WO2022015183A1

WO2022015183A1 - Head cap with air circulation

Info

Publication number: WO2022015183A1
Application number: PCT/QA2021/050013
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alaa Eddin O ALOSTWANI
Original assignee: Alostwani Alaa Eddin O
Priority date: 2021-02-26
Filing date: 2021-06-13
Publication date: 2022-01-20

Abstract

This invention is consisted of a cap (1) supported by two air circulations flowing in front of the face; the temperature and humidity of the external air circulation can be calibrated along with plasma technology activation; whereas the first air circulation is mainly for isolation, the two air circulations will be sucked separately through two air entrances (6, 7) in front of the neck, directly to the purifying filters, then toward the two withdrawing fans, to be produced again from the visor through two outlets (4, 5). Furthermore, many sensors, used for detecting muscular activity, proximity and air quality, can be added to control the device function.

Description

[Title established by the ISA under Rule 37.2] HEAD CAP WITH AIR CIRCULATION

This invention relates to the field of prevention, in particular to safe and effective isolation using an innovative facial air circulation.

The facial mask is considered as an essential prevention tool of infectious respiratory diseases, Covid-19 for example; Interestingly, many appliances were invented to replace the mask. First, the invention PLT1 which discloses a novel protective cap consists of a hat includes a silent fan and filter. The air is sucked in through the mute fan, passes through the air guide pipe and then is sprayed downwards from the brim through the porous pipe, a circle of protective air curtain is formed around the head of a wearer. The patent PLT2 discloses a multifunctional isolation-level protective cap and sealing method, the helmet comprises a safety helmet body, a neck sealing cover, an exhaust port, an exhaust filtering cover, an air inlet, an air inlet fan, an air inlet flow expanding cavity, an air inlet filtering cover and battery box. multifunctional isolation-level protective cap has the following advantages that: the whole head is completely sealed in the protective cap without wearing a mask, so that the goggles are completely protected, and the forced filtration air inlet fan is installed, so that air in the helmet flows, sufficient fresh air is provided all the time, the problems of difficulty in breathing and stuffiness are thoroughly solved, and the head injuries caused by collision can be reduced.

Plasma technology is safe and effective method used in many fields, commonly for purification and disinfection the air of hospitals and buildings. The principle of this technology depends on ionizing the particles into positive and negative ions, through which the microorganisms and pollutants can be neutralized and eliminated.

This invention is consisted of a cap supported by two complete air circulations in front of the face; the temperature and the humidity of the external air circulation can be calibrated along with plasma technology activation; whereas the first air circulation is mainly for isolation, the two air circulations will be sucked separately through two air entrances in front of the neck, directly to the purifying filters, then toward the two withdrawing fans, to be produced again from the visor through two separate outlet toward the two compatible entrance and so on. Furthermore, many sensors used for detecting muscular activity, proximity and air quality can be added to control the device function and efficacy. Moreover, different alarms are included in this invention for training purposes and reflecting the proper function of the device to the person himself and others. Therefore, this invention prevents microorganisms from reaching the face and spreading to others at the same time, meaning that the prevention provided is bidirectional.

The facial mask is commonly used for prevention of respiratory diseases. However, it is difficult for many people to cope with wearing the mask frequently for a long time, especially during working hours and physical activities; interestingly, possible psychological stress and difficult social relationships can be noticed because of the mask; the nose and mouth will be masked completely, thus the person will be vulnerable to infection while eating or drinking, also the eyes are not protected, and air leakage might occur around the mask if not correctly adapted. Studies showed that hypoxia might be recorded while wearing the mask continuously, resulting in fatigue, tiredness and confusion. In addition, the mask is disposable thus generating environmental waste pollution.

The novel protective cap (PLT1) may protect the wearer from infectious diseases. However, the infected person might spread airborne microorganisms to others, this is because the produced air flow can push the droplets to the atmosphere especially if the head is tilted upward, another drawback is the cap weight over the head including battery, fan and pipes.

PLT2 discloses a multifunctional isolation-level protective cap and sealing method, which may replace the mask by a box-shaped applied over the head with a hermetic seal around the neck for prevention of infectious diseases. However, this complete head cover might affect daily life with possible psychological and behavioral consequences; this can be explained by the difficulty to communicate with others caused by the interferences with physical senses; therefore, the protection will be over while eating or drinking, even the vision is only possible through the transparent barrier, which might be blurred while coughing, sneezing, or bad environmental conditions, also the patent revealed that this barrier should be kept clear enough to avoid misusing the helmet for illegal purposes. Another drawback is the difficulties arising during physical activities in hot weather or sleeping; meaning that if the inlet and the exit, located at the same level in front of the face, were blocked at night for any reason, the blanket for example, the person might suffer from hypoxia or breathing difficulty. In addition, the weight of the device over the head including the helmet, fans, battery and the filter, might not be tolerated for a long time.

