PPE Adapter Mounting for AR Face Shields Without Camera Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing AR devices and lighting systems face challenges when used in surgical environments with full PPE, particularly due to the interference of face shields with spatial imaging systems, specifically the center camera, leading to performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A PPE adapter system that allows AR devices and lighting systems to be used with face shields by rotating the devices to minimize interference with the center camera, using sliding adapters and hook-and-loop fasteners for secure attachment, and optimizing the angle of the face shield to reduce reflections and refractivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a face shield is worn during surgical procedures, then protection against contamination is improved, but spatial imaging performance deteriorates due to interference with the center camera
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter system divides the mounting interface into multiple attachment points distributed around the periphery of the AR device, away from the center camera location. This segmentation allows the face shield to be secured without blocking the camera's field of view, resolving the contradiction between protection and imaging performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter system extends the mounting interface to three-dimensional locations on the AR device housing, utilizing spatial dimensions away from the optical path. This allows face shield attachment without interference with the center camera, maintaining both protection and imaging quality.
2Measurement precision
If the AR device is rotated to minimize face shield interference, then spatial imaging performance is improved, but device stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter system combines multiple attachment mechanisms (first and second attachment mechanisms) into a unified mounting structure that secures the face shield at multiple points simultaneously. This merged system provides stable device positioning while maintaining optimal camera alignment for spatial imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter system incorporates adjustable and removable attachment mechanisms that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the face shield position. This enables optimization of both device stability and camera alignment based on specific surgical conditions, resolving the contradiction between stability and imaging performance.
3Reliability
If multiple attachment mechanisms are used to secure the face shield, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter system employs universal attachment mechanisms that can be configured in multiple ways to secure the face shield. These multi-functional attachment points provide reliable fixation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as the same basic mechanism serves multiple attachment functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter system uses repeated instances of standardized attachment mechanisms at different locations. This copying approach increases reliability through redundancy while minimizing complexity by reusing the same design pattern rather than creating unique complex mechanisms for each attachment point.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and other embodiments for a personal protective equipment (“PPE”) adapter system for use with an augmented/virtual/mixed reality (“AR”) devices, including an AR system having an AR viewing device and a headband operatively connected to the AR viewing device, a PPE adapter system, and a PPE hood operatively connected to the PPE adapter system, wherein the PPE hood includes a face shield, wherein the face shield is removably connected to the PPE adapter system.