PROTECTION DEVICE FOR PROTECTING AGAINST PATHOGENS, AND METHOD

Abstract

A protective device to protect against pathogens comprises a protective housing that defines an interior space defined, a closable access opening to enter the interior space, a seating element that allows a passenger to sit in the interior space, and a chassis to move the protective device, wherein the protective device, in a closed state, seals the interior space in an airtight manner against an environment. A method to protect against pathogens comprises providing a protective device to a passenger, closing the protective device in an airtight manner, and moving the protective device. The protective device and/or the method may be used to protect a patient.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. Protective device to protect against pathogens, comprising: a protective housing that defines an interior space, a closable access opening to enter the interior space, a seating element that allows at least one passenger to sit in the interior space, and a chassis for moving the protective device, wherein the protective device, in a closed state, seals the interior space in an airtight manner against an environment.

17. Protective device according to claim 16, wherein the chassis comprises an electric drive, and the protective device further comprising: an electrical storage element, configured to supply the electric drive with energy.

18. Protective device according to claim 16, wherein the protective device is configured to move autonomously.

19. Protective device according to claim 16, wherein the protective housing comprises an anti-bacterial and/or an anti-viral coating.

20. Protective device according to claim 16, further comprising: a ventilation element, configured for providing an air stream to the interior space.

21. Protective device according to claim 20, wherein the ventilation element is configured to create an overpressure and/or a negative pressure in the interior space.

22. Protective device according to claim 16, wherein the protective device is configured to be remote-controlled.

23. Protective device according to claim 16, further comprising an emergency element.

24. Protective device according to claim 16, further comprising an intercom system.

25. Protective device according to claim 16, further comprising at least one pass-through element.

26. Protective device according to claim 25, wherein the at least one pass-through element comprises an invertible glove.

27. Protective device according to claim 16, further comprising: a control element, configured for controlling the protective device.

28. Protective device according to claim 27, wherein the control element is arranged at the outer side of the protective device.

29. Protective device according to claim 27, wherein the control element is configured as a joystick.

30. Protective device according to claim 16, further comprising: a disinfection element, configured for disinfecting the protective device.

31. Protective device according to claim 16, wherein the access opening is located on a front side of the protective housing.

32. Protective device according to claim 16, further comprising at least one sensor being configured to measure vital data of at least one passenger of the protective device.

33. Protective device according to claim 16, further comprising at least one sensor being configured to measure the air on the interior and/or the exterior of the protective device.

34. Protective device according to claim 16, wherein the seating element has a seating surface that is adjustable in height.

35. Method to protect against pathogens, comprising providing a protective device to a passenger, closing the protective device in an airtight manner, and moving the protective device.

Description

[0169] A preferable embodiment of the disclosure is, for example, described in conjunction with the accompanying figures, which show:

[0170] FIG. 1 a perspective view of a protective device according to an embodiment;

[0171] FIG. 2 a schematical view of a protective device according to an embodiment; and

[0172] FIG. 3 a block diagram of a method according to an embodiment.

[0173] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a protective device 1 according to an embodiment.

[0174] The protective device 1 comprises a protective housing 10 that is mostly translucent, i.e., semi-transparent.

[0175] The protective housing 10 is, for example, made from an acrylic glass. Thereby, the protective housing 10 has particularly good optical properties, for example a low optical distortion and reflection. Thereby, the protective housing 10 may ease and improve communication of a passenger with persons in the environment of the protective housing 10.

[0176] The acrylic glass is partly tinted, wherein the acrylic glass may be tainted darker in an upper and a lower part as in an area of the eye level of the passenger. Thereby, the protective housing 10 may provide a protection of the passenger against heat radiation, for example sun radiation, and against cooling. Furthermore, privacy of the passenger may be improved.

[0177] The protective housing 10 has a rounded, convex form.

[0178] For example, the protective housing 10 has a generally semi-oval basic form. On a backside the protective housing 10 may be formed generally flat. Furthermore, a bottom side of the protective housing 10 may be generally flat. The backside and the bottom side are connected by a right angle, wherein the protective housing 10 is rounded between the backside and the bottom side. The rest of the protective housing 10 has an oval form. The protective housing does not have any edges or corners in general.

[0179] Thereby, the protective device 1 may be particularly compact and easy to clean, and ease and improve a communication of a passenger with persons in the environment of the protective housing 10.

