A RADICAL ALTERNATIVE TRANSPARENT SHIELD AND RESPIRATOR

Update #34
almost 3 years ago – Thu, Jun 10, 2021 at 12:25:19 PM

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Update #33
almost 3 years ago – Wed, May 19, 2021 at 12:00:08 PM

Dear Backers, 

Last update we shared images and video of the first batch samples that were rejected. 

We have now engaged a new supplier for the silicone mask injection molding and we are in the process of setting up the new injection mold with mask revisions for making the first batch sample again, there are some more revisions we are discussing with the new supplier and just met them this week. We discussed a more secure connection detail between the silicone, the filter cartridge with the connection to the silicone area surrounding the filter. 

We have contacted MIT and Lowell labs for testing the silicone for the current model we just received, This is to test the air seal only. We sent them requests and still  waiting specifications for the machine parameters so we can prepare the detail for the filter cartridge and seal with the silicone. They have finally responded and we have a meeting set up this week. 

We are committed and persevering with utmost dedication to get these masks done right.  More updates will be coming as usual. The timeline for new batch production for first sample is approximately 25 days.  As stated in our last update, we will need to make a new injection mold and are making updates to the 3D model for the new injection mold. 

We are completely gutted that the delays are continuing, but we will never give up until you have your masks.  We are here to make this available to healthcare and  for the inevitable future pandemic.  We thank you for your support and the patience you have given us. We started this project because we believe in the need for this new design and the huge impact it will have for the future. The ultimate goal is to get our masks to the warriors on the front lines, where we believe this will make a tremendous difference. Thank you for your vision and standing by with us as we overcome challenges. 

Some news on advancing the fight against COVID:

We have been asked to present to the United States Patent and Trademark Office for our invention, the SEEUS95 mask. The event is highlighting inventors that are advancing the fight against COVID19. see announcement below. This took place last Friday live and the USPTO will upload the recorded event sometime next week. https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/events/explore-breakthroughs-asian-americanpacific-islander-inventors

Thank you as always for your patience.

Love and Light

The SEEUS95 Team

Update #32
about 3 years ago – Wed, May 05, 2021 at 04:18:34 AM

  Dear Backers, 

As mentioned in #31 we have been waiting for the transparent mask prototype and our manufacturer had confirmed that they would send 3 weeks ago and they did  not send the units until this week.  We have finally received the units and we have major issues with the silicone, see pictures below.   We are not satisfied with the supplier of the silicone, due to the issues of tearing and bubbling. These errors can be fixed with the right formula adjustment for attaining the right flex and by using a vacuum process during the cure phase.  From our analysis, it looks like the material used was TPR and not LSR. The material should be LSR silicone and not TPR.  In light of this error and due to the delays, our manufacturers have engaged a new supplier for making a new steel injection mold. The bubbling should have been fixed with a vacuum process during the curing phase the first time the new silicone manufacturer has guaranteed this will be fixed, by ensuring that LSR is used.

Based on the analysis of the first units we just received, see pictures and video below, revisions have made to the filter cartridge and mask form.  The filter popped in and stays in place, however the silicone there depending on the flex and expansion of the face and silicone, there may be a small chance the filter may fall out so we are revising the filter detail to maintain a better grip on the silicone. The air seal between the cartridge and the silicone can still be tested.   We have changed the filter detailing so there is a better fit on the silicone seal, see CAD drawing below.  The new supply manufacturer has been revising the silicone formula for the mask to eliminate any bubbling with a vacuum  process while the silicone sets in the injection mold. The rigidity of the silicone is also being revised and we have confirmation that this will be attainable with the new batch and testing. We have revised the 3D model for making another steel injection mold to correct the issues found in the first unit. 

The most clear and formed mask B1 we have received today, we cannot test the full mask but we are contacting our friends at MIT to see if we can test the filter area and cartridge connection to the silicone.

Figure A: preliminary silicone test batch for steel mold form.

Figure B1: First batch of initial formula for transparent silicone, crack occurred and bubbling, rejected 

Figure B2: Second batch- second formula for silicone, significantly less bubbling and clarity, still some minor cracks, visually improved but not optimal, improvement with formula will improve further.  Formula for this batch is very rigid and will be improved with the next batch.

    Figure C: Side angle view of opening without filter cartridge in B2 sample batch
    Figure D1: Top view of filter cartridge inside B2 test 3 shows r filter cartridge fits secure, but- failure in flexibility and softness, may cause filter to pop out. New filter frame detail and mask form and housing detail for filter is being sent to manufacturer for new steel mold and filter mold based on this analysis.
    Figure D2: Side elevation view showing filter cartridge with in B2 test 3 sample.  Lodged in place and when force is applied the filter stays in place. a significant amount of pressure is needed to pop out. How ever the flexibility of the silicone will be improved, there for new detail is required for fit in instances of extensive expansion or stress on silicone mask.
 

     We are working non stop and will not rest until we deliver your rewards, we thank you for your patience and positive support.
 

The images below are the revised filter and mask form for large size which will be set for new steel mold injection, next week. 

 We will not give up and we are still persevering on this for delivery, so we will continue to update you on the progress.  This is a new design using materials in a new way so many of the manufacturers we spoke to have not done this type of design before.  Please note that there is a significant difference in the production process between prototype and mass production. The models that were used in the campaign were hand made prototypes, so this phase of mass production was not done before. 

We again must state that we are in gut-wrenching agony that this is taking longer with delays and apologize for the wait, and most of all, we are grateful you are part of this amazing community of innovators. Together we will prevail.

More updates to come.

Love and Light 

the SEEUS95 Team

#32
about 3 years ago – Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 01:03:40 AM

Dear Backers,

 As  Bruce and Bob had requested, we have put together a timeline with estimates which are not confirmed. We have received negative comments for sharing estimates and then for having delays. Please note that as we had written in our campaign under risks and challenges section, the timeline may change, due to manufacturing delays and testing.  In update #31, we were awaiting the transparent silicone mask from the steel injection mold, however as of today we still have not received the units for testing. There were some videos that they just shared- showing the failures with two separate silicone units where the injection process caused bubbles in the mask. 

They are correcting this now and we are unfortunately still awaiting the new silicone masks for testing the air seal between the filter cartridge and the silicone. We have asked them to send these to us for examination and fit, but they have not sent them as they said they want to make one where the problem of transparency and bubbling is solved.  Please note that there are three different size molds that need to be made and we need to make sure the first mold is correct, before moving ahead with the other two molds.  
 

  We have faith this will all be resolved, but it will take time and patience.  Bit by Bit we are progressing, step by step. We are committed to getting this done.  More updates will be shared as we get them.
  Thank you for your patience and support.  We take full responsibility for the delays and It's killing us that it's taking so long and we are gutted each day when we don't have the mask in our hands to test.

We will persevere and keep you posted. 

Love and Light 

Seeus95 Team

Update #31
about 3 years ago – Sat, Apr 10, 2021 at 06:42:35 PM

This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.