Our powered air purifying mask helps students and teachers who want to return to in-person instruction by assuring protection from COVID-19 through active filtration of airborne particles while maximizing comfort unlike traditional disposable cloth masks.
The United States currently has the most confirmed COVID cases worldwide, with about 28 million confirmed cases.
As cases continue to increase, statewide mask mandates have now brought the number to 35 states requiring people to wear face coverings in public.
Typical cloth and surgical masks worn by the public easily become uncomfortable, offer little filtration, and are burdensome for a multitude of reasons. Through the XPRIZE survey, it has shown that the top complaints are the humidity inside the mask, fogging of glasses, and difficulty in breathing which our design will be addressing.
Look on our features page to see our feature products and how we compare with our competitors!
The SanAce fan allows for pulse width modulation allowing for decreased sound and control of air flow.
The Filti Filter is an affordable filter that provides 95% filtration efficiency with a MERV rating of 16.
1. Surgical Mask
A surgical mask is a nonwoven fabric that provides a physical barrier. Because of its simplicity, it's extremely low in cost; but there are also no other features than a physical barrier. The surgical mask is also not reusable and must be discarded after wearing it once.
2. Ultramasx
Ultramasx is a respirator mask that has a built in fan/blower and filtration system. In addition, it has replaceable HEPA filters along with certifications and an FDA registration. However, it does not have a clear front and is expensive at a cost of $70.
3. CleanSpace Halo
The CleanSpace Halo is our closest competitor as it has a Fan/Blower, Filtration system, a clear front and has been NIOSH approved. In addition CleanSpace provides many of the services we plan to advertise. However, CleanSpace provides these masks only to workers that have ❝tight controls on quality and safety❞. In addition, the cost of these masks are high as well.
Our first prototype focuses on a fan/blower system consisting of a SanAce Fan, for pulse width modulation, and a Filti Filter. This system will be enclosed with a medical clear resin for a clear front. Our first design strives for comfortability as well as meeting the NIOSH standards for an N95 mask. The medical clear resin is attached onto the main mask through velcro, however we will be replacing that with neodymium magnets. In ddition, we are in the works of future products and designs that will compliment the mask. We have a hinge system to allow users to eat and drink without removing the whole mask, as well as a neckband to alleviate the weight of the battery pack.
We have continually been updating our designs and this is the most current iteration created on solidworks. Two images are referenced here: the left image shows how the mask would be worn on the user and the right image is the mask itself. Currently, the mask design shows the straps on top and behind the head for extra support and two side components with the transparent mask in the front. The two side components represent the blowers that blow clean air from the side to the front. In addition to the blowers, it will contain the electrical components of the mask (batteries, wires, etc). Instead of having the electrical components on the neck and back, our ideal design is to have them on the side of the face to reduce extraneous external components that can cause confusion for the user when wearing and removing.
Our initial design started with the basic components of the mask: the fan and neckband. These images depict the solidworks model of our
components for the mask design. Our initial design uses the concept of the VO2 mask, which has the fans at the front of the face, in front
of the mouth (left image).
One added component to our design is the neckband (right image). This neckband will ideally contain the
electrical components of the mask which will be the batteries and the wires connecting to the fans and blowers. The purpose of the neckband
design is to put majority of the weight on the neck and shoulders of the user. Since the support points are at the neck and shoulders, this
relieves the weight of the users from the head.
Our marketing plan focuses on three main components: obtaining customers, retaining customers, and expanding our customer base.
- Designing a mask that addresses the main concerns regarding face masks
- A/C system, vibratory alarm system, shoulder weight support
- Customizable design and components
- Expanding the market and continuing to address main concerns
Our target market are young adults, teachers and students, medical professionals, and heavy industry workers.
Our device reaches young adults who are seeking sufficient protection from viruses and other airborne particles but also wish to return to a more normal lifestyle. The device is also aimed towards medical professionals who are seeking a more functional and comfortable mask that can be worn for longer periods of time than traditional N95 and surgical masks.
We will initially target teachers and students returning to in person instruction. Thus, we seek to partner with schools and universities to sell our product. We will sell our mask through a retail outlet, most likely Amazon or a website. To target medical professionals, we will look into federal hospital supplies. Our mask will be a one time purchase, but customers will continually purchase replacement filter cartridges and other accessories similar to a razor blade model.
The pricing tactic we are considering is value-based pricing. Since our PAPR mask seems to be one of the few with A/C functionality, we believe there is a lack of competition in this specific domain. While we still hope to keep our prices competitive by keeping the mask $100 or less if possible, we find that pricing our mask according to its perceived value – the definition of value-based pricing – is the best option. If other PAPR masks develop A/C technology, we may need to resort to a competitive pricing strategy and set our price around the ballpark of our competitors.
Our revenue model consists of a one time mask purchase and continual purchases for replacement filters over the mask's lifetime. Replacement filters could be purchased when necessary or on a subscription basis.
- More hires in the field of electrical engineering and biomedical engineering
- Invest into research and development
- Look to introduce new products to market
