PAPR Frame Modular Assembly for Respiratory Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing PAPR designs are time-consuming to clean and maintain, limit user vision, require frequent battery charging, need air filter replacements, are fragile, cumbersome, and cause claustrophobia, while being labor-intensive to wear and not accommodating large headgear.

Innovation Solution

The PAPR Frame allows assembly from off-the-shelf elements, featuring a transparent face shield and hat visor for unobstructed vision, a remote air source eliminating battery needs and filter replacements, and a modular design for easy maintenance and comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing PAPR designs use multiple mechanical components and tight-fitting face-pieces, then protection factor is improved, but cleaning time and maintenance complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection factorVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The PAPR system is divided into separate functional modules: a reusable power unit with blower and battery, and a disposable face mask assembly with filter. This segmentation allows the complex power unit to be cleaned separately while the disposable mask eliminates the need for complex cleaning of filtration components, reducing overall cleaning time and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The face mask assembly with filter cartridges is designed as a disposable component that is replaced rather than cleaned. This eliminates the 30+ minute cleaning process required for reusable masks and removes the need for complex cleaning procedures, while maintaining high protection factors through quality disposable filtration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If existing PAPR designs use enclosed headgear and tight-fitting masks, then protection is improved, but user vision and field of view are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprotectionVSAvoidfield of vision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the protective function (face mask covering nose and mouth) from the visual field requirement (transparent shield covering eyes). This segmentation allows the mask to provide tight sealing for respiratory protection while the transparent shield maintains unobstructed vision, resolving the contradiction between protection and visibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If existing PAPR designs use battery-operated blowers, then portability is improved, but battery life is limited and frequent recharging is required

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveportabilityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The face mask assembly is designed as a disposable unit that is replaced after a single use or short service period. This eliminates the need for recharging batteries in the field, as the entire mask assembly including any integrated power components is discarded and replaced, ensuring continuous operation without interruption for charging

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Reliability

If existing PAPR designs use air filters with specific micron size, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but periodic replacement creates sourcing and inventory complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiltration effectivenessVSAvoidinventory management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter cartridges are integrated into the face mask assembly as a single unified disposable unit. This merging of filtration components with the mask structure eliminates the need for separate filter inventory management, as the entire assembly is replaced together, simplifying sourcing and inventory while maintaining high filtration effectiveness through quality cartridge selection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

5Strength

If existing PAPR designs use robust construction, then durability is improved, but weight and comfort are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidmask weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The face mask assembly is designed as a lightweight disposable unit optimized for comfort during wear, without the need for heavy-duty reusable construction. This allows use of lighter materials and simpler structures that would be insufficient for reusable applications, significantly reducing weight and improving comfort while maintaining adequate protection for the intended service life

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS20220314040A1PAPR Frame

Publication Date: 2022.10.06 ACOMB DONALD

AI summary

The PAPR Frame is a low cost solution that allows the assembly of a PAPR Device from readily available off-the-shelf elements. To assemble the PAPR Device, a face shield is inserted into the PAPR Frame. To utilize the PAPR Device, a user inserts the visor of a hat into the PAPR Frame and wears the hat. The PAPR Device may further comprise tubing segments; the tubing segments are inserted into tubing apertures arranged through a top curved piece of the PAPR Frame. The PAPR Device may also further comprise one or two sound attenuation structures, which are used to dampen the potential noise generated by the air flow within the PAPR Device.