Transparent Protective Shield for Aerosol Control and Procedure Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a system that effectively reduces the risk of COVID-19 transmission in environments where close physical proximity between individuals cannot be avoided, particularly in healthcare settings like dentistry, where aerosolized droplets pose a high infection risk.

Innovation Solution

A protective apparatus comprising a transparent shield component and a handle component, which can be connected to a vacuum hose or articulating arm, featuring a camera and LED lighting for enhanced visibility and safety, minimizing direct and indirect contact through droplet and airborne transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If close physical proximity is maintained for healthcare procedures, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but infection transmission risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidinfection transmission risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A transparent shield is introduced as an intermediary barrier between the healthcare worker and patient. The shield physically blocks droplet and airborne transmission while allowing visual contact and communication to be maintained, thus enabling close proximity treatment without direct exposure to infectious particles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent shield functions as a thin film barrier that separates the healthcare worker's breathing zone from the patient's respiratory emissions. This thin protective barrier effectively blocks ultrafine particles and aerosols while maintaining visibility and allowing normal treatment procedures to continue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Object-affected harmful factors

If transparent shield is used to block transmission, then infection risk is reduced, but visibility and communication may be impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfection transmission riskVSAvoidvisibility and communication quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The shield is made transparent rather than opaque, allowing light to pass through while still blocking particles. This transparency maintains visual contact between healthcare worker and patient, enabling facial expressions, eye contact, and visual cues to be observed despite the physical barrier

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The shield utilizes transparent materials that combine particle-blocking properties with optical transparency. This composite approach allows the shield to simultaneously filter ultrafine particles and aerosols while maintaining clear visibility for effective communication and monitoring during treatment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If social distancing is implemented, then transmission risk is reduced, but essential healthcare procedures cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission riskVSAvoidability to perform healthcare procedures

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent shield serves as a mobile intermediary that allows healthcare workers to maintain close proximity for essential procedures while still providing protection. Unlike static social distancing, the shield moves with the worker and can be positioned precisely where needed during complex treatments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The shield system is designed to be dynamic and adaptable rather than static. It can be repositioned, adjusted, and moved as needed during different stages of treatment, allowing healthcare workers to adapt to various procedural requirements while maintaining protection throughout the entire treatment process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The apparatus reduces the risk of COVID-19 transmission by creating a barrier and enhancing visibility during procedures, thereby protecting healthcare workers and patients from aerosolized droplets and direct contact.

Implementation Method 1

connected to a suctioning device including, without limitation, a substantially cylindrical vacuum hose

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS12350200B2Protective apparatuses for minimizing risk of transmission of infection and associated systems

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 JAMES L ORRINGTON II D D S P C

AI summary

A protective apparatus is provided for minimizing the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and/or other infectious diseases between individuals in close proximity to one another, such as by transmission through droplets projecting from the mouth or nasal region of an infected individual. The protective apparatus may include a shield component that can be transparent, a handle component with a connecting aspect, light emitting diodes, and a control console for controlling functions of the protective apparatus. The protective apparatus may include a camera communicatively connected to a display screen that can display images captured by the camera.