Stowable Breath Shield Structure for Hand-Held Pupilometers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The proximity of user and patient faces during pupilometer examinations poses a risk of transmission of respiratory particles, viruses, and bacteria, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held pupilometer device equipped with a movably attached breath shield that can be slidably, hingedly, or pivotally mounted to block the transmission of respiratory particles between the user and patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a breath shield is added to block respiratory particles, then safety against virus transmission is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The breath shield is integrated within the housing structure of the pupilometer device, nesting the protective barrier inside the existing device boundaries. The shield extends from the front surface of the housing and can be stowed within or integrated into the device body, creating a nested configuration that provides protection without requiring a completely separate external component system.
Solution Approach 2:
The breath shield is implemented as a thin, movable barrier that can be made of flexible or semi-rigid material. This thin-film approach provides effective respiratory particle blocking while minimizing the volume and structural complexity added to the device. The movable nature of the shield allows it to be positioned only when needed, reducing permanent structural complexity.
2Reliability
If a movable breath shield is added to block respiratory particles, then safety against virus transmission is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The breath shield is designed to be automatically positioned or easily deployed by the user's natural interaction with the device. The movable shield can be spring-loaded or gravity-assisted to pop into position when the device is brought close to the patient's face, or can be easily deflected by the natural motion of bringing the device into place, requiring minimal deliberate user action to activate the protective barrier.
3Reliability
If the breath shield is made extendable to improve protection, then safety against virus transmission is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The breath shield transitions from a static to a dynamic configuration, extending outward from the housing when needed to provide enhanced protection. The movable or extendable nature allows the shield to adapt its position and exposure based on operational requirements, providing improved protection effectiveness while maintaining a compact form when retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The breath shield utilizes the spatial dimension perpendicular to the main device axis, extending forward from the housing in a direction that provides protection without significantly increasing the device's longitudinal length. This dimensional approach allows the shield to provide extended protection while maintaining a compact profile when stowed.
Data Source
AI summary
A hand-held pupilometer device is held between the practitioner and a patient and used to view the eye or eyes of the patient. The pupilometer includes a stowable breath shield which can be moved from a stowed position and an engaged position. In the engaged position, the breath shield is positioned between the practitioner and the patient.