Teague, a Seattle-based design and innovation firm, recently debuted a new concept to keep passengers safe from the COVID-19 virus while boarding, called the AirShield. Designed like an airway curtain, the AirShield can be 3D-printed, retrofitted to existing aircraft.
"By utilizing the airflow from the existing overhead air-gaspers, AirShield transforms freshly purified air into engineered 'air-blades' capable of controlling the spread of droplets much more effectively – offering passengers and crew improved protection and peace of mind," Teague explained. This ensures when a passenger coughs or sneezes, the water vapor droplets are safely contained in the passenger's space. They are then re-directed downwards and into the HEPA filtration units to prevent others from breathing in the same air.
Air Curtain Plane Protection
Teague Debut New AirShield Concept to Protect Passengers on Planes
Trend Themes
1. Air Curtains - The concept of air curtains as a protective barrier in confined spaces presents opportunities for innovation in various industries.
2. 3D Printing - The use of 3D printing technology in retrofitting existing aircraft with airway curtains opens up disruptive innovation opportunities.
3. HEPA Filtration - Advancements in HEPA filtration systems for capturing and containing airborne droplets in enclosed environments offer disruptive innovation opportunities.
Industry Implications
1. Aerospace - The aerospace industry can explore implementing air curtains to enhance passenger safety and reduce the transmission of viruses on planes.
2. Healthcare - The healthcare industry can adopt airway curtains to create protective barriers in hospitals and medical facilities, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.
3. Manufacturing - The manufacturing industry can leverage 3D printing technology to retrofit existing structures with air curtain systems, improving workplace safety in confined spaces.