Z-shield filtered air protective system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers is inadequate in preventing aerosol transmission of pathogens like COVID-19, leading to high infection rates, and existing equipment is expensive and difficult to quickly manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A portable, lightweight PPE system with a facemask assembly and positive pressure air supply that includes filters and an air accelerator to prevent contaminated air from entering the mask, and can be mass-produced using existing manufacturing capabilities, compatible with existing masks and HVAC systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current PPE equipment is used to protect healthcare workers, then some level of protection is provided, but the equipment is inadequate in preventing aerosol transmission and leads to high infection rates
Solution Approach 1:
The PPE system is divided into separate functional modules: a facemask assembly and a positive pressure air supply assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the facemask provides the sealing interface while the air supply assembly provides filtered positive pressure air, together achieving superior protection against aerosol transmission
Solution Approach 2:
A positive pressure air supply system acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the user's breathing zone. This intermediary delivers filtered air through conduits to the facemask assembly, creating a protective air barrier that prevents contaminated aerosols from reaching the user
2Reliability
If advanced protective equipment is deployed to prevent aerosol transmission, then protection effectiveness improves, but the equipment becomes expensive and difficult to quickly manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the PPE into modular components (facemask assembly, positive pressure air supply assembly, conduits), each part can be manufactured using existing, simpler processes. This modularity enables parallel production streams and reduces the need for complex integrated manufacturing facilities
Solution Approach 2:
The facemask assembly can be designed to interface with various existing mask types (N95, surgical masks), and the air supply assembly can serve multiple users or be adapted to different facility types. This universality allows existing manufacturing capabilities to produce compatible components without requiring entirely new production lines
3Ease of operation
If lightweight and portable PPE is used, then ease of movement and comfort improve, but protection effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Separating the heavy filtration and pressurization components into a portable air supply unit worn on the body (rather than a fixed facility installation) enables mobility. The segmented design allows the user to carry their own protected breathing zone while moving freely within contaminated environments
Solution Approach 2:
The positive pressure air supply assembly is self-contained and portable, providing its own filtered air supply without requiring connection to external facility infrastructure. This self-service capability enables users to maintain protection effectiveness while moving independently through different locations
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 system effectively reduces the risk of aerosol transmission by providing filtered air and can be quickly mass-produced, addressing the urgent need for protecting healthcare workers and others from airborne contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
a filter for removing contaminants from air
Implementation Method 2
at least one air accelerator for forcing air through the conduit assembly from the air inlet to the facemask assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The invention addresses the problem of air filtration and decontamination as required immediately for the COVID-19 pandemic but also will be useful in a variety of applications. Air (1) to the apparatus (100) enters and passes through an optional pre-filter (2) and through a one-way air “check” valve (3). The incoming air (1) then enters the counter-flow heat exchange path (4) and proceeds towards the heating chamber (6). As air enters the heating chamber (6), it immediately encounters heating elements (7). Upon encountering the heating chamber (6), the incoming air, which has been pre-heated by the exiting air, is heated to the desired temperature and exits via the return path (5). Upon completing the path through the exit path for the air, the air is now cooled to the desired exit temperature, for example within a few degrees of the incoming air, and is at a temperature suitable to exit (11) and be delivered to a user. This air may not have the virus removed from it, but the virus will be rendered harmless at this point. The invention is applicable in other contexts. For example, the operation of these systems can generally be reversed to decontaminate air including air exhaled by a user. This may be used in conjunction with a mask worn by a patient or an isolation chamber at least partially enclosing a patient, e.g., a patient room(s) or a tent erected over a patient gurney or bed.