WO2021256958A1 - Individual filtering mask with antibacterial air treatment - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to personal protective equipment in the form of a full-face mask having a rubberized or silicon body, a transparent facial portion, fastenings, a voice transmission membrane, and an antibacterial air treatment module comprising a germicidal lamp, a tube with a reflective coating, a lamp power converter, a battery, a charge monitoring and control unit, a switch, and a low charge warning device. The technical result of the invention is to prevent a mask user and other persons in the proximity of the mask user from becoming infected, by means of the antibacterial air treatment module which prevents viruses, bacteria or other DNA- and RNA-harbouring biological material from passing from the environment into the respiratory organs and eyes and vice versa.

Description

Individual filter mask with bactericidal air treatment

The invention relates to personal protective equipment for the respiratory and visual organs of a person from viruses and bacteria (from biological materials containing DNA and RNA).

Abstract filter masks have been known for many years and are designed to protect users (in the private sector, industry, trade, rescue services, etc.) from hazardous substances (gases and particles, solid and liquid substances). In general, respiratory protection filters fall into two main categories, namely particle filters and gas filters. In addition, so-called combination filters are available on the market to provide protection against gases and particles. The service life of particle filters depends on the contamination of the filter media and the duration of wear. Depending on the intended use and the type of contaminant. Various types of masks with different filter models are available for filtering harmful and / or hazardous substances from the inhaled air, namely respirator masks with particle filters or filtering particles of half masks or full face masks.

Particle filtration half masks are a mask and a filter in one, and therefore, after use, the filter itself cannot be replaced, so the entire mask becomes unusable. Particle filtering half masks for the most part consist exclusively of filtering material, for example non-woven material, are held on the user's head by means of elastic rubber bands, can be shaped to the shape of the nose for better adaptation to the face. All of the listed respirators and filters have the common property that they do not provide effective protection against microorganisms (bacteria, fungi and their spores, viruses, etc.). The optimum filtration effect of half masks for particle filtration will be exhausted after about a few hours, as the filter material becomes clogged over time and therefore does not provide adequate protection against the harmful effects of substances.

A well-known filtering mask for filtering particles (patent AU2020100228, IPC A41D13 / 1, op. 2020-03-26), with a mercury UVC LED, which can be installed as one UVC LED chip and / or as a whole from several combined UVC LED chips ... At least one source ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength in the range of killing microbes from 100 to 280 nm is applied to the outer side of the mask body to filter particles to prevent the face area (in particular, the mouth and / or nose) of the wearer from the threat of ultraviolet radiation. At least one UV source is preferably located on and / or in and / or near, in the integrated mask body, on one and / or more breathing valves for inhalation, and / or on, and / or in, and / or near, one and / or more breathing valves for exhalation are built into the mask body. The power supply required by the at least one UVC LED is provided by at least one separate rechargeable battery and / or a separate battery. For this, the power supply is connected to at least one UVC LED by means of a connecting cable -2- with a connecting socket and also a connecting plug for switching on / off using the built-in power button. Preferably, the at least one separate rechargeable battery and / or a separate battery is carried in a suitable bag on the user's body (i.e., belt, etc.). The filter mask body, which is held by at least 2 portions of elastic bands to the face and by means of a plastic auxiliary nose bracket and sealed with an entire circular applied rubber seal at the outer edges, and which covers at least the nose and / or mouth of the wearer, is manufactured made of a material (e.g. silicone, rubber / latex, etc.) that is impervious to microorganisms in order to avoid the penetration of bacteria, viruses and fungi and their spores. Thanks to the smooth material (e.g. silicone, rubber / latex, etc.), the mask body fits precisely to the wearer's face and seals the nose and / or mouth tightly, providing the wearer with good wearing comfort. The particle filter mask can also be equipped with at least one and / or more replaceable filter elements - consisting of a frame and associated nonwovens - that are located outside the filter mask body in front of and / or adjacent to one and / or more inlet openings of one and / or more breathing valves for inhalation and / or in front of and / or near one and / or more outlets of one and / or more breathing valves for exhalation - to further protect the user and / or surroundings from harmful / dangerous microorganisms.

