media, and control mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The HEPA filter bag is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable unit. When the filter media becomes saturated or the pump fails, the entire bag is discarded and replaced, eliminating the need for complex repair procedures and reducing overall system cost.
3Reliability
If traditional masks are used, then some protection is provided, but they cause discomfort and fail to achieve adequate seal
Solution Approach 1:
The foam frame is applied locally at the perimeter of the face shield where sealing is needed, rather than covering the entire face. This localized foam application provides the necessary seal while maintaining breathability and comfort across the rest of the facial area.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible strap members with self-adhesive tape allow dynamic adjustment to accommodate different face shapes and sizes. The straps can be positioned and adhered at various locations to achieve optimal seal and comfort for each wearer, making the system adaptable rather than fixed.
4Reliability
If N95 mask is worn tightly to prevent leakage, then protection is improved, but suffocating effect results due to lack of moving air
Solution Approach 1:
The automated pump provides continuous forced air flow through the HEPA filter and into the face shield cavity, ensuring constant air movement and preventing the suffocating effect. This continuous air supply maintains positive pressure while ensuring adequate oxygenation for the wearer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic pressure from the automated pump to force filtered air through the face shield and out through the exhaust valve. This pneumatic action creates controlled air flow that maintains seal integrity while preventing air stagnation and suffocation.
5Reliability
If face mask is adjusted frequently to improve fit, then seal effectiveness is improved, but user contacts hands to face increasing exposure risk
Solution Approach 1:
The self-adhesive strap members are designed to be adjusted once during initial donning, then remain securely in place without requiring further adjustment. The adhesive property ensures the straps maintain their position and the seal remains effective throughout use, eliminating the need for frequent hand contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-adhesive straps automatically secure themselves to the face shield and head without requiring manual adjustment or intervention during use. The system maintains its own seal integrity through the adhesive property, reducing the need for user interaction that could compromise safety.
6Reliability
If conventional face shield is worn with face mask, then protection is improved, but comfort is reduced due to intensified problems
Solution Approach 1:
The face shield is made from flexible, thin transparent material that contours to the face shape without creating pressure points or fogging. This flexible shell design allows for natural facial movements and breathing while maintaining the protective barrier, improving comfort compared to rigid conventional shields.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam frame acts as an intermediary between the face shield and the wearer's face, providing the sealing function without requiring direct contact between the rigid shield and facial features. This intermediate foam layer distributes pressure and accommodates facial irregularities, improving comfort.
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 provides effective protection against airborne contaminants while being comfortable and easy to use, reducing the need for bulky supportive gear and offering improved mobility and visibility, with a low air supply volume that prevents suffocation and allows for fresh air intake.
Implementation Method 1
HEPA filter bag that houses an automated air pump and filter
Implementation Method 2
automated air pump
Implementation Method 3
interior tubular foam frame
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) system with a transparent multi-use face shield, a foam frame attached to the interior face of the face shield, a flexible hose secured within a hole bore through the foam frame, a portable air filtering enclosure and a pump contained therein that introduces filtered air into the system through the flexible hose, and a non-woven HEPA cloth carry bag that also functions as an air filter. The face shield features a fastener system that includes flexible straps made from a transparent, flexible, non-stick, and self-adhesive releasable tape. The invention provides the user eye protection and respiratory protection from direct fluid spray, flying debris, unclean air, unhealthy airborne contaminants, including SARS-CoV-2 and other harmful viruses or pathogens.