UV Face Shield for Pathogen Inactivation and Fomite Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current face masks and respirators are insufficient in preventing the transmission of COVID-19 as they do not cover the eyes, are in short supply, and become fomites capable of transmitting the virus due to lack of inactivation of pathogens, with existing respirators being impractical for community use and requiring complex sterilization.
Innovation Solution
An ultraviolet face shield system featuring a face shield with an integrated ultraviolet light source that inactivates or kills viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens, providing comprehensive protection for the eyes, nose, and mouth, and is self-sanitizing, reducing the risk of transmission and shortage issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional face masks and respirators are used, then some level of protection is provided, but they do not cover the eyes and become fomites capable of transmitting the virus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical filtration system of conventional masks with a ultraviolet light-based inactivation system. The UV light source emits ultraviolet radiation that inactivates viruses and pathogens on the mask surface, transforming the mask from a potential fomite into a self-sanitizing protective device that maintains protection effectiveness while eliminating the harmful fomite transmission risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask integrates a self-powered ultraviolet light source that automatically inactivates pathogens on the mask surface without requiring external intervention. This self-sanitizing capability allows the mask to maintain its protective function continuously while preventing virus persistence on its surface, thereby eliminating the fomite transmission problem.
2Reliability
If conventional respirators are used, then pathogen blocking is achieved, but they require complex sterilization procedures and are impractical for community use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sterilization procedures with a simplified ultraviolet light-based inactivation system. The UV light source integrated into the mask provides continuous or periodic inactivation of pathogens without requiring removal, disassembly, or specialized sterilization equipment, making the system much easier to operate for community members.
Solution Approach 2:
The mask performs its own sterilization function through the integrated ultraviolet light source, eliminating the need for external sterilization procedures. This self-service capability simplifies operation significantly compared to conventional respirators that require complex sterilization protocols.
3Ease of operation
If single-use face masks are used, then simplicity is maintained, but frequent disposal is required creating waste and potential transmission risk
Solution Approach 1:
The mask integrates a self-powered ultraviolet light source that continuously or periodically inactivates pathogens on the mask surface, allowing the same mask to be reused multiple times without contamination risk. This eliminates the need for frequent disposal while maintaining simplicity of use, reducing both waste and potential transmission risk associated with disposal.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the mask after single use, the ultraviolet inactivation system enables recovery and reuse of the same mask multiple times. The UV light continuously renews the mask's protective capability by inactivating any accumulated pathogens, transforming a single-use consumable into a reusable asset.
4Reliability
If comprehensive eye coverage is added to face protection, then protection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the face shield and eye coverage into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate eye protection devices. The unified design provides comprehensive protection in one component, reducing overall system complexity and the number of separate devices required.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated face shield serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the face, covers the eyes, and houses the ultraviolet light source for pathogen inactivation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective devices, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection.
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 ultraviolet face shield system effectively reduces the infectivity of COVID-19 and other pathogens in real-time, providing comprehensive protection without the need for frequent disposal and is not a fomite, addressing the limitations of existing masks and respirators.
Implementation Method 1
an ultraviolet light source capable of inactivating, destroying, or killing germs, bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens
Data Source
AI summary
Several embodiments relating to ultraviolet face shield systems and methods of use are provided herein. Such face shield systems feature an ultraviolet light source capable of inactivating, destroying, or killing germs, bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens such as human coronavirus COVID-19, and protecting individual(s) from infection.