Wearable Far-UVC Headgear for Virus Inactivation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional personal protective equipment (PPE) and headgear do not effectively prevent the spread of viruses and microorganisms, as they rely on filtration rather than sterilization, and existing lighted headgear lacks the specific Far-UVC wavelengths necessary for virus inactivation.
Innovation Solution
Wearable Far-UVC headgear with Far-UVC photons affixed to the cap's fore-rim, projecting electromagnetic wavelengths perpendicular to the face, powered by energy sources like batteries, solar, or electromagnetism, to inactivate viruses without harm to the wearer or others.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional PPE and headgear are used, then basic filtration is provided, but they do not effectively prevent virus penetration and dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges conventional headgear with Far-UVC light sources, power sources, and control systems to create an integrated protective system. The Far-UVC emitter is incorporated into the headgear structure, combining the functions of personal protective equipment with active virus inactivation capabilities, thereby enhancing reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The headgear serves multiple functions: it provides physical barrier protection like conventional PPE, actively inactivates viruses through Far-UVC emission, and can be adjusted for different protection levels. This multi-functionality addresses the limitation of conventional PPE that only provides filtration without active sterilization capability.
2Reliability
If Far-UVC light sources are added to headgear, then virus inactivation capability is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Far-UVC system is segmented into separate functional modules: light sources, power sources, and control systems. This modular segmentation allows for easier integration into existing headgear designs, simplifies manufacturing, and enables flexible configuration based on specific application requirements, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining virus inactivation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces control systems and power management intermediaries that coordinate between the Far-UVC light sources, power sources, and headgear structure. These intermediary components simplify the integration process and manage the complexity of coordinating multiple functional elements within the headgear system.
3Reliability
If Far-UVC wavelengths are used, then virus sterilization is achieved, but safety concerns arise regarding skin and eye exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The headgear directs Far-UVC emission locally in front of the face rather than allowing omnidirectional exposure. The structured illumination pattern concentrates the sterilization effect where it is needed (in the breathing zone and facial protection area) while minimizing exposure to sensitive areas like eyes and skin through strategic positioning and directional control of light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful high-energy UVC radiation into a beneficial sterilization tool by using the specific 222-nanometer wavelength that has been shown to be effective against viruses while having reduced harmful effects on human tissue compared to traditional UVC wavelengths. The controlled emission transforms a harmful factor into a protective benefit.
4Illumination intensity
If conventional light sources are used in headgear, then illumination is provided, but virus resistance is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter of light wavelength from visible spectrum (conventional illumination) to Far-UVC spectrum (222 nanometers). This parameter change transforms the light's function from mere illumination to active virus inactivation, achieving both illumination and virus resistance simultaneously through the unique properties of Far-UVC radiation at this specific wavelength.
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
Provides effective protection against virus penetration and dispersion by emitting 222-nanometer wavelengths, maintaining a safe and non-intrusive design that complements traditional headgear aesthetics while ensuring virus inactivation in crowded settings.
Implementation Method 1
Far-UVC photons can be used for preventing the spread of the COVID19... The Far-UVC wavelength is a safe distance from the skin and eyes with the additional safety measure of using a 222-nanometer wavelength not harmful to the wearer's skin
Implementation Method 2
Wearable Far-UVC Headgear includes a plurality of Far-UVC photons affixed to a cap fore-rim providing a downward projection of wavelengths perpendicular to the horizontal axis of the rim in front of the wearer face
Data Source
AI summary
Wearable Far-Ultra Violet C (Far-UVC) head article with components thereof and other accessories is provided to protect the wearer from intrusion of viruses and micro-organism. The head article is integrated with Far-UVC photons on a brim that project wavelengths of about 222 nm safely in front of the face to protect against viruses. The head article would be a baseball type cap with Far-UVC photons attached in a channel perpendicular to the axis on the brim on a fore edge underneath a surface thereof projecting the wavelength of sterilizing rays in front of the face while protecting the skin and eyes.