Pathogen Containment Shield with Filtration and Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plexiglass shields are ineffective in containing and reducing airborne pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, as they allow droplets to escape over or around the barrier, posing a risk to employees and customers, especially in face-to-face interactions.
Innovation Solution
A uniquely shaped plexiglass containment shield with integrated filtration technology, including UV-C light, tourmaline, and antimicrobial HEPA filters, along with a fan or vacuum system and auto sensors, directs and reduces pathogen droplets, and is designed to be more effective and reasonable in cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple plexiglass barrier is used, then the cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but pathogen containment effectiveness deteriorates as droplets escape over or around the shield
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is divided into multiple functional segments: a vertical plexiglass barrier, an upper outwardly extending portion, side portions or wings, and a separate filtration box. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall effectiveness and reasonable manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A filtration box with UV-C light, HEPA filters, and tourmaline is introduced as an intermediary component between the droplet-containing area and the protected area. This intermediary actively neutralizes pathogens that escape the physical barrier, resolving the contradiction by adding a layer of protection without requiring complete redesign of the basic shield structure.
2Device complexity
If a plexiglass shield without filtration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but pathogen reduction capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration box serves multiple functions: physical filtration via HEPA filters, chemical/biological neutralization via UV-C light and tourmaline, and active air circulation via fan or vacuum means. This multi-functionality addresses various pathogen transmission mechanisms within a single integrated component, reducing the need for multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates an auto distant sensor and programmable auto timer that enable the filtration box to automatically activate when a customer approaches and automatically turn off after a pre-set time. This self-service capability reduces operational complexity while maintaining continuous protection during active use.
3Extent of automation
If manual operation of filtration system is used, then automation level is reduced, but energy consumption and operational complexity are improved
Solution Approach 1:
The filtration system operates periodically rather than continuously - the auto distant sensor detects customer presence and activates the filtration box only during these periods. The programmable auto timer ensures automatic shutdown after a pre-set time following customer departure. This periodic operation maintains high automation while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
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 solution significantly reduces the transmission of pathogens by effectively containing and killing airborne pathogens, providing enhanced protection for both employees and customers through automatic activation and deactivation based on presence and presence duration.
Implementation Method 1
The filtration box uses UV-C light, tourmaline and antimicrobial HEPA and CoolVision filters designed to reduce pathogens in the air
Implementation Method 2
antimicrobial HEPA and CoolVision filters designed to reduce pathogens in the air
Implementation Method 3
A fan or vacuum means may be used in conjunction with the shield to direct droplets into the filtration box
Data Source
AI summary
A pathogen containment shield comprises a plexiglass barrier to protect both employees on the one side of the barrier from infecting or being infected by customers on the other side of the barrier. The shield includes a vertical portion with an upper outwardly extending portion and side wings extending outwardly from the vertical portion in the direction of the customer. A hood mounted to the upper outwardly extending portion and including a tourmaline and antimicrobial infused filter, a fan designed to direct droplets into the filtration box at the base of the vertical barrier. The hood also includes an auto distance sensor and programmable auto timer to activate the fans and the filtration box when a customer approaches the shield and to turn off the operation a set time after the customer leaves. The filtration box includes a removable tourmaline and antimicrobial infused intake filter and pathogen killing UV-C light.