PROBLEM STATEMENT & SOLUTION
COVID-19 halted our world by being an extremely contagious, airborne virus that paused the whole world in the year of 2020. Science shows that COVID-19’s main contagion is through aerosols, that occur when people talk, cough, or sneeze. The WHO (World Health Organization) highly encourages everyone to wear face-coverings and physically distance (6 ft apart) in order to contain the virus. Many businesses in the United States started implementing safety precautions to protect their workers as well as their customers; examples of which are, plexiglass mounts to cover cashiers, airplanes implementing recycled air, and many more. An air-filtration device for desks for students would just be one of the many adaptations many countries must make in order to keep ourselves safe from this virus as well as potential new ones, while also making sure that life goes on.
​
The design must filter air and/or destroy any airborne virus near a student’s desk or study area. The system must be modular, in order to be added onto existing desks as well as new ones. The system must also be reasonably priced since targeted to schools around the country that need to provide for their desks in bulk.
INITIAL USER REQUIREMENTS & ENGINEERING SPECIFICATIONS
System should reduce the risk of an airborne virus (in particular COVID-19) while a student is at their desk.
System noise should not disturb the class (including when considering all seats could employ the system).
System shall be modular - with the ability to be added to existing standard desks.
Installation, removal or replacement of unit shall also be done with minimal effort and time (objective - no tools, threshold - standard tools).
System power should be stand-alone. Power system may include charging via 110VAC. Overnight charging is acceptable, but weekly charging is preferred.
System shall be safe for children. (Students to research standards.)
System shall have a notification system for when inoperable. May include Wi-Fi to a teacher's mobile device.
System shall have a school administration friendly method for turning on and off. Team is to consider automated features, including Wi-Fi enabled features.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
INFORMATION ON THE HEPA FILTER?
We are currently using a replaceable HEPA filter created by the company ZHENGXOO. This specific filter has 3 layers: a pre-filter, a carbon filter, and a HEPA filter. HEPA filters are scientifically proven to filtrate 99.98% of airborne viruses.
HOW MUCH WOULD THIS PRODUCT COST?
Since this project is ongoing, we will be determining the cost of this device at the end of our testing phase when we can do a detailed cost analysis. Check back later.
HOW CAN I BE INVOLVED WITH THIS PROJECT?
The best way to help with this project is to practice social distancing and wear a mask on a daily basis to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
ARE YOU PLANNING ON GETTING THIS DEVICE PATENTED?
Yes, after we graduate, we plan on working with our sponsor, Scott Shaffar, to get this product patented and distributed to different schools.