UVC Airflow Face Shielding for Mask-Free Pathogen Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional facemasks are often poorly fitting, uncomfortable, prone to contamination, and interfere with communication, while not effectively preventing the transmission and reception of airborne pathogens.

Innovation Solution

A personal sterilization system comprising a base unit with a UVC light source, a fan, and a dispersion device, such as a hat, that generates pressurized air with UVC illumination to create a sterilized airflow around the face, deflecting pathogens and providing a safe air space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional facemasks are used to prevent pathogen transmission, then pathogen blocking is improved, but comfort and fit are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen blocking effectivenessVSAvoidcomfort and fit

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical barrier approach of traditional facemasks with a pneumatic system that generates pressurized air flow. The fan-driven air delivery system creates a protective air curtain that deflects pathogens away from the face, eliminating the need for physical mask coverage and thereby improving comfort while maintaining pathogen blocking effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs pneumatic principles by using a fan to generate pressurized air flow that is delivered through conduits to the dispersion device. This pressurized air flow creates a protective barrier around the face, effectively blocking pathogens without requiring physical contact with a mask, thus resolving the contradiction between effectiveness and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If traditional facemasks are used for prolonged periods, then pathogen protection is maintained, but contamination and discomfort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen protectionVSAvoidbacterial contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the static mechanical mask with a dynamic pneumatic system that continuously generates fresh pressurized air flow. This constant air circulation prevents bacterial contamination by constantly replacing stagnant air, allowing prolonged use without the contamination issues that plague traditional masks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention maintains continuous pathogen protection through uninterrupted air flow generation. The fan operates continuously to deliver fresh air through the dispersion device, ensuring that the protective air barrier is constantly renewed and preventing bacterial accumulation, thereby enabling prolonged use without contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If traditional facemasks are used, then pathogen transmission is reduced, but communication ability is interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen transmission reductionVSAvoidcommunication ability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the physical mask barrier with a pneumatic air flow barrier that does not contact the face. This allows the wearer to speak and communicate normally while the pressurized air flow continues to deflect pathogens away from the face, thereby maintaining both pathogen protection and communication ability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 reduces the transmission and reception of pathogens by creating a sterilized airflow around the face, enhancing safety and comfort without compromising communication or fit.

Implementation Method 1

at least one UVC light source positioned to illuminate at least a portion of the air intake path with UVC light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUVC light sterilization: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a base unit defining an air intake path leading to a fan

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFan air movement: Fan

Data Source

PatentUS11918068B2Sterilization systems and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2024.03.05 HAY JAMES SCOTT

AI summary

A personal sterilization system, including a base unit defining an air intake, a fan, and a fluid path from the air intake to the fan; at least one UVC light source positioned to illuminate at least a portion of the fluid path with UVC light; a delivery conduit attached to the base unit in fluid communication with the fan; and a dispersion device configured to be worn in proximity to a person's face, the dispersion device defining a fluid inlet attached to the delivery conduit, and at least one fluid outlet configured to disperse pressurized air.