The disadvantages of the known technical solution include the following:

1. Using LEDs - very low efficiency at a wavelength of 253.7nm. 2. High cost.

3. Additional filter impairs air passage.

4. Exact fit to the face implies individual ordering of masks, which leads to higher production costs.

5. It is necessary to produce special stabilized plastic that is able to block UV radiation from irradiation of the face area and / or the environment (this is another factor in increasing the cost).

Known individual prophylactic mask for disinfection of air entering during breathing through the nose from the environment (RF patent N ° 40847, IPC A41D13 / 11, op.10.10.2004), containing an emitter for bactericidal air treatment, made on semiconductor elements, containing ultraviolet light-emitting diodes, means for its fastening, a power supply unit and an electrical circuit for switching on. The mask can be partially used to protect against influenza viruses, as it contains a semiconductor ultraviolet emitter, the light of which penetrates the air entering the nose. The known device has a number of disadvantages.

1. If a person has a stuffy nose, then the use of a mask is inappropriate.

2. When walking quickly or actively exercising, a person additionally breathes through the mouth, which opens the way for microorganisms to enter the lungs.

3. Prolonged irradiation of the nasal cavity by the emitter can lead either to damage to the mucous membrane under hard UV radiation, or to dehydration and the appearance of edema of the nasal cavity under soft radiation.

4. The mask does not protect the respiratory organs of a person from dust and smoke.

5. The mask does not protect the environment from viruses that can be released by a masked person breathing through his mouth.

Known Individual filter mask with bactericidal air treatment on emitting semiconductor elements (patent RU94421U1. IPC A41D 13/11. Op. 27 05 2010). containing LEDs, means for their fastening, a power supply unit and an electrical circuit for switching on, the mask contains a body made of rubber or plastic that covers the mouth and nose of a person, captures the chin, and has a free volume near the mouth and nose, the body in the front face has a round a hole made in the form of a thin-walled cylindrical pipe, into which a circular board with LEDs is inserted, the luminous flux of which is directed inward, towards the hole, from the outside the cylindrical pipe is provided with a thread onto which the second cylindrical pipe is screwed, the inner space of which is filled with filtering substances that close the inlet. The composition of the bactericidal emitter includes LEDs emitting in the range of 620-680 nm and 820-890 nm; the mask is equipped with a valve with an electrical contact that is triggered by inhalation and exhalation, and each time it is triggered, it turns on the LEDs; the electrical circuit is equipped with an impulse multichannel switch that simultaneously turns on all lighting devices; the electrical circuit is equipped with a pulse multichannel switch, each of the contacts of which includes one or another type of LED; the mask is equipped with a valve that allows the irradiated air to pass freely outside during exhalation.

The disadvantages of the known technical solution include:

1. Using LEDs - very low efficiency.

2. High cost.

3. Additional filter impairs air passage.

4. The loose wires that supply power to the LEDs get in the way and can easily get cut off.

5. Radiation in the range of 620-680 nm and 820-890 nm. does not have a bactericidal effect, therefore does not destroy RNA and DNA of viruses;

6. A valve that allows air to pass freely from the mask contributes to the possible spread of the virus;

7. During the filter change, the person is defenseless.

Closer in technical essence and taken as a prototype is a protective medical mask (RU173502U1, MIC A41D13 / 11, op. 2017-08-29), containing a body with means of attachment to the face of the mask wearer, and a bactericidal chamber in the front face of the body equipped with an input filter and an ultraviolet radiation source located inside the bactericidal chamber and connected to the power supply unit, the ultraviolet radiation source is made in the form of a small-sized amalgam gas-discharge lamp, while the inner surface of the bactericidal chamber is made of a material that reflects ultraviolet radiation, a partition made of material is installed inside the chamber transparent to ultraviolet radiation, and an air filter made of a material that absorbs ultraviolet radiation is installed at the outlet of the germicidal chamber. The disadvantages of this technical solution are:

1. The invention is made in the form of a respirator, does not provide complete protection (for example, eyes).

2. At the entrance to the germicidal chamber there is a filter that impairs the passage of air.

3. Wires from the UV lamp to the power supply are interfering and could be cut.

4. It is not possible to replace the battery without stopping the mask. The continuity of the device is not provided.

5. The germicidal chamber is located in the front of the mask body, which adds an unbalanced load to the vertebrae of the cervical spine. Accordingly, long wearing, as well as complex and precise work is not possible.

