Full-Head Protective Helmet Filtration for Hermetic Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current personal protective equipment, such as masks, fail to provide full-face protection, are not airtight, allow contamination during manipulation, cannot be reused, and hinder normal activities and nutrition/hydration, with limited ergonomics and inadequate protection for both the user and surrounding individuals.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a transparent helmet-like protection element with a filtering group that covers the entire head, featuring a one-way valve and a filter system that can be reversed for inhalation or exhalation modes, allowing reuse and enabling activities like eating and drinking without removal, with integrated sensors for monitoring and adjustable ergonomics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a mask covers only the mouth and nose, then the device complexity is reduced, but the protection coverage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device is divided into separate functional modules: a helmet for head coverage, a mask for face coverage, and a filter assembly that can be positioned remotely. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while providing comprehensive protection when assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent helmet is introduced as an intermediary element between the user and the environment, providing a barrier that allows visual contact while preventing pathogen transmission. This intermediary solves the contradiction by adding protection without significantly increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If the filter is positioned near the face, then the filtration effectiveness is improved, but the contamination risk during manipulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is extracted from the immediate vicinity of the face and can be positioned remotely through connecting pipes. This extraction maintains filtration effectiveness while reducing the contamination risk during mask dressing and undressing, as the filter is less susceptible to contact with the user's face and surrounding environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly is designed as a disposable component that can be easily replaced. This approach ensures continuous filtration effectiveness while minimizing contamination risk, as used filters are immediately discarded rather than reused or handled extensively.
3Reliability
If a hermetic seal is implemented, then the protection effectiveness is improved, but the comfort and normal gestures are hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The hermetic seal is applied locally at critical interfaces (helmet-to-head, mask-to-face, filter connections) rather than requiring complete sealing of the entire system. This localized sealing approach maintains protection effectiveness while allowing normal gestures and comfort in non-critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Flexible sealing membranes and thin films are used at the interface between the helmet and user's head, as well as between the mask and face. These flexible materials provide hermetic sealing while accommodating natural head movements and gestures, thus maintaining both protection effectiveness and ease of operation.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the filter is designed for single use, then the contamination risk is reduced, but the resource consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter assembly is designed to be easily removed and discarded after use, eliminating cross-contamination risks. The modular design allows for efficient disposal while minimizing resource consumption through optimized filter sizes and materials that provide maximum protection per unit of resource used.
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
Ensures comprehensive face protection, prevents contamination, allows reuse, supports normal activities, and maintains safety for both the user and others, with cost-effective and space-efficient isolation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a filter (15) placed inside a filter body (4) for purifying the air entering or leaving the filtering group (2)
Implementation Method 2
a one-way check valve (7) designed to selectively allow the entry and exit of air from the protection element (1)
Implementation Method 3
an elastic band (9) with hermetic closure adapted to be arranged and tightened around the neck of the user
Data Source
AI summary
A device for individual protection and isolation against pollutants and microorganisms comprises a protection element (1) of the face and a filtering group (2) of the air inhaled and/or exhaled by the user. The protection element (1) has at least one mouth for the passage of air provided with a one-way check valve (7) suitable to selectively allow the entry and the exit of air from said protection element (1), said filtering group (2) comprising a filter body (4) housing a filter (15) for purifying the air and in fluidic connection with the inside of said protection element (1), said filter body (4) having a first opening for drawing air from the outside and/or the expulsion of air towards the outside and a second opening for the delivery of the air into and/or the withdrawal of air from said protection element (1).