Custom-fit reusable respiratory protective device
Inventors
Jayaraman, Sundaresan • Park, Sungmee
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12628889-B2
Publication Date
2026-05-19
Expiration Date
Abstract
An exemplary apparatus and method are disclosed for a respiratory protective device. The respiratory protective device can be customized to the facial profile of a user and ensure proper fit and operation of device and attached breathable filter. In some embodiments, the device is configured to continuously monitor, via an integrated sensor embedded in the device's frame, the fit or proper particulate-filtering operation of the respiratory protective device. The sensor embodiment can ensure proper operation of respiratory protective device while providing monitoring and tracking of the fit to ensure personal safety for the healthcare professionals wearing the device.
Core Innovation
The method fabricates a custom-fit reusable respiratory protective device by acquiring a set of images, scans, or a scanned facial profile and generating a model of a facial region. A processor determines anatomical facial landmarks, including at least an infraorbitale and a zygomatic, as well as mathematically determined landmarks derived by projecting anatomical facial landmarks onto 2D planes to determine intermediate process landmarks.
Executing a taxonomy model, the processor uses the anatomical and derived landmarks to determine a frame or contour fit-ably placed over upper-cheek regions, mid-cheek position regions, and a chin region. The frame or contour is employed in manufacturing operations to fabricate a frame that maintains a breathable filter covering over the facial region while preserving fit during talking, smiling, and yawning.
Claims Coverage
The claim coverage identifies one independent claim covering a method of fabricating a respiratory protective device, containing four inventive features.
Facial profile model generation
Acquiring a set of images or scans of the user or a scanned facial profile and generating, by a processor, a model of a facial region based on that input.
Determination of anatomical and derived facial landmarks
Determining anatomical facial landmarks, including at least an infraorbitale and a zygomatic, and mathematically determined landmarks derived from them, including a face side point, a jaw side point, and a jaw point, by projecting anatomical facial landmarks onto 2D planes to determine intermediate process landmarks.
Taxonomy-based frame or contour determination
Using the anatomical and mathematically determined landmarks with a taxonomy model executed by the processor to determine a frame or contour that can be fit-ably placed on the user, extends over both upper-cheek regions, both mid-cheek position regions, and a chin region, and has facial landmarks identified on the scanned facial profile.
Manufacture of the frame
Employing the frame or contour in one or more manufacturing operations to manufacture or fabricate a frame having a contour that maintains a breathable filter covering over the user's facial region.
The independent claim combines facial-profile modeling, determination of anatomical and derived landmarks, taxonomy-based frame or contour determination, and manufacturing of a frame that maintains a breathable filter covering.
Stated Advantages
The determined frame or contour can be fit-ably placed on the user across the specified cheek and chin regions.
The manufactured frame contour maintains a breathable filter covering over the user's facial region.
The custom-fit frame is designed to preserve fit during talking, smiling, and yawning.
Documented Applications
Fabricating a respiratory protective device using a frame or contour determined from the user's facial profile.
A reusable respiratory protective device with a replaceable breathable filter covering the user's facial region.
Sensor-integrated embodiments for continuous fit monitoring.
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