This invention presents an innovative method to replace the mask by invisible, safe and effective isolation which consists of two separate and complete air circulations covering the frontal area and lateral sides of the face, thus the air droplets will be prevented from reaching the face and spreading to others at the same time, meaning that the prevention provided is bidirectional; this can be explained by the presence of many aeriform layers in front of the face: the first internal air circulation which is mainly for isolation, the second external air circulation characterized by monitored temperature, humidity and plasma technology, and the air layer which exists between them. In addition, the presence of wide air entrance in front of the neck, withdrawing the contaminated air directly and effectively toward the purifying filter regardless of head position, will contribute to an efficient prevention and maintain the following parts of the device clean.

Preferably, this invention includes special sensor for detecting muscular activity accompanying with reflexes generating aerosol, also proximity and air quality sensors controlling the device functions and providing optimum protection and prevention of infectious diseases. Moreover, different alarms are utilized for training purposes and reflecting the proper function of the device to the person himself and others. Another advantage of the invention is the minimum weight over the head, also convenient, comfortable and favorable to all ages. In addition, this invention can be used in routine daily life and facilitates working conditions without interfering with the wearer’s senses, affecting physical activities or causing psychological stress. Interestingly, this invention will preserve the environment from the waste of disposable masks, minimize the quarantine and national lockdown and save the economy.

Fig.1

illustrates the two air circulations from front view. 1- head cap. 2- an illuminating light indicating that the two air circulations are working properly. 3- cap visor. 4- The exit of first air circulation. 5- The exit of second air circulation. 6- the entrance of first air circulation. 7- the entrance of second air circulation. 8- The purifier filter of the first entrance. 9- The purifier filter of the second entrance.

Fig.2

illustrates the two air circulations from lateral view. 1- head cap. 2- an illuminating light indicating that the two air circulations are working properly. 3- cap visor. 4- The exit of first air circulation. 5- The exit of second air circulation. 6- the entrance of first air circulation. 7- the entrance of second air circulation. 8- The purifier filter of the first entrance. 9- The purifier filter of the second entrance.

Fig.3

illustrates the back view of the device generating the two air circulations. 1- head cap. 2- an illuminating light indicating that the two air circulations are working properly. 3- The first air circulation. 4- The second air circulation. 5- the first suctioning fan. 6- the second suctioning fan. 7- Plasma technology. 8- Heat and humidity generator. 9- Control unit. 10- Battery. 11- The case of device.

This invention consists of two suctioning fans placed on a suitable site, over the upper back for example, and wide entrance with W-shaped cross section located in the lower anterior neck region and divided longitudinally into two separate entrances, the first is internal and the second is external; each entrance includes filter purifying the air from germs, viruses, dust and so on; the purified air will be directed through two separate passages beside the neck, each one connects the specific entrance with the compatible suctioning fan; then the accelerated air by the first and second fans will pass through the cap into two separate levels, the first is lower and the second is upper respectively, then produced through two outlets separated longitudinally at the inner surface of cap visor; the first is internal and the second is external accordingly. In other words, the air will be sucked by the first and second fans through the first and second entrances separately, then the accelerated air will pass through the lower and upper passages in the cap to be flowed out of the visor through the first and second outlets, parallel to the face, again toward the compatible first and second entrances respectively; as a result, two separate and complete air circulations will be formed in front of face; the first air circulation is internal and the second is external away from the face, figure (1, 2). The advantages of the two air circulations will be as follows:

Preventing the person's droplets from diffusion outside the air circulations limits while coughing or sneezing.

Preventing dust and microorganisms, coming from other people and atmosphere, from breaking through the air circulations toward the wearer's face.

The device unit contains heat, moisture and plasma sources supporting the second air circulation with calibrated temperature, humidity and plasma technology in order to maximize its efficacy against airborne microorganisms, whereas the first air circulation, which is internally located during the whole pathway, will functionate as an isolator and maintain a comfort zone with neutral air flow.

Preferably, the transversal dimension of W-shaped air entrance can be controlled and changed according to the outlet position in order to maintain the first and second air circulations flowing separately inside the first and second entrances respectively regardless of head position, , 2; this can be achieved by adding connections with suitable joints made of rubber, plastic, metal or combination between them; through which the movement of cap visor will be transmitted to the anterior border of air entrance in order to keep it compatible with the air outlet during head movement. Another method can be performed by using sensor controlling the width of air entrance automatically according to the motion of cap visor and head position.

Preferably, muscular activity sensor can be set on the internal surface of the entrance for monitoring neck muscles, diaphragm muscle or any particular muscle participating in reflexes generating aerosol, namely sneezing, coughing or loud speaking; furthermore, proximity sensor can be included to assess the distance to surrounding people, along with special sensor for detecting sand, dust, germs and viruses, the air quality in other words. In response, the device efficacy including the current speed of two air circulations, plasma technology, humidity and air temperature will be automatically activated and calibrated to provide an instant and maximum protection during the actual period of the stimulant, meaning that the aerosol microorganism will be prevented from diffusion outside the limits of two air circulations while coughing or sneezing and from invading the air flow from outside sources, thus providing bidirectional prevention with the advantage of saving energy; in addition, recording the frequency and intensity of these reflexes will help diagnose the person’s health condition.

