Wearable Breathing Apparatus with UV Sterilization and Oxygen Supplementation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biologically protective equipment, such as face masks, are not entirely effective in eliminating viral contaminants from the air, and they do not provide adequate oxygen supplementation, especially in prolonged use scenarios like lockdowns and pandemics.
Innovation Solution
A user-wearable breathing apparatus that employs an air irradiating chamber to kill viruses using ultraviolet light and optionally includes a nitrogen scrubber to increase oxygen levels, with various configurations for wearability and air delivery, such as straps, backpacks, or helmets, and additional filtering using materials like Zoono or graphene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional face masks are used for viral protection, then they provide basic filtration, but they are not entirely effective in eliminating viral contaminants and do not provide adequate oxygen supplementation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protective functions (viral filtration, UV sterilization, and oxygen supplementation) into a single integrated breathing apparatus. The system merges the air purifying chamber with UV light source, nitrogen scrubbing mechanism, and oxygen generation system into one unified device that can be worn on the body, thereby achieving comprehensive protection while maintaining wearable form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The breathing apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: filtering viral contaminants through HEPA or carbon filters, sterilizing air via UV-C light irradiation, removing nitrogen through chemical scrubbing, and supplementing oxygen through chemical reactions or electrolysis. This multi-functional design addresses the limitations of conventional single-function masks.
2Reliability
If air purifying chambers with UV light are used to kill viruses, then viral elimination is improved, but device complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The UV light source operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously, activating during inhalation phases and deactivating during exhalation phases. This periodic operation reduces overall power consumption while maintaining effective viral elimination during the critical inhalation period when contaminated air enters the user's respiratory system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the user's own breathing movements to drive air through the purifying chamber, eliminating the need for additional power-intensive mechanical pumps or fans. The breathing apparatus harnesses the natural pressure differentials created during inhalation and exhalation to circulate air through the filtration and UV sterilization stages.
3Quantity of substance
If nitrogen scrubbers are added to increase oxygen levels, then oxygen supplementation is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The nitrogen scrubbing system employs chemical reactions that change the composition parameters of the air mixture by removing nitrogen and increasing oxygen concentration. Chemical scrumbers or electrolysis mechanisms alter the gas composition ratios dynamically, enabling oxygen supplementation without requiring heavy mechanical oxygen tanks or compressors.
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 purifies air by killing viruses and increasing oxygen content, providing a safer breathing environment for users, enhancing protection and comfort during prolonged exposure to potentially contaminated air.
Implementation Method 1
an air irradiating chamber to kill viruses using ultraviolet light
Implementation Method 2
optionally includes a nitrogen scrubber to increase oxygen levels
Data Source
AI summary
A user-wearable breathing apparatus is disclosed. Air may be passed through an air irradiating chamber coupled to an ultraviolet light source and configured to irradiate the air irradiating chamber with ultraviolet light. An ultraviolet-opaque cover substantially surrounding the user-wearable breathing apparatus may be provided. A hose may be passed through an opening in the ultraviolet-opaque cover to direct processed air to the user. The hose may be configured to attach to an optional head-wearable breathing assembly. In some embodiments, the air may be passed through the apparatus in response to the user’s breathing, while in other embodiments, fans are used. In other embodiments, the oxygen content of the processed air may be increased by techniques such as nitrogen scrubbing and injecting oxygen into the air while it is being processed.