Respirator Apparatus with Flat-Formed Cuff and Segmented Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal environmental protection systems, such as those used in surgical and hazardous environments, are cumbersome, expensive, and require frequent replacement of disposable filtration devices, limiting movement and flexibility and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, adjustable headgear apparatus with a transparent facial shield and flexible cuff that can be manufactured as a flat, layered device, allowing for easy attachment to a respirator and providing a sealed space around the head, using removable and disposable filters to maintain sterile conditions, and optionally incorporating a fan mechanism for air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If air filters are built into the helmet structure, then filtration is integrated, but the headgear becomes clumsy and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the headgear into separate modular components: a reusable helmet structure and detachable disposable filters. The filters can be easily attached to and removed from the helmet, allowing the filtration function to be integrated when needed but removable to maintain simplicity of the core headgear structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable filters that are discarded after use rather than permanently integrated into the helmet. This allows the filtration capability to be recovered and replaced without modifying the helmet structure, maintaining the simplicity of the reusable component while providing integrated filtration when required.
2Quantity of substance
If external air sources are connected by tubes and hoses, then air supply is provided, but movement and flexibility are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air supply source from external locations (gas cylinders, air lines) and integrates it directly into the helmet structure. This eliminates the need for connecting tubes and hoses, providing air supply while maintaining full movement flexibility for the wearer.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If loose fitting hoods are used for facial seal, then coverage is provided, but manufacturing cost increases due to curved geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional curved facial seals to two-dimensional flat patterns that are later formed into the required shape through folding or forming processes. This dimensional change simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the necessary curved geometry for proper facial sealing and coverage.
Data Source
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AI summary
A respirator apparatus including an improved helmet or headgear construction with a unique shield including a protective lens and cuff attachment therefor. The protective lens is a thin clear plastic sheet designed to be used as a lens with a (PAPR) respirator and the cuff is an attached fabric or similar material designed to form a facial seal around the wearer.