6. The body of the mask covering the nose, mouth and the lower part of the chin of the mask wearer protrudes forward, which impairs the view.

The objective of the invention is to create a filtering full-face mask with a bactericidal emitter, which can be widely used as personal protection against various infections transmitted by airborne droplets, including various forms of influenza, as well as coronavirus infection.

The technical result from the application of the invention consists in preventing the infection of the mask carrier, as well as preventing the infection of persons around the mask carrier due to the fact that the bactericidal air treatment module prevents a virus, bacteria or other biological material containing DNA or RNA from entering the respiratory system from the external environment and vision, and also prevents viruses, bacteria or other biological materials from entering the external environment that are in the exhaled air.

This is achieved due to the fact that in an individual filtering mask with bactericidal air treatment, containing a housing with means for attaching to the head of the mask wearer, a bactericidal air treatment module equipped with an ultraviolet radiation source located inside the bactericidal air treatment module and connected to a power supply unit, while the source of ultraviolet radiation is made in the form of a gas-discharge lamp, according to the invention, the body of the mask is made in a shape that covers the mouth, nose and eyes of a person, made of a transparent material, a bactericidal air treatment module installed on top and does not restrict the view, while the mask is equipped with batteries, valves that are triggered when inhaling and located on the inside of the mask, a valve that lets the treated air out when exhaling, while the bactericidal air treatment module includes a gas-discharge ultraviolet bactericidal lamp in a reflective tube, a converter lamp power supply, continuous power supply system with the ability to change the battery, a control device, a signaling device about the end of the charge, an electrical circuit for switching on, external telemetry. At the same time, both one and two gas-discharge ultraviolet bactericidal lamps with a wavelength of 253.7 nanometers can be installed in the bactericidal air treatment module. In this case, the bactericidal treatment module can be removable and / or non-removable.

A distinctive feature of the proposed technical solution:

• a bactericidal air treatment module prevents viruses, bacteria or other biological materials from entering the external environment in the exhaled air;

• gas-discharge ultraviolet bactericidal lamps with a wavelength of 253.7 nanometers, that is, actively destroying DNA and RNA, were used;

• the offered mask does not restrict the view and provides eye protection, since only the transparent face of the mask is in front;

• the proposed mask, due to the air injection system, which can be installed, can work with a loose fit;

• the proposed mask with an installed bactericidal air treatment module not only ensures the safety of the wearer from external influences, but the treated air at the outlet will be safe for others.

The claimed device is illustrated by the figures.

Figure 1 shows the mask in general side view.

Figure 2 - the same, the module for bactericidal air treatment.

In Fig.Z - the same, the layout of the lamp in the tube.

Positions indicate: mask body 1; transparent face of the mask 2; mask attachments 3; bactericidal air treatment module 4; voice transmission membrane 5; paired inspiratory valve 6; an exhalation valve 16 (not shown); bactericidal lamp 7; reflective coated tube 8; solar battery 9; lamp power converter 10; battery 11; charge control and control device 12; switch 13; sound signaling device 14; external telemetry 15.

The device is made in the form of a full-face mask with a rubberized or silicone case 1, with a transparent face of the mask 2, attachments 3, a voice transmission membrane 5, with a bactericidal air treatment module 4, including a bactericidal lamp 7, a tube with a reflective coating 8, a lamp power converter 10 , battery 11, charge control and control device 12, switch 13, warning device about the end of charge 14. The solar battery 9 may not be used. External telemetry 15 (the ability to send information to the phone or to the monitoring server) may not be used.

