Pivotable Face Shield Clip Assembly for Stable Open-Close Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing face shields are often static, uncomfortable, costly, and fail to adapt to different headgear types, with open bottoms allowing droplet escape, and do not provide effective protection against noxious airborne substances.
Innovation Solution
A selectively pivotable face shield device with a resiliently deformable material and clip members that securely engage headgear, allowing pivoting between open and closed configurations to block airborne substances, featuring a curved bottom to prevent droplet escape and comfortable wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a face shield is made static and fixed to headgear, then it provides stable protection, but it cannot be adjusted or removed easily and is uncomfortable for extended wear
Solution Approach 1:
The face shield is designed with a pivotable connection to the headgear, allowing it to rotate between a closed protective position and an open removed position. This dynamic mechanism enables the shield to transition from a fixed static state to a movable state, resolving the contradiction between stable protection and ease of adjustment/removal.
2Reliability
If a face shield is adapted for specific headgear types, then it provides secure attachment, but it cannot be used with different headgear and lacks versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear is designed with universal attachment features that can accommodate multiple types of headgear (hats, helmets, goggles, etc.). The clip members can securely attach to various headgear types while maintaining the same protective function, enabling one face shield design to serve multiple purposes and different users.
3Ease of operation
If the bottom of the face shield is open, then it allows easy breathing and visibility, but it permits droplets to escape straight down
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom portion of the face shield is curved rather than straight, creating a curved barrier that redirects droplets away from the user's face. This curvature maintains the open bottom design for breathing and visibility while the angled surface prevents droplets from escaping straight down, redirecting them to the sides instead.
4Strength
If a face shield is made from heavy materials for durability, then it provides strong protection, but it becomes uncomfortable for extended wear
Solution Approach 1:
The face shield utilizes a thin, flexible transparent material that provides adequate protection while minimizing weight. This thin film approach maintains the protective barrier function without requiring heavy rigid materials, enabling comfortable extended wear while still providing durable protection against droplets and airborne substances.
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 protection against noxious airborne substances, enhances comfort, allows easy attachment to various headgear, and reduces droplet escape, while being reusable and easy to clean.
Implementation Method 1
The face shield member may preferably be shaped to define stop members constructed of a resiliently deformable material
Implementation Method 2
The face shield member may preferably be gravity-biased towards the closed configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A face shield includes a clear front portion, stop members, and side portions with pivot holes. A device includes clip members with pivot knobs that extend outward through the pivot holes. The shield pivotably engages the clip members. The clip members are securable to user headgear. The shield can be pivoted between open and closed configurations. Although it is gravity-biased towards the closed configuration, the shield can be pivoted past the stop members into the open configuration. In the open configuration, the stop members withstand the aforesaid gravity-biasing and keep the shield in the open configuration. The stop members can be resiliently deformed to permit pivoting of the shield from the open configuration towards the closed configuration. The shield is formed from a flat plastic sheet, with notches that engage mating tongues to keep it in a folded configuration.