Wearable Shield With Sealed Collar For Airborne Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current face shields do not provide complete protection against airborne contaminants and can be contaminated by users through direct contact, leaving exposed areas around the face, head, and neck, which is particularly problematic during healthcare emergencies where personal protective equipment is scarce.
Innovation Solution
A wearable physical shield with a visor, flexible extension, and collar that restricts air movement between compartments, providing a barrier against airborne and liquid contaminants while allowing easy donning and doffing, and compatibility with existing personal protective equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional face shields are used, then protection against splashes and sprays is provided, but protection against airborne contaminants and aerosols is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The shield is divided into multiple functional segments: a rigid visor portion for facial protection, a flexible extension for neck coverage, and a collar component for securing. This segmentation allows each part to address specific protection needs while maintaining overall system manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The shield transitions from traditional 2D flat shielding to a 3D volumetric structure that encloses the head and neck region. The flexible extension and collar create a three-dimensional barrier that addresses airborne contaminants from multiple directions, not just frontal protection
2Ease of operation
If face shields with open design are used, then ease of operation and comfort are improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collar acts as an intermediary securing mechanism that interfaces with the user's clothing or PPE. It provides a controlled attachment point that allows easy donning and doffing while maintaining the integrity of the barrier and preventing contamination during removal
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible extension provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the shield to move with the user's head and neck while maintaining continuous coverage. This dynamic design ensures the barrier remains intact during normal movement without requiring complex fastening mechanisms
3Object-affected harmful factors
If N95 respirators are used, then filtration of airborne particles is improved, but they can be contaminated through contact with hands
Solution Approach 1:
The collar serves as an intermediary interface between the user and the respirator. By providing a secure attachment point at the neck level, it allows the user to adjust and secure the respirator without direct hand contact with the filter surface, reducing contamination risk
Solution Approach 2:
The collar is designed to be donned and adjusted before the respirator is fully secured. This preliminary action establishes a clean interface point that guides proper respirator placement and minimizes the need for subsequent hand contact with contaminated surfaces
4Object-affected harmful factors
If comprehensive coverage is provided, then protection against hazardous materials is improved, but comfort and ease of use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The comprehensive coverage is achieved through segmented design where each component (visor, flexible extension, collar) is optimized for its specific function. The visor provides rigid facial protection, the flexible extension provides adaptable neck coverage, and the collar provides secure attachment - together delivering comprehensive protection without overwhelming complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible extension uses flexible materials that conform to the user's neck and clothing, providing comprehensive coverage while maintaining comfort. This flexibility allows the shield to adapt to body movements and different wearing conditions without requiring rigid structures that would compromise comfort
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 wearable physical shield effectively protects against airborne and liquid contaminants, preventing unnecessary contamination of personal protective equipment and allowing prolonged use, while being easy to use and comfortable, suitable for various applications including healthcare and industrial settings.
Implementation Method 1
a seal between the visor cavity and the flexible extension cavity that at least partially restricts movement of air between the visor cavity and the flexible extension cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable physical shield is disclosed. The shield includes a visor; a flexible extension coupled to the visor, and a collar coupled to the flexible extension. The visor can include a visor cavity, and the flexible extension can include a flexible extension cavity, wherein a seal is located between the visor cavity and the flexible extension cavity, such that the seal at least partially restricts movement of air between the visor cavity and the flexible extension cavity. The collar is configured to be placed around a neck of a person with a single hand for moving the collar from an open position to a closed position, where first and second arms of the collar are closed around the neck of the person.