The full-face mask, thanks to the attachments, ensures a snug fit of the mask to the face. This is not critical, but desirable. Above there is a module for bactericidal air treatment, inside the module for bactericidal air treatment there is a tube (can be made of various materials) with a reflective coating, inside the tube there is a bactericidal lamp. The incoming air passes through this tube with a gas-discharge ultraviolet germicidal lamp located inside, thereby ensuring the best effect of destruction of DNA and RNA structures.

The manufacturing options for the bactericidal air treatment module may vary. The best option is to use one germicidal lamp in one reflective tube. Both incoming and outgoing air are processed.

Another option is possible: in the bactericidal air treatment module - two bactericidal lamps in two reflective tubes, one for processing the incoming air, the other for processing the outgoing air (not shown in the figures).

The third option is the arrangement of two germicidal lamps in series in one reflective tube. To ensure system redundancy and high reliability, for example, for an operating room (not shown in the figures).

The mask contains an active system for processing biological materials containing DNA and RNA, for example, a gas-discharge ultraviolet bactericidal lamp with a wavelength of 253.7 nanometers, that is, actively destroying DNA and RNA.

The mask may contain an air injection system. When installing this system the mask does not require a perfect snug fit to the face, minimally restricts the view, provides eye protection, and can be effective if the fit is loose.

This mask ensures the safety of the wearer himself from external influences. The exhaled air, passing through the bactericidal air treatment module, also becomes safe for others.

The battery 11 is a power source for the module for bactericidal treatment of air (lamps), the energy of which is supplied to the lamp power converter 10, and through it into the gas-discharge ultraviolet bactericidal lamp. The system of continuous power supply with the possibility of changing the battery is realized due to the ability to install a new charged battery, and only then remove the discharged one. This change of batteries allows not only to extend the operating time of the bactericidal air treatment module, but also to make it continuous.

For southern sunny regions, the mask can be combined with a cap with 9 solar batteries, the energy of which, if not completely able to provide the bactericidal air treatment module with the necessary energy for operation, will at least reduce the energy consumption of the battery, which will save the charge.

External telemetry 15 is the ability to send information to the telephone or to the monitoring server. This is used to centrally collect information from masks about their state. Can be used in healthcare facilities. For example, using telemetry, you can immediately see if all employees have masks working?

To increase the visibility in the mask, the bactericidal air treatment module is located on top. The upper position of which not only does not interfere with the view, the mask does not pull the head forward, there is no additional unbalanced load on the cervical vertebrae of a person, which allows performing fine precise work for a long time (for example, working in the operating room) while wearing this mask. The front face transparent part of the mask provides a good view. The mask may contain some kind of seal, for example, silicone - as a result, the seal provides a better fit for the mask. However, when using an air injection system, a snug fit of the mask is not necessary.

The presented design can be widely used, it can be used in medicine and in other cases where it is required to process not only the inhaled air, but also the exhaled air (for example, operating room). Description of the operation of the device.

1. Put on a mask on your face

2. Tighten the mask fasteners

3. Switch on the device.

4. Inhalation air enters the reflective tube, passes inside this tube, through the gas-discharge ultraviolet germicidal lamp. The radiation of this lamp with a wavelength of 253.7 nm effectively destroys the DNA and RNA of viruses and bacteria that are in the air, then the processed air enters the mask, then a person inhales it through the valves on the inside of the mask.

5. The direction of air is determined by the valve system in the mask.

6. When air is exhaled, the air exits through the valve, enters the germicidal air treatment module and then into the ambient air. The air comes out already treated from viruses and bacteria. Thus, a sick person does not pose a danger to others.

7. To replace the battery, it is necessary: after hearing a beep, open the battery compartment and insert a new battery. Then take out the discharged battery. This is done for reasons of complete continuity of operation of the bactericidal air treatment module, to prevent contamination during battery replacement, so that a person does not breathe untreated air.