The person must wear the head cap functioning properly to provide continuous effective prevention within a set time period; this goal can be achieved using either of these two methods: first; by recording any possible defects, malfunction, working on and off times of the device, and person's reflexes generating aerosol using the control panel of the devise, then sending the information via Bluetooth or wireless network to the controlling system. The second method: an illuminating light can be added to the top of the head cap which shines visible green when the device is working properly; whereas the light will flash red with a suitable alarming sound to alert the person himself and others to any malfunction, low battery or defect in the device, so the person will wear the mask until the device is properly maintained. , 2

Preferably, photoelectric sensor or magnetic field sensor can be added in front of the face; therefore, any attempt by the hand to break through the light beam or magnetic field will result in a suitable recorded alarm and activation of the two air circulations in order to warn and train the person not to touch his face and provide the suitable protection; interestingly, the sensor and alarm can be switched off while drinking or eating.

This invention can be powered by battery, kinetic energy, solar energy, or combination between them.

Preferably, a suitable case includes the two fans with the control unit and the battery was designed to be placed in a convenient site, the upper back for example, this in turn will reduce the cap weight over the head.

This invention provides an effective isolation and prevention of respiratory infectious diseases, and facilitates working conditions and routine daily life as well, this in turn will preserve the environment from the waste of disposable masks, minimize the quarantine and national lockdown, and save the economy; furthermore, all the components can be easily manufactured with a low cost. Therefore, this invention introduces an innovative device to make the precaution and protection measures favorable, effective and easy for all people including children, geriatric and medically compromised patients.

Patent / CN211794549/U/ Patent /CN111407038/ (A)

Claims

Head cap which is characterized in that it comprises
air circulations;
Plasma technology;
Humidity generator and temperature calibrator;
Electronic sensors;
Alarms.
Head cap according to the claim 1, characterized by two separate air circulations, external and internal according to the facial level; the temperature and humidity of the external air circulation can be calibrated and monitored automatically or manually for a specific time in order to inhibit microorganisms, whereas the internal air circulation functionates as an isolator.
Head cap according to the claim 1 or 2 wherein the number of air circulations can be increased depending on the required prevention.
Head cap according to the claim 1 or 2 wherein plasma technology can be manipulated to produce positive and negative ions through the external air circulation in order to inhibit the transmission of microorganisms.
Head cap according to the claim 1 or 2 characterized by an air entrance located in the lower anterior neck region and divided into two separate entrances, the transversal dimension of the entrance can be changed automatically according to the air outlet position, which keeps the first and second air circulations flowing separately inside the internal and external entrances respectively regardless of head position.
Head cap according to the claim 1 or 5 wherein the air entrance contains filter purifying dust, microorganisms, pollutants and so on, this in turn will keep the other following components clean and facilitates the maintenance of the device.
Head cap according to the claim 1, characterized by special sensor detecting muscular activity accompanying with actions or reflexes generating aerosol; in response, the device efficacy will be automatically activated to provide the proper protection during these reflexes and prevent spreading of aerosol to others; in addition, recording the frequency and intensity of these reflexes will help diagnose the person’s health condition.
Head cap according to the claim 1, characterized by a proximity sensor assessing the distance to the surrounding people; therefore, the device efficacy will be automatically activated to provide the proper protection while approaching others.
Head cap according to the claim 1 characterized by special sensor measuring air quality, thus the device efficacy will be automatically increased in response to the presence of foreign particles or microorganisms in the air around the person wearing the cap.
Head cap according to the claim 1 wherein the heat, humidity or plasma technology of the external air circulation can be monitored and activated automatically in response to the sensor activation responsible for air quality, proximity or muscular activity, this in turn will save energy.
Head cap according to the claim 1 characterized by the presence of different recorded alarms for training, prevention and controlling purposes, also alerting the person himself and others to any malfunction or defects in the device.
Head cap according to the claim 1 characterized by the presence of an illuminating light reflecting the functional status of the device to other people.
Head cap according to the claim 1 wherein a suitable alarm is produced when the photoelectric sensor or magnetic field sensor is activated in case the light beam or magnetic field in front of the face is interrupted, the hand approaches the face for example, this alarm can be turned off while eating or drinking.
Head cap according to the claim 1 wherein a suitable case is designed to include the two fans, control unit and battery, to be placed over an appropriate site; this in turn will reduce the cap weight over the head.
Head cap according to the claim 1 powered by battery, kinetic energy, solar energy, or combination between them.