Transparent Protective Shield for Close-Range Infection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

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

Innovation Solution

A protective apparatus comprising a transparent shield component and a handle, which can be attached to a vacuum hose or articulating mechanical arm, featuring lighting, a camera, and a display screen, designed to minimize direct and indirect contact by positioning over an individual to facilitate safe treatment while maintaining visibility and control over lighting and camera functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a protective shield is positioned between healthcare workers and patients, then the risk of infection transmission is reduced, but direct observation and interaction are impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfection transmission risk reductionVSAvoidvisual observation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs transparent shield materials that create an optical copy or visual duplicate of the space behind the shield, allowing healthcare workers to observe patients and procedures through the protective barrier without direct exposure to infectious aerosols and droplets

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes transparent or translucent materials with specific optical properties that allow light transmission while maintaining physical barrier functionality, enabling visual observation through the protective shield without compromising infection control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Productivity

If close physical proximity is maintained for effective treatment, then treatment quality is improved, but the risk of droplet and aerosol transmission increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoiddroplet and aerosol exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a transparent protective shield as an intermediary barrier between healthcare workers and patients, allowing close physical proximity for effective treatment while blocking the transmission of infectious droplets and aerosols generated during dental procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs thin transparent shield materials that can be positioned close to the patient and provider without obstructing treatment activities, creating a flexible protective barrier that maintains treatment effectiveness while preventing infectious particle transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

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

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfection transmission risk reductionVSAvoidprocedure capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transparent protective shield serves as a mediator that enables healthcare workers to maintain close proximity for complex procedures while still providing infection protection, thereby allowing procedures that would otherwise require social distancing to be performed safely

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of information

If transparent shield materials are used, then visibility is maintained, but the shield may still allow transmission of ultrafine particles

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovevisibilityVSAvoidultrafine particle transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs thin transparent shield films that maintain optical clarity for visibility while providing a physical barrier against ultrafine particles, balancing the need for visual observation with protection against respiratory transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentEP4093317B1Protective apparatuses for minimizing risk of transmission of infection and associated systems

Publication Date: 2026.01.07 JAMES L ORRINGTON II D D S P C

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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.