8. After the person comes to the clean room, he can turn off and take off the mask.

How the air is processed: there is a lamp in a tube with a reflective coating (Fig. 3), air passes through this tube, the radiation of an ultraviolet bactericidal lamp with a wavelength of 253.7 nanometers effectively destroys the DNA and RNA of viruses and bacteria in the air. The principle is valid for both incoming air and outgoing air. The direction of air is determined by the valve system in the mask. Application:

This mask will be effective in public transport, in public places, outdoors, indoors, for medical workers, in hospitals, etc. It is focused on combating infections spread by airborne droplets, in particular, we can talk about coronavirus infection. Due to the fact that the radiation of an ultraviolet bactericidal lamp is used without the release of ozone, narrow-spectral - this system will not have a negative effect on the human respiratory system, as well as litter the environment with ozone, atomic oxygen and nitrogen oxides.

The proposed device is active in contrast to passive systems containing filter elements that need to be replaced and maintained.

These known systems have the following disadvantages:

1. The need for frequent maintenance;

2. The moment when the resource of the protective filter is exhausted is not monitored.

In our invention, when the battery charge is critically reduced, for example, a sound signal can be output, thereby clearly reminding a person to get a new spare battery and replace it.

3. The designs of the known technical solutions require a complete fit of the mask, in contrast to our device. The germicidal air treatment module can operate with air injection and without air injection.

4. Passive systems, in principle (gas masks, etc.) are deprived of filtration of the outgoing air. The outgoing air in these systems was never filtered and left untreated. In modern conditions, the level of importance of bactericidal treatment of not only inhaled but also exhaled air has increased. This is especially important in a pandemic and the widespread spread of viruses transmitted by airborne droplets.

5. It is not possible to determine the filter resource because the use of this filter is non-linear. That is, the moment when the filter reduces the filtration efficiency is very difficult to catch. Various materials contain active chemical elements, but there are a limited number of them, it is not known when they will cease to function normally.

For example, a person came out wearing a mask and breathed in the exhaust of a car - this exhaust reacted - almost all elements of the mask filter exhausted their useful substances quickly enough. The filter needs to be changed. The resource depletion rate is not linear, because linear speed cannot be provided.

6. Filters are disposable, pollute the environment and require special means for their destruction / recycling. Since they are biological waste requiring special methods of destruction.

7. At the time of filter replacement, a person is completely defenseless. Our invention provides for a continuous power supply system with the ability to change the battery, which is realized due to the ability to install a new charged battery, and only then remove the discharged one. After the beep about critical decrease in the charge of the working battery, you need to open the compartment and insert a new battery. After inserting a new battery, you can remove the old one to ensure uninterrupted operation of the germicidal air treatment module.

8. In the modern world, there are molecular filters operating with excess pressure, in other words, which are able to pass only gas molecules without viruses or other biological substances containing DNA and RNA. Filtration through them is possible, but it is necessary to inject air under high pressure, which cannot be done with an individual mask.

Claims

Claim

An individual filtering mask with bactericidal air treatment, containing a body with means of attachment to the head of the mask wearer, a bactericidal air treatment module equipped with an ultraviolet radiation source located inside the bactericidal air treatment module and connected to a power supply, while the ultraviolet radiation source is made in the form of a gas-discharge lamp , characterized in that the body of the mask is made in a shape that covers the mouth, nose and eyes of a person, made of transparent material, the bactericidal air treatment module is installed on top and does not limit the view, while the mask is equipped with batteries, valves triggered by inhalation and located on the inside masks, a valve that, when exhaling, lets the processed air out, while the germicidal air treatment module includes a gas-discharge ultraviolet germicidal lamp in a reflective tube, a lamp power converter, a continuous power supply system with the possibility of changing the battery, a control device, a signaling device about the end of the charge, an electrical circuit for switching on, external telemetry.

2. An individual filtering mask according to claim 1, characterized in that both one and two gas-discharge ultraviolet germicidal lamps with a wavelength of 253.7 nanometers can be installed in the bactericidal air treatment module.

3. Individual filtering mask according to claim 1, characterized in that the bactericidal treatment module can be removable and / or non-removable.