Transparent Shield Protective Apparatus with Suctioning for Aerosol Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a system to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in environments where close physical proximity between individuals cannot be avoided, particularly in healthcare settings like dental offices, as current methods like social distancing are inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A protective apparatus comprising a transparent shield component and a receiving component, installable to a suctioning device or articulating mechanical arm, positions the shield between the head regions of individuals to prevent droplet transmission, with a suctioning mechanism to remove airborne pathogens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If social distancing is implemented to reduce COVID-19 transmission risk, then transmission risk is reduced, but healthcare workers cannot perform their duties in close proximity to patients
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent shield component is introduced as an intermediary barrier between the patient and healthcare worker. The shield physically blocks droplet transmission while allowing visual communication and procedural work to continue, thus reducing transmission risk without preventing healthcare workers from performing their duties in close proximity
2Productivity
If close physical proximity is maintained for healthcare procedures, then healthcare workers can perform their duties effectively, but transmission risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent shield serves as a mediator that allows healthcare workers to maintain close physical proximity for effective procedure performance while simultaneously blocking the transmission pathway for droplets, thus preserving productivity while reducing transmission risk
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective barrier is introduced between patient and healthcare worker, then transmission risk is reduced, but visual communication and procedural visibility may be impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is made transparent rather than opaque, allowing visual light to pass through while still providing physical barrier protection. This transparency maintains visual communication and procedural visibility while blocking droplet transmission, thus reducing transmission risk without impairing visual information transfer
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
Effectively minimizes the risk of COVID-19 transmission by capturing and removing aerosolized droplets containing infectious agents, providing a protective barrier for healthcare workers and patients.
Implementation Method 1
The suctioning component may be caused to exert a negative air pressure to remove airborne pathogens and other infectious agents
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are protective apparatuses for minimizing the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious diseases between individuals in close proximity to one another. Said apparatuses may comprise a receiving component comprising a first aperture comprising a series of flanges; as well as a substantially transparent shield component. Protective apparatuses of the present disclosure may be used to protect dentists and other healthcare workers from transmission of infectious agents through aerosols and through transmission of droplets and other bodily fluids that may contain infectious agents and likewise may be used to protect patients in the same manner. Also disclosed herein are systems comprising such protective apparatuses installed to a substantially cylindrical suctioning device such as a vacuum hose or operatively attached to an articulating mechanical arm. Also disclosed herein are methods of using such protective apparatuses and systems to mitigate the risk of transmission of infectious diseases between, without limitation, patients and healthcare workers treating such patients.