[0180] On the backside the protective housing 10 has an access opening 20. The access opening 20 may be openable to a side. Thereby, entry and exit of the passenger is eased and the access opening 20 is space saving. Thereby, the protective device 1 may also be used in a narrow environment. The access opening 20 may alternatively or additionally be openable towards the bottom.

[0181] Thereby, a door of the access opening 20 may rest on the floor in an opened state and be used as a ramp. Thereby, for example, a passenger with a wheelchair may be wheeled through the access opening 20 into the protective device 1.

[0182] In alternative embodiment not shown, the access opening 20 may be located on a front side of the protective housing 10. In an example, the access opening 20 may account for a large part of the protective housing 10, for example more than 50% of the protective housing 10. The access opening 20 may, in this case, be openable to the side or upwards.

[0183] The protective housing 10 defines an interior space of the protective device 1. In the interior space there is arranged a seating element 30.

[0184] The seating element 30 may be mounted rotatably on a center axis, which is not shown. In an example, the seating element 30 may be rotatable by 360°. Alternatively, the seating element 30 may be rotatable by 180°. The seating element 30 may snap in in one or more positions, for example in a position facing the backside of the protective housing 10 and in a position facing the front side of the protective housing 10. Thereby, the seating element 30 may be rotated in the direction of the backside of the protective housing 10 when the access opening 20 is opened and be rotated in the direction of the front side of the protective housing 10 when the access opening 20 is closed, for example automatically. Thereby, the protective device 1 may be entered and exited particularly easily and comfortably.

[0185] In alternative embodiments not shown, the protective housing 10 may have a drop-shaped basic form. In alternative embodiments not shown, the protective housing 10 may also have an egg-shaped basic form. In alternative embodiments not shown, the protective housing 10 may also have a cuboid basic shape. In alternative embodiments not shown, the protective housing 10 may also have a wedge-shaped basic form.

[0186] On the bottom side of the protective housing 10 there is shown a chassis 40 for moving of the protective device 1. The chassis 40 comprises four wheels 41.

[0187] The protective device 1 seals the interior space in an airtight manner against an environment in a closed state of the access opening 20. That means that an exchange of air between the interior space and the environment is minimized or excluded.

[0188] In an example, the air tightness of the protective device 1 is better than a leakage rate of 2.21 m.sup.3/m.sup.2/h at 20 Pa. That means that at a differential pressure of 20 Pa less than 2.21 m.sup.3 air per 1 m.sup.2 surface is exchanged in one hour. In this or in a further example the air tightness of the protective device 1 is better than a leakage rate of 3.78 m.sup.3/m.sup.2/h at 50 Pa.

[0189] In an example, the air tightness of the protective device 1 is better than a leakage rate of 0.43 m.sup.3/m.sup.2/h at 20 Pa. In this or in a further example the air tightness of the protective device 1 is better than a leakage rate of 0.80 m.sup.3/m.sup.2/h at 50 Pa.

[0190] The air tightness of the protective device 1 is in particular based on an airtight closing of the access opening 20. The access opening 20 consists of a hatch that may also be identified as a door or a flap, and a receiving portion. In a closed state the hatch engages with the receiving portion. The hatch and/or the receiving portion comprise a seal, in particular a rubber lip. In a closed state the hatch is pressed into the receiving portion, such that the seal does not allow for an exchange of air.

[0191] The contact pressure force between the hatch and the receiving portion is maintained by a lever lock that locks the access opening 20.

[0192] In an alternative embodiment that is not shown, the contact pressure force between the hatch and the receiving portion is maintained by a snap lock and/or a screw lock that locks the access opening 20.

[0193] FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of a protective device 1 according to an embodiment. In a further embodiment not shown, the locking mechanism may be operated electrically.

[0194] The protective device 1 comprises a protective housing 10 that defines an interior space of the protective device 1. The protective device 1 seals the interior space in an airtight manner against its environment in a closed state.

[0195] The protective device 1 further comprises a closable access opening 20 that is configured as a part of the protective housing 10 in this embodiment. The access opening 20 may be pivoted around a hinge to allow for entering and exiting the interior space.

[0196] The protective device 1 further comprises a seating element 30 that allows seating for a passenger in the interior space. The seating element 30 is arranged in the interior space.

[0197] The protective device 1 further comprises a chassis 40 to move the protective device 1. The chassis 40 is arranged on a bottom side of the protective housing.

