Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a face shielding device that is capable of providing a means to protect the user's face, particularly the eyes and respiratory system, during welding operations by shielding the user from harmful UV light, intense visible light, splatters, fumes, and gases generated during welding, ensuring safety and comfort to the user with optimal visibility and respiratory protection.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Shielding of faces during welding operation plays an important role in important role in protecting the welder from harmful effects such as intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation, visible light, heat, sparks, and fumes produced during the welding process. These factors cause serious damage to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system if proper protection is not used. The face shield, often equipped with photo chromatic lenses, helps by reducing exposure to UV light, which lead to "welder's flash" or eye burns. The lenses darken automatically when exposed to bright welding light, ensuring that the welder's eyes are shielded from harmful radiation.

[0003] Traditional welding face shields provide basic protection against sparks, intense light, and harmful gases. However, these conventional devices lack adaptability, efficient air filtration, and advanced visual aids. Welders often face issues such as eye strain due to inadequate light adjustment, exposure to harmful fumes, and the inability to review their work without removing the shield. Hence, there exists a need for a face shielding that not only offers robust protection but also integrates advanced features such as automatic light adjustment, efficient air filtration, voice control, and visual aids to improve user experience during welding.

[0004] US20060010551A1 discloses a welding face covering such as a digital welding helmet includes a face protector which would be located in front of the welder's eyes. The inner surface of the face protector has a digital viewing screen. A digital lens is mounted externally of the face protector for viewing the welding site. The digital lens transmits an image of the welding site to the viewing screen. As a result, the welder can view the welding site by looking at the screen rather than looking through a viewing window of the face covering or helmet.

