Face mask designs following novel Coronavirus

https://doi.org/10.4081/jphr.2020.1770
  • Fang-Lin Chao
    Department of Industrial Design, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taiwan, Taiwan, Province of China.

ABSTRACT

Doctors need to wear complete protective equipment when large numbers of patients flood into the emergency room. Taiwan has so far managed to prevent a large scale community outbreak, city forces wearing face masks on public transportation, and keep social distancing to stem the virus from spreading. The protective device may be contaminated and must be replaced. In the situation of limited resources, how to take care of the  physiological needs of the doctor without increasing the chance of contamination during replacement is a consideration. By reducing the chance of contamination during removal and storage, the previous designs were analyzed and improved. We proposed three improved designs to reduce the contact. Design-A features a mask with a water channel that allows the user to remain hydrated without removing the cover. Design-B has a folding pattern that hides the outer surface. Design-C combines the mask with the brim of a cap which form. an extended air-intake area. Through understanding the problem, related product began distribute on the market, Design-D extends the mask usages period with less contact.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY

Fang-Lin Chao, Department of Industrial Design, Chaoyang University of Technology, Taiwan

Fang Lin Chao was born in Taipei, Taiwan, ROC, in 1958. He received the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from National Taiwan University in 1991. He joined the Electronics Research and Service Organization, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan, in 1982. His responsibilities included thermal, structural, and electrical modeling for the system. Since 2004, he has been an Associate Professor with the Department of Industrial Design at Chaoyang University of Technology, Taichung, Taiwan. His research interests include medical facility design and eco-design.

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