UV-C LED Sanitizing Face Mask with Protective Pocket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard fabric face masks may not fully protect wearers and others from airborne pathogens, as inhaled and exhaled air can still contain harmful germs, viruses, and bacteria, and traditional cleaning methods are inefficient and short-lived.
Innovation Solution
A face mask with a built-in sanitizing system that incorporates UV-C light emitting diode (LED) lamps or strips, generating light between 100 and 280 nanometers, powered by a rechargeable battery, which sanitizes inhaled and exhaled air through a pocketed design that blocks UV light exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard fabric face masks are used, then basic filtration is provided, but protection from airborne pathogens is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a standard fabric face mask with an integrated UV-C LED sanitizing system, merging filtration and disinfection functions into a single device. The UV-C LEDs, rechargeable battery, and control circuitry are incorporated into the mask structure, allowing continuous sanitization of inhaled and exhaled air without requiring separate disinfection equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The face mask serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides physical barrier protection through the fabric layers, filters airborne particles, and actively sanitizes air using UV-C radiation. This multi-functional design enhances protection effectiveness without requiring multiple separate devices.
2Reliability
If traditional cleaning methods are used on face masks, then surface disinfection is attempted, but the effect is short-lived and subject to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The UV-C LED system operates continuously or periodically while the mask is worn, providing ongoing sanitization of inhaled and exhaled air. This eliminates the need for intermittent manual cleaning, maintaining constant disinfection effectiveness without time gaps between applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask sanitizes itself through the integrated UV-C LEDs that disinfect the mask surface and surrounding air without requiring removal or manual intervention. The rechargeable battery powers the system autonomously, making the disinfection process self-sufficient and eliminating human error associated with manual cleaning.
3Reliability
If UV-C LED lamps are incorporated into the mask, then continuous air sanitization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV-C LED system is divided into multiple individual LED lamps or LED strips distributed across the mask surface. This segmentation allows the sanitization function to be integrated into the existing mask structure without requiring a single complex UV source, and enables modular replacement or maintenance of individual LED components.
Solution Approach 2:
A rechargeable battery serves as an intermediary energy source, converting electrical energy to power the UV-C LEDs. This mediator component enables continuous operation of the sanitization system without requiring connection to external power sources, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining reliability.
4Reliability
If UV light generating components are added to sanitize air, then pathogen reduction is improved, but UV light exposure risk to the wearer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UV-C LEDs are positioned to emit radiation primarily in the direction of inhaled and exhaled air flow, creating localized sanitization zones within the mask. The fabric layers and internal structure are designed to contain and direct UV radiation, ensuring effective air disinfection while minimizing exposure to the wearer's skin and eyes.
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 face mask continuously sanitizes air, providing enhanced protection for the wearer and others by effectively reducing the risk of airborne pathogen transmission, improving safety in public and medical areas.
Implementation Method 1
The UV generating component comprises a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) lamps or LED light strips. The plurality of LED lamps or light strips are configured to generate UV-C light at a wavelength of approximately between 100 and 280 nanometers (nm).
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of LED lamps or light strips are configured to generate UV-C light at a wavelength of approximately between 100 and 280 nanometers (nm)
Implementation Method 3
The pocket liner, the inside layer, the outside layer, or any combination thereof are configured to block UV light generated by the UV generating component.
Data Source
AI summary
A sanitizing face mask and sanitizing device for use with a face mask. The sanitizing face mask incorporates a sanitizing component and a face mask. The sanitizing component comprises an ultraviolet (UV) generating element configured to emit a sanitizing light. The sanitizing light generates UV light capable of sanitizing air inhaled or exhaled through the face mask. The sanitizing component may be positioned within a pocket in the face mask or attached to the face mask externally. A sanitizing component protective component may encapsulate the sanitizing component to protect a user from radiation from the UV light. The pocket may also comprise a protective liner to protect the user from the radiation.