[0005] US4821340A discloses a face shield to protect an individual against inhaling germs and other foreign bodies comprising a permanent clip portion which is adapted to be mounted on the nose piece of a pair of eyeglasses and a disposable sheet of relatively thin rigid plastic which is removable attached to the clip. This enables the sheet to be removed and discarded after a single use and replaced by an identical sheet prior to treatment of a new patient.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are disclosed in prior art that provide ways to shield the user’s face during welding operations that protect the user from hazards such as intense light, splatter, and harmful gases. However, such prior devices often lack features that provide real-time monitoring adjustments for preventing the user from the adverse effects while performing welding.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of shielding a user during welding of a surface by incorporating advanced safety features to protect the user’s face from harmful UV light, splatters, and fumes.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing enhanced protection to user during welding operations by shielding the user’s face from harmful ultraviolet (UV) light, intense visible light, and welding splatters in order to keep the user safe from hazardous condition during the welding operations.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of ensuring safety and comfort of the user during welding operations by providing an integrated filtration facility that protects against harmful gases and particulate matter.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing enhanced visual clarity during welding operations in order to enable the user to clearly visualize the welded surface.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a face shielding device that is capable of shielding the face of the user from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, intense visible light, and splatters generated during the welding process and offer respiratory protection by filtering harmful gases and fumes, ensuring the user's safety and comfort in welding operations.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a face shielding device, comprises of a curved plate to position the plate over face of the user before performing welding over a surface, a flexible strap configured lateral sides of the plate to fasten the plate with the user’s face, a primary opening crafted over the plate configured with a pair of photo chromatic lenses that gets changes color due to high intensity visible and Ultraviolet (UV) light produced due to welding of the surface, change of color of the lenses protects the user’s eyes from splatters and the high intensity visible and UV light, a secondary opening crafted over the plate and configured with first, second and third filter filtering air inhaled by the user in order to prevent the user from inhaling harmful gases and fumes produced during the welding, the first filter is developed using a mesh that block entry of the splatters, the second filter is developed using a Nano fiber filter and arranged in continuation to the first filter to filter the fumes and air to prevent entrance of particulate matter thorough the secondary opening, the third filter is developed using a activated carbon and arranged in continuation to the second filter to absorb the harmful gases and volatile organic compounds, a sensing module installed over each side of the secondary opening to monitor concentration of the harmful gases before and after filtration along with flow of air through the secondary opening, a vibration unit installed with the secondary opening to produce vibrations to reduce clogging of the filters, microphone mapped over the plate to receive voice command of the user regarding appropriate visualization of the welded surface.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of, a motorized roller wrapped with an opaque sheet to unwrap the sheet followed by actuation multiple motorized hinge joints integrated with the sheet to orient the sheet over the photo chromatic lenses to block exposure of light, a pair of motorized ball and socket joints each installed with lateral side of the plate to orient a magnifying lens configured with each of the ball and socket joints via a L-shaped link, in front of the primary opening to enable the user to visualize a magnified view of the welded surface, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit installed over the plate and integrated with a processor for capturing video of the surface while welding, a holographic projection unit installed over the plate to project the captured video to enable the user to review of the welding process, and a battery is associated with the device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a face shielding device; and
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a filter associated with the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0021] The present invention relates to a face shielding device that is capable of providing optimal protection to the user during welding activities by shielding the user's face from harmful exposure to high-intensity visible light, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and splatters generated during the welding process thus prevent the user from hazardous situations.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, an isometric view of a face shielding device and an exploded view of a filter associated with the proposed device, respectively are illustrated, comprising a curved plate 101 having a flexible strap 102 configured lateral sides of the plate 101, a primary opening 103 crafted over the plate 101 configured with a pair of photo chromatic lenses 104, a secondary opening 105 crafted over the plate 101 and configured with first, second and third filter 106, 201, 202, a microphone 107 mapped over the plate 101, a motorized roller 108 wrapped with an opaque sheet 109, multiple motorized hinge joints 110 integrated with the sheet 109, a pair of motorized ball and socket joints 111 each installed with lateral side of the plate 101, a magnifying lens 113 configured with each of the ball and socket joints 111 via a L-shaped link 112, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 114 installed over the plate 101, and a holographic projection unit 115 installed over the plate 101.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a curved plate 101 encased with various components associated with the device arrange in sequential manner that aids in shielding user’s face during welding operation. The user accesses the plate 101 to position over face of the user before performing welding over a surface. Herein, a flexible strap 102 configured lateral sides of the plate 101 that is accessed by the user to fasten the plate 101 with the user’s face. After fastening of the strap 102 with the user’s face and initiation of the welding operation, a primary opening 103 crafted over the plate 101 arranged in parallel to the user’s eyes and configured with a pair of photo chromatic lenses 104 that changes color due to high intensity visible and Ultraviolet (UV) light produced due to welding of the surface.

[0024] The chromatic lens 104 mentioned herein works by utilizing light-sensitive molecules embedded in the lens material. When exposed to high-intensity visible or UV light, these molecules undergo a chemical reaction, causing the lens 104 to darken and reduce light transmission. Once the light intensity decreases, the molecules reverse the reaction, restoring the lens 104 to its original clarity. This dynamic adjustment minimizes glare and prevents damage to the user’s eyes while ensuring visibility during welding. Herein, change of color of the lenses 104 protects the user’s eyes from splatters and the high intensity visible and UV light.

[0025] Additionally, a secondary opening 105 crafted over the plate 101 that is arranged in parallel to the user’s mouth portion, and configured with first, second and third 106, 107, 108 for filtering air inhaled by the user at the welding of the surface. Herein, the first filter 106 is developed using a mesh that block entry of the splatters. The first filter 106 works by allowing air to pass through its fine mesh while physically trapping larger particles, such as metal splatters and debris, on its surface to ensure that only smaller particles and gases proceed to the subsequent filters, protecting the user from immediate exposure to harmful welding by-products. Further, the second filter 201 is developed using a Nano fiber filter and arranged in continuation to the first filter 106 to filter the fumes and air.

