Reusable Respirator-Facemask With Segmented Filter Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly respiratory PPE, resulting in healthcare providers and the general public resorting to makeshift solutions, with existing masks often lacking adequate filtering capability and sealing, putting users at risk of virus transmission.
Innovation Solution
A respirator system that allows for easy addition and removal of filtering materials, provides a secure seal around the face using stretchable materials, and can be sterilized for repeated use, featuring adjustable straps and customizable fit to ensure effective filtration and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fabric-based masks or makeshift PPE are used, then ease of manufacture and availability improve, but filtering capability and sealing capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The respirator is divided into distinct functional modules: a reusable head interface portion and removable filter elements. This segmentation allows the complex sealing structure to be manufactured once and reused, while simpler filter elements can be easily replaced or manufactured, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing ease and filtering reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The head interface portion serves multiple functions: sealing against the face, providing structural support, and enabling repeated use. This multi-functionality reduces the need to manufacture entirely new PPE for each use, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining high filtering capability through reusable components
2Reliability
If N95 respirators are used, then filtering capability and sealing capability improve, but availability and ease of manufacture deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the respirator into a reusable head interface and replaceable filter elements, the complex sealing structure is manufactured once and reused multiple times. This reduces the overall manufacturing burden compared to producing complete N95 respirators, improving availability while maintaining sealing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows filter elements to be removed and replaced while the head interface is recovered and reused. This partial discarding approach maintains high sealing capability through the durable head interface while simplifying the replacement of consumable filter portions, improving manufacturing efficiency and availability
3Adaptability or versatility
If removable filter elements are added to a reusable head interface, then adaptability and ease of maintenance improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The respirator is segmented into a permanent head interface and removable filter elements connected by a securing mechanism. This segmentation enables adaptability through easy filter replacement while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple and intuitive to operate
Solution Approach 2:
The securing mechanism allows the filter elements to be dynamically attached and detached from the head interface. This dynamic capability provides adaptability for different filtering needs while maintaining a simple connection system that does not significantly increase device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A breathing device related to the field of personal protective equipment and wearable technology that can be cleaned and sterilized so that it can be used repeatedly is disclosed herein. The device is configured to surround the mouth and nose of the user, and in some embodiments, it surrounds the eyes. The perimeter of the device can be comprised of a stretchable material that conforms to the contours of the user's face so that it provides an adequate seal, and in doing so, ensures that all or most of the air flowing through the device occurs through its air filtering regions. The filtering region is configured so that filtering material can be mounted to the device and replaced when needed. This filtering region is also configured so that a negative pressure seal test can be performed. Various embodiments of the device exist that enhance its capabilities from its most basic form. For example, in some embodiments, wearable technology is mounted to the device, is connected to the device, or is embedded within the device. This technology can include, but it not limited to sensors, microprocessors, cables, wires, actuators, soft robotic or soft machine materials, energy supply systems, and smart materials.