[0198] The chassis 40 may be embodied as a skateboard and may be releasably connected with the protective housing 10. A skateboard is a flat structure that comprises a chassis and a support structure that may receive a setup. Thereby, the chassis may be easily exchanged. In an example, a passives skateboard may be changed to an electrically powered skateboard, or the other way around.

[0199] In another example, the chassis 40 may be configured integral, inseparably connected and/or in one piece with the protective housing 10.

[0200] The chassis 40 may comprise multiple wheels 41. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the chassis comprises four wheels 41.

[0201] The chassis 40 further comprises a steering 42 that is configured to control a steering angle of the wheels. Thereby, the protective device 1 may be steered.

[0202] The chassis 40 further comprises an electric drive 43. The electrical drive may comprise an electric motor and wheel axis that is driven by the electric motor. The wheel axis in this case is exemplarily connected with two wheels 41 and transmits the torque generated by the electric motor to the two wheels.

[0203] Alternatively, or additionally, the electrical drive may comprise one or more electrical motors that are each arranged in or at a wheel 41. Therein, the principle of a wheel hub motor is applied. The electrical drive may also be configured as any other suitable electrical drive.

[0204] The electrical drive may contain, for example, separate electric motors, for example wheel hub motors, for each back and/or front wheel. Therein, the wheels 41 may in particular be configured such that they do not have a connecting axis. Thereby, maneuvering is particularly easy and a particularly compact design of the protective device 1 is achieved.

[0205] In an example, exclusively two front wheels or exclusively two rear wheels are driven by the electric drive. This allows for a particular favorable weight distribution in relation to the weight of the passenger.

[0206] Alternatively, all four wheels 41 are driven by the electric drive. Thereby, off-road capabilities as well as redundancy is achieved.

[0207] In particular, the driven wheels 41 may be driven independently of each other, so as to achieve easy maneuvering and a small curve radius. Furthermore, the front wheels may be configured smaller than the rear wheels or the rear wheels may be configured smaller than the front wheels, to ensure for an easy entry and a spacious legroom for the passenger. In an example, the size difference between front wheels and rear wheels is between 15% and 30%. In another example, the size difference between front wheels and rear wheels is 24%.

[0208] The electrical drive 43 is supplied with electrical energy by an electrical storage element 50 of the protective device 1. In an alternative embodiment the electrical drive 43 may be supplied with electrical energy from an additional electrical drive storage element that is arranged in the chassis 40. In an alternative embodiment the electrical storage element 50 may be arranged in the chassis 40.

[0209] The electrical storage element 50 comprises, for example, an accumulator battery, i.e., an arrangement of rechargeable galvanic elements. The electrical storage element 50 supplies the protective device 1 with electrical energy, i.e. electrical consumers of the protective device 1, such as, for example, the seating element 30, a ventilation element 60 as will be later described, a control element 70 as will be later described, and/or a disinfection element 80 as will be later described.

[0210] The electrical storage element 50 may be redundant. That means that the electrical storage element 50 comprises at least two electrical energy storages, for example two accumulator batteries. Each of the electric energy storages is separately electrically connected with the electric consumers of the protective device 1. Thereby, a functionality of the protective device 1 may be ensured, even if one of the electric energy storages or an electric connection fails.

[0211] The electrical storage element 50 may be supplied with energy through an electrical connection with an energy source in the environment. In an example, the electrical storage element 50 may be charged through a socket, using a cable. Alternatively, or additionally, the electrical storage element 50 may be charged wirelessly through an inductive charging device using an inductive energy recipient. Alternatively, or additionally, the electrical storage element 50 may be charged by a solar module that, for example, comprises solar cells arranged on or in the protective device 1.

[0212] The protective device 1 further comprises a ventilation element 60. The ventilation element 60 is configured to provide an air stream to the interior space. Thereby, an exchange of air between the interior space and the environment may be controlled or prevented.

[0213] In an alternative embodiment not shown the ventilation element 60 may comprise a gas storage, for example from a pressure bottle filled with air or oxygen. In this case, an exchange of air between the interior space and the environment may be prevented for an extended period of time. A supply of oxygen to a passenger of the protective device 1 may alternatively be ensured by oxygen carried in the gas storage.