[0026] The second filter 201 mentioned herein works by utilizing its dense network of Nano-scale fibers, which create a barrier to trap smaller particles and fine welding fumes that escape the first filter 106. The trapping mechanism effectively prevents the inhalation of hazardous microscopic particles, offering the user cleaner air to breathe during welding operations to prevent entrance of particulate matter thorough the secondary opening 105. Further, third filter 202 is developed using a activated carbon and arranged in continuation to the second filter 201 to absorb the harmful gases that includes ozone (O3), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other welding fumes and volatile organic compounds. The third filter 202 works by by utilizing the highly porous structure of activated carbon, which provides an extensive surface area for adsorption.

[0027] Upon passing of the air through the third filter 202, harmful gas molecules and VOCs adhere to the surface of the activated carbon, effectively removing them from the airflow ensures that the air inhaled by the user is free from toxic gases, enhancing safety and comfort during welding in order to prevent the user from inhaling harmful gases and fumes produced during the welding. The user herein accesses a switch button integrated with the plate 101 to activate the device during the welding operation. The switch button mentioned herein is a type of a switch that is internally connected with the device via multiple circuits that upon pressing by the user, the circuits get closed and starts conducting electricity that tends to activate the device and vice versa.

[0028] After activation of the device by the user, a microcontroller associated with the device generates commands to operate the device accordingly. After activating of the device, a sensing module installed over each side of the secondary opening 105 detects concentration of the harmful gases before and after filtration along with flow of air through the secondary opening 105. The sensing module includes a gas sensor and a flow sensor that works in collaboration to detect the concentration of the harmful gases and flow of air through the secondary opening 105. The gas sensor works using chemical, electrochemical, or infrared-based sensing technology to identify and quantify specific gas molecules.

[0029] During analyzing of the gases by the sensor, harmful gases pass over the sensor's surface, the gases either chemically react with a sensing material or alter the electrical properties (such as resistance) of the sensor. The sensor then converts these changes into an electrical signal, which is transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes this signal to determine the concentration of harmful gases before and after filtration. Further, the flow sensor works by measuring the rate at which air passes through the secondary opening 105. The flow sensor typically uses thermal, differential pressure, or ultrasonic sensing technology to monitor airflow.

[0030] The flow sensor detects changes in parameters such as pressure, temperature, or sound waves caused by the movement of air. For example, in a thermal flow sensor, a heating element creates a temperature difference in the airflow, and the rate of heat dissipation correlates with the air's velocity. This information is converted into an electrical signal and transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes this signal to evaluate the flow rate of the air passing through the secondary opening 105. After that, if the detected concentration of harmful gases after filtration exceeds a threshold value or the detected flow recedes a threshold limit, then the microcontroller actuates a vibration unit installed with the secondary opening 105 to produce vibrations to reduce clogging of the filter 106, 201, 202.

[0031] The vibration unit mentioned herein works by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy which causes the unit to vibrate. The unit comprises of a motor, eccentric weight and shaft, as the microcontroller directs the motor the shaft rotates which in turn rotates the weight. The rotation of weigh creates the unbalanced forces which leads in vibration of the unit resulting in the providing vibrational sensations in the secondary opening 105 to reduce clogging of the filters 106, 201, 202. Herein, the user accesses a microphone 109 integrated over the plate 101 to give voice command regarding appropriate visualization of the welded surface. The microphone 109 receives sound waves generated by energy emitted from the voice command in the form of vibrations.

[0032] After that, the sound waves are transmitted towards a diaphragm configured with a coil. Upon transmitting the waves within the diaphragm, the diaphragm strikes with the waves due to which the coil starts moving the diaphragm with a back-and-forth movement in presence of magnetic field generated from the coil. After that the electric signal is emitted from the coil due to back-and-forth movement of the diaphragm which is further transmitted to a microcontroller linked with the microphone 109 to process the signal to analyze the signal for detecting voice command given by the user.

