When the Covid-19 outbreak crippled the world, P Mohan Aditya, a 3rd-year Mechanical Engineering student from SRM University, AP, took to innovation and application of his knowlege into developing the highly useful face shield made from bio-degradable substances. He named it “Facial Shield 2.0, as it was an improved version of the ordinary face shields.
Adimulapu Suresh, Minister for Education, State of Andhra Pradesh and MP, appreciated the student’s efforts in the Secretariat’s premises. Aditya received several high accolades on his first successful invention. The state government distributed face shields among state police officers, paramedics, and other frontline workers deployed in the containment areas.
On May 16, 2020, Aditya filed an application on the face shield design under the IPR (Intellectual Property Rights) with Indian Patent Office located in Kolkata, India. In 2021, a copyright was granted for the” Face Shield for Humans” with a Design Application Number of 329364 – 001.
Using the CAD software, Aditya designed the transparent visor of the face shield and manufactured the remaining headband using the CNC machine. The CAD model was used as the input to the CNC machine, Following the design, the CNC machine analyzed and cut the cardboard and transparent sheet accordingly.
The face shield 2.0 serves as the outer defence to the mucous membranes (nose, eyes, and mouth), come with a transparent visor made of the thin layer of 175-micron reusable plastic and a highly durable headband made from 3 ply corrugated cardboard. The cardboard’s bursting strength is 16kg/sq.cm, which is quite durable yet lightweight. Due to the use of biodegradable materials, the price of the face shield at an affordable cost of INR 15. The face shield 2.0 is adjustable and suitable for all head sizes made with firm elastic for comfortable wear without hurting the head.
“After hue and cry on shortage in the supply of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) globally, an idea struck my mind and I started researching on developing ‘face shield’, a piece of standard equipment from reusable plastics and cardboard, which is easily degradable to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. I am thankful to Mr. Ravi, attorney of SRM-AP who supported me in this,” says P Mohan Aditya.
Aditya’s invention turned out to be a successful project both for the University and the public. The leadership team of SRM University, AP – Dr P Sathyanarayanan, President, Prof V S Rao, Vice-Chancellor, and Prof D Narayana Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor celebrated Aditya’s rousing success by congratulating him on developing the face shield by making use of new technology. Now they must be proud of him again.