[0214] The present ventilation element 60 creates an air stream between the environment of the protective device 1 and the interior space of the protective device 1, for example through a ventilator. Furthermore, the ventilation element 60 comprises a filter element 61. The filter element 61 is configured to filter the air stream, i.e., to degerminate, to disinfect and/or to sterilize. The filter element 61 may comprise a HEPA filter, wherein the air stream is directed through the HEPA-Filter. The filter element 61 can further comprise an ultraviolet (UV) radiation source that irradiates the air stream with UV light in a section. The filter element 61 filters supply air flow 63 from the environment of the protective device 1 to the interior space of the protective device 1. Thereby, a passenger in the interior space may be protected against pathogens from the environment. The filter element 61 further filters an exhaust air flow 64 from the interior space of the protective device 1 to the environment of the protective device 1. Thereby, the environment, for example a patient in the environment of the protective device 1, may be protected against pathogens from the interior space.

[0215] In alternative embodiments not shown the filter element 61 may exclusively filter an exhaust air flow 64. In alternative embodiments not shown the filter element 61 is adapted to exclusively filter a supply air flow 63.

[0216] The ventilation element 61 is further configured to create an overpressure and/or a negative pressure in the interior space. In an example, the ventilation element 61 may be configured, to provide an exhaust air flow 64 that is stronger than a supply air flow 63, for example by using ventilators of different power or by using air ducts with different diameters. Thereby, it is possible to provide a negative pressure towards the environment in the interior space. Thereby, it can be additionally avoided that air from the interior space reaches the environment, passing the ventilation element 60.

[0217] The ventilation element 60 further comprises an air conditioning element 62. The air conditioning element 62 is adapted to transfer heat from the supply air flow 63 to the exhaust air flow 64, for example using a heat pump. Thereby, the interior space may be cooled compared to the environment. The air conditioning element 62 may, vice versa, transfer heat from the exhaust air flow 64 to the supply air flow 63. Thereby, the interior space may be heated compared to the environment. The air conditioning element 62 may further be configured to condition the supply air flow 63, for example to raise or reduce humidity of the supply air flow 63. Thereby, a comfortable and/or healthy air climate may be created in the interior space. Thereby, the protective device 1 may be particularly suitable for passengers with respiratory diseases, or particularly weakened passengers. Furthermore, the protective device 1 may be suitable for application in special environments, for example particularly hot or cold environments.

[0218] The protective device 1 further comprises a control element 70.

[0219] The control element 70 is configured to remote-control the protective device 1. The control element 70 may be configured to wirelessly send and/or receive data, for example through a module for mobile communication (also identified as WAN or wide area network), a module für local radio (also identified as wireless local area network or WLAN), a module for near radio (also identified as wireless personal area network or WPAN), and/or a module for directional radio. The control element exchanges data with a remote control device that for example may be, for example, provided in the environment of the protective device 1. The remote-control device may be operated, for example, by hospital staff or controlled automatically by a control computer.

[0220] The control element 70 may be configured, to remote-control arbitrary functions of the protective device 1, in particular the chassis 40, the ventilation element 60, and disinfection element 80, as described below.

[0221] For example, the chassis 40 may be remote-controlled by a person that is directly in the line of sight of the protective device 1, for example by a nurse. In a further example, the chassis 40 may be remote-controlled by a person that has vision of a driveway of the protective device 1 by use of a camera, for example by a service employee in a control room distanced from the protective device, such as, for example, a call center. In a further example, the chassis 40 may be remote-controlled by a computer, for example an autonomous driving computer.

[0222] For example, the ventilation element 60 may be switched on, switched of or adjusted through the control element 70 in a remote-controlled manner. Thereby, it is possible to adjust to provide a particularly filtered air stream when entering a secure area, and/or to adjust to provide a less filtered air stream when leaving the secure area.

[0223] The protective device 1 further comprises a disinfection element 80. The disinfection element 80 is configured, to disinfect a part of the protective device 1 or the whole protective device 1.

[0224] The disinfection element 80 comprises one or more jets that are connected to a disinfection reservoir. The disinfection element 80 provides disinfectant from the disinfection reservoir to the jets, whereby the disinfectant is sprayed. The disinfection element 80 applies disinfectant in the interior space of the protective device 1 and/or on the exterior of the protective device 1, in particular on the exterior of the protective housing 10. The disinfection element 80 furthermore applies disinfectant in an area of the access opening 30.

[0225] In an alternative embodiment, which is not shown, the disinfection element 80 is configured, to apply disinfectant manually, for example by using a pump device and a flexibly moveable jet.