[0033] Upon processing the voice commands, the microcontroller actuates a motorized roller 108 wrapped with an opaque sheet 109 installed with the plate 101 to unwrap the sheet 109. The roller 108 is coupled with a motor that is activated by the microcontroller to rotate the roller 108 with specified speed to unwrap the sheet 109 from the roller 108. Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates multiple motorized hinge joints 110 integrated with the sheet 109 to orient the sheet 109 over the photo chromatic lenses 104 to block exposure of light. The hinge joint 110 typically refers to a mechanical joint that allows rotational movement around a fixed axis using a motor or actuator which provides the rotational force required to move the joint 110. The motor is typically controlled by an electronic control unit that regulates its speed and direction to orient the sheet 109 over the photo chromatic lenses 104 to block exposure of light in order to reduce darkening of the photo chromatic lenses 104 and enable the user to visualize the welded surface.

[0034] Additionally, if the user via the microphone 109 provides voice command regarding visualizing a magnified view of the welded surface, then the microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized ball and socket joints 111 each installed with lateral side of the plate 101 to orient a magnifying lens 113 configured with each of the ball and socket joints 111 via a L-shaped link 112 in front of the primary opening 103. The ball and socket joint 111 is a mechanical arrangement consists of a ball-shaped component that fits into a socket, with a motor providing the necessary power to drive the rotation to provide angular movement to the link 112 for orienting the magnifying lens 113 in front of the primary opening 103 to enable the user to visualize a magnified view of the welded surface.

[0035] Moreover, an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 114 installed over the plate 101 for capturing video of the surface while welding. The imaging unit 114 mentioned herein comprises of comprises of a camera and processor that works in collaboration to capture and process the images of surrounding of the plate 101 . The camera firstly captures multiple images of the surrounding, wherein the camera comprises of a body, electronic shutter, lens, lens aperture, image sensor, and imaging processor that works in sequential manner to capture images of the surrounding. After capturing of the images by the camera, the shutter is automatically open due to which the reflected beam of light coming from the surrounding due to light is directed towards the lens aperture. After that the reflected light beam passes through the image sensor.

[0036] The image sensor now analyzes the beam to retrieve signal from the beams which is further calibrate by the sensor to capture images of the surrounding in electronic signal. Upon capturing images, the imaging processor processes the electronic signal into digital image. When the image capturing is done, the processor associated with the imaging unit 114 processes the captured images by using a protocol of artificial intelligence to retrieve data from the captured image in the form of digital signal. The detected data in the form of digital signal is now transmitted to the linked microcontroller based on which the microcontroller acquires the data to capture the video of the surface while welding for reviewing process. Additionally, in case the user via the microphone 109 provides voice command regarding requirement of reviewing of the welding process, then the microcontroller actuates a holographic projection unit 115 installed over the plate 101 to project the captured video to enable the user to review of the welding process. The holographic projection unit 115 comprises of holograms, shutter, beam splitters, diverging lenses and a mirror utilized to project holograms.

[0037] Firstly, the projection unit 115 emits the laser beam and passed through the shutter to impact on the beam splitter. After the impact of laser beam, the splitter splits the laser beam into two directions. First part is passed through a diverging lens where it scatters to impact on the mirror and produce reflected beam and another part is passed to another mirror directly where it reflects the beam and pass through another diverging lens. After that, the reflected beam from first part falls in surrounding to produce an image. Lastly, the projection unit 115 compares the resultant beams and produce the captured video to enable the user to review of the welding process.

