Rotating Face Cover Assembly for PPE
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal protective equipment (PPE) for infectious diseases, such as facemasks and biohazard suits, are often uncomfortable due to a one-size-fits-all design, causing binding and discomfort, and face shields tend to trap moisture leading to fogging, while users with unique facial structures or glasses require adaptable solutions for optimal protection and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A PPE device featuring a rotating face cover assembly with multiple mask sides and a zip-up bodysuit, allowing users to select the best mask configuration based on their facial geometry and needs, including options for glasses wear and ease of eating/drinking, using adjustable mechanisms and materials like microbial impermeable fabrics and transparent air-permeable filters, along with optional features like dry air recirculation and magnetic moisture wipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a one-size-fits-all face mask design is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but user comfort and fit are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The face mask is divided into multiple interchangeable sides, each with different geometries and configurations. Users can select and attach the appropriate side based on their facial structure and specific needs, allowing customization without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask body is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different face mask sides. This multi-functional design allows a single mask body to serve various user needs by simply changing the attached side, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while providing customization.
2Reliability
If a face shield is used to protect the face, then microbial protection is improved, but moisture trapping causes fogging
Solution Approach 1:
The face mask sides incorporate porous breathable filters that allow moisture vapor to pass through while blocking microbes. This prevents moisture accumulation and fogging while maintaining effective microbial protection, resolving the contradiction between protection and condensation.
3Reliability
If a tight-fitting mask is used to ensure protection, then microbial filtration is improved, but comfort on prolonged use is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
Different mask sides are designed with varying degrees of fit and configuration to match different facial structures. This allows users to select the side that provides both adequate protection and comfort for their specific face shape, addressing the contradiction between tight fit and comfort.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple face mask designs are provided for different users, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mask system is segmented into a universal body and interchangeable sides. This segmentation allows multiple configurations without increasing overall system complexity, as users can simply swap sides rather than dealing with multiple complete mask systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal mask body serves multiple functions by accommodating different face mask sides. This multi-functionality provides adaptability for different users while keeping the base device simple and avoiding the complexity of multiple separate mask designs.
Data Source
AI summary
A personal protective device (PPE) comprising a face cover assembly and a bodysuit configured to be worn by a human user. The device protects users against airborne aerosol particles containing viruses or other infectious agents while enabling improved flexibility relative to prior art designs. The device includes a helmet-like” rotating face cover assembly that fits over the user's head and attaches to a collar on the biohazard bodysuit. This rotating face cover assembly has a plurality of different mask sides, each with differing geometries or other properties. The device enables a user to rotate (either manually or by electric motor) the masks and select a given mask side that best meets that user's needs. The different mask sides can accommodate different facial geometries, eyewear types, and use cases, such as operation in more hostile environments. Features to improve user comfort, including alternate bodysuit designs, moisture reduction, and cooling are disclosed.