[0226] In the embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, the disinfection element is configured to apply disinfectant mechanically, for example in a predetermined angle and/or by a mechanical rotation of the jets. Application of disinfectant may be triggered on the touch of a button or remote-controlled, in particular remote-controlled via control element 70. The disinfection element 80 can apply disinfectant automatically, for example based on a predefined schedule, upon opening of the access opening and/or on a determined, estimated or calculated degree of contamination.

[0227] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a method according to an embodiment. The method 100 starts with a method step of providing 110 a protective device, in particular a protective device according to one of the examples as described above, to a passenger.

[0228] In a further method step the method comprises closing 120, in an airtight manner, the protective device.

[0229] In a further method step the method comprises ventilating 130 the interior space.

[0230] Ventilating 130 the interior space comprises den further method step of creating 131 a negative pressure or an overpressure in the interior space.

[0231] In a further method step the method comprises moving 140 the protective device.

[0232] In a further method step the method comprises remote-controlling 150 the protective device. In particular, remote-controlling 150 may comprise moving 140.

[0233] In a further method step the method comprises disinfecting 160 the protective device.

[0234] After disinfecting 160 the protective device the method may return to the method step of providing 110 the protective device.

[0235] In a further method step of the method not shown, leak tightness of the protective device may be checked during operation.

[0236] In a further method step of the method not shown, the air quality on the interior may be checked for pathogens during use.

[0237] In alternative embodiments, individual method steps of the method 1 may be omitted, repeated and/or executed in a different order of the method.

[0238] The protective device to protect against pathogens can particularly suitable realized in one of the following example embodiments:

[0239] Example 1: Protective device to protect against pathogens, comprising: [0240] a protective housing that defines an interior space, and [0241] a closable access opening to enter the interior space.

[0242] Example 2: Protective device to protect against pathogens, comprising: [0243] a protective housing that defines an interior space, and [0244] a seating element that allows a passenger to sit in the interior space.

[0245] Example 3: Protective device to protect against pathogens, comprising: [0246] a protective housing that defines an interior space, and [0247] a chassis for moving the protective device.

[0248] Example 4: Protective device to protect against pathogens, comprising: [0249] a protective housing that defines an interior space, wherein the protective device den interior space in an airtight manner against an environment seals.

[0250] Example 5: Protective device to protect against pathogens, comprising: [0251] a protective housing that defines an interior space, a closable access opening to enter the interior space, and [0252] a seating element that allows a passenger to sit in the interior space.

[0253] Example 6: Protective device to protect against pathogens, comprising: [0254] a protective housing that defines an interior space, a closable access opening to enter the interior space, and [0255] a seating element that allows a passenger to sit in the interior space, [0256] wherein the protective device in a closed state den interior space in an airtight manner against an environment seals.

[0257] Example 7: Protective device according to one of the previous examples, wherein the chassis comprises an electric drive.

[0258] Example 8: Protective device according to one of the previous examples, further comprising: [0259] an electrical storage element, configured to supply the electric drive with energy.

[0260] Example 9: Protective device according to one of the previous examples, wherein the protective device is designed hygienic.

[0261] Example 10: Protective device according to one of the previous examples, wherein the protective housing comprises an anti-bacterial and/or an anti-viral coating.

[0262] Example 11: Protective device according to one of the previous examples, further comprising: [0263] a ventilation element, configured to provide an air stream to the interior space.

[0264] Example 12: Protective device according to one of the previous examples, wherein the protective device is configured to create an overpressure and/or a negative pressure in the interior space.

[0265] Example 13: Protective device according to one of the previous examples, further comprising: [0266] a control element, configured to control the protective device.

[0267] Example 14: Protective device according to one of the previous examples, further comprising: [0268] a disinfection element that is configured for disinfecting the protective device.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0269] 1 protective device [0270] 10 protective housing [0271] 11 coating [0272] 20 access opening [0273] 30 seating element [0274] 40 chassis [0275] 41 wheel [0276] 42 steering [0277] 43 electrical drive [0278] 50 electrical storage element [0279] 60 ventilation element [0280] 61 filter element [0281] 62 air conditioning element [0282] 63 supply air flow [0283] 64 exhaust air flow [0284] 70 control element [0285] 80 disinfection element [0286] 100 method [0287] 110 method step of providing [0288] 120 method step of closing in an airtight manner [0289] 130 method step of ventilating [0290] 131 method step of creating [0291] 140 method step of moving [0292] 150 method step of remote-controlling [0293] 160 method step of disinfecting