[0038] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the system to offer power to all electrical and electronic components necessary for their correct operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0039] The present invention works best in following manner, where the curved plate 101 accessed by a user to position the plate 101 over face of the user before performing welding over a surface. Herein, the flexible strap 102 is accessed by the user to fasten the plate 101 with the user’s face. Also, the primary configured with the pair of photo chromatic lenses 104 that changes color due to high intensity visible and Ultraviolet (UV) light produced due to welding of the surface to protect the user’s eyes from splatters and the high intensity visible and UV light. Further, the secondary opening 105 configured with first, second and third filter 202 filtering air inhaled by the user in order to prevent the user from inhaling harmful gases and fumes produced during the welding. After activating of the device, the sensing module includes gas sensor and flow sensor detects concentration of the harmful gases before and after filtration along with flow of air through the secondary opening 105. Based on detection, in case the detected concentration of harmful gases after filtration exceeds a threshold value or the monitored flow recedes a threshold limit, then the microcontroller actuates the vibration unit to produce vibrations to reduce clogging of the filters 106, 201, 202. Herein, the user accesses the microphone 109 to give voice command regarding appropriate visualization of the welded surface, based on user input voice command, the microcontroller actuates the motorized roller 108 to unwrap the sheet 109 followed by actuation of the motorized hinge joints 110 to orient the sheet 109 over the photo chromatic lenses 104 to block exposure of light in order to reduce darkening of the photo chromatic lenses 104 and enable the user to visualize the welded surface.

[0040] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , C , Claims:1) A face shielding device, comprising:

i) a curved plate 101 accessed by a user to position said plate 101 over face of said user before performing welding over a surface, wherein a flexible strap 102 configured lateral sides of said plate 101 that is accessed by said user to fasten said plate 101 with said user’s face;
ii) a primary opening 103 crafted over said plate 101 that is arranged parallel to said user’s eyes and configured with a pair of photo chromatic lenses 104 that changes color due to high intensity visible and Ultraviolet (UV) light produced due to welding of said surface, wherein change of color of said lenses 104 protects said user’s eyes from splatters and said high intensity visible and UV light;
iii) a secondary opening 105 crafted over said plate 101 that is arranged in line with said user’s mouth portion, wherein said secondary opening 105 is configured with first, second and third filter 202 filtering air inhaled by said user in order to prevent said user from inhaling harmful gases and fumes produced during said welding;
iv) a sensing module installed over each side of said secondary opening 105 to monitor concentration of said harmful gases before and after filtration along with flow of air through said secondary opening 105, wherein in case said monitored concentration of harmful gases after filtration exceeds a threshold value or said monitored flow recedes a threshold limit, said microcontroller actuates a vibration unit installed with said secondary opening 105 to produce vibrations to clear out clogging from said filters 106, 201, 202; and
v) a microphone 109 mapped over said plate 101 to receive voice command of said user regarding appropriate visualization of said welded surface, wherein based on user input voice command, said microcontroller actuates a motorized roller 108 wrapped with an opaque sheet 109 to unwrap said sheet 109 followed by actuation of plurality of motorized hinge joints 110 integrated with said sheet 109 to orient said sheet 109 over said photo chromatic lenses 104 to block exposure of excessive light in order to reduce darkening of said photo chromatic lenses 104 and enable said user to clearly visualize said welded surface.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first filter 106 is developed using a mesh that block entry of said splatters.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second filter 201 is developed using a Nano fiber filter and arranged in continuation to said first filter 106 to filter said fumes and air to prevent entrance of particulate matter thorough said secondary opening 105.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said third filter 202 is developed using a activated carbon and arranged in continuation to said second filter 201 to absorb said harmful gases and volatile organic compounds.

5) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein in case said user via said microphone 109 provides voice command regarding visualizing a magnified view of said welded surface, said microcontroller actuates a pair of motorized ball and socket joints 111 each installed with lateral side of said plate 101 to orient a magnifying lens 113 configured with each of said ball and socket joints 111 via a L-shaped link 112, in front of said primary opening 103 to enable said user to visualize a magnified view of said welded surface.

6) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sensing module includes a gas sensor and a flow sensor.

7) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an artificial intelligence based imaging unit 114 installed over said plate 101 and integrated with a processor for capturing video of said surface while welding.

8) The device as claimed in claim 1 and 7, wherein in case said user via said microphone 109 provides voice command regarding requirement of reviewing of said welding process, said microcontroller actuates a holographic projection unit 115 installed over said plate 101 to project said captured video to enable said user to review of said welding process.

9) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for powering up electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.