Transparent Shield With Camera and LEDs for Droplet Protection
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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 droplet and aerosolized transmission poses a high risk to both healthcare workers and patients.
Innovation Solution
A protective apparatus comprising a transparent shield component and a handle component, which can be attached to a vacuum hose or other cylindrical object, featuring a camera and LED lighting to enhance visibility and minimize direct and indirect contact, and is designed to be positioned close to the patient without obstructing the view or comfort of the healthcare worker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a transparent shield is held in front of the face to block droplets, then protection against infection is improved, but the ability to see and interact with others is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A transparent shield is introduced as an intermediary barrier between individuals, allowing visual contact and interaction to be maintained while physically blocking droplet transmission. The transparency of the shield serves as the mediator that preserves social interaction capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield functions as a thin film barrier that is transparent yet effective at blocking droplets. This thin film approach provides protection without significantly obstructing vision or interaction, resolving the contradiction between protection and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If masks are worn to block droplets, then protection against infection is improved, but communication clarity and breathability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effects of traditional masks (muffling communication, breathing difficulty) are extracted and removed from the solution. Instead of using masks that cover the mouth and nose, the invention uses a shield that blocks droplets without obstructing speech or breathing, eliminating the harmful side effects while maintaining protection.
3Reliability
If social distancing is maintained to reduce transmission risk, then protection against infection is improved, but productivity and social interaction are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent shield serves as a mediator that enables individuals to be in close proximity without direct droplet transmission risk. This allows productivity and social interaction to be maintained at normal distances while the shield provides the necessary protection, eliminating the need for social distancing.
4Device complexity
If no visual indicators are provided on shields, then simplicity is maintained, but awareness of infected individuals cannot be signaled
Solution Approach 1:
Color-changing indicators are integrated into the shield that change color based on the proximity of infected individuals. This allows infection status information to be communicated visually without adding significant complexity to the shield design, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and information transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield incorporates indicators that change their optical parameters (color, brightness) in response to detected conditions such as proximity to infected individuals. This parameter change provides visual information about infection risk while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall shield structure.
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 effectively reduces the risk of COVID-19 transmission by mitigating direct and indirect contact, providing enhanced visibility and comfort for healthcare workers during procedures, while allowing for safe and efficient treatment conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The protective apparatuses may comprise light emitting diodes and associated control means
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein are protective apparatuses, and associated systems, for minimizing the risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and/or other infectious diseases between individuals in close proximity to one another including, for example, transmission through droplets projecting from the mouth or nasal region of an infected individual. Said apparatuses may comprise a substantially transparent shield component and a handle component comprising a connecting aspect. The protective apparatuses may comprise light emitting diodes and associated control means. The protective apparatuses of the present disclosure may further comprise a camera communicatively connected to a display screen.