The Rapid Manufacture Low Cost (RMLC) Visor is designed to fill the immediate need of personal protective equipment in the current Covid-19 crisis. Several features aid its ease of production and logistics:
- Just one die cut or laser cut part
- Minimal manual labour is needed
- Flat pack and no use of foam or rigid frame lowers the shipping volume
- A wide range of head band material choices based on availability
- High rigidity allows the use of material saving 0.25 mm (10 Mil) plastic sheets
Several features improve comfort and usability:
- Lightweight design at around 40 g (1.4 oz)
- Easy and quick assembly in less than 60 seconds
- Very little plastic comes into contact with the skin
- A large and also high shielded area
- An open airpath at the top helps against fogging
- Easily adjustable distance to the face allows for larger respirators to be used
- Easy to disinfect and reuse
The concept of the RMLC Visor is so simple that it is surprising that it is still new. Instead of using foam or a rigid frame the stability is created through two bends in the material. The only significant manual production labour is needed in packaging. Together with the cheap materials, this brings the estimated production cost to 0.30€ to 0.50€ per unit. Depending on production margin. Since no foam is used, the packing density is far higher than other visor designs, thus significantly reducing airfreight costs.
Also, foam cushioned visors can trap the virus in their open cells and the glue would dissolve from ethanol-based disinfectants, making these visors strictly single use items. The RMLC Visor can be fully disinfected with alcohol and the PET film could theoretically even be disinfected in an autoclave.
From interviews with nurses I have learned that even the slight pressure from an elastic headband can become extremely irritating at the end of a 12-hour shift. The velcro headband, however can be adjusted to a perfect fit. Micro hook velcro has proven very suitable here, as this kind of velcro does not tangle with hair or stick to cotton clothing. Coincidentally, it is also the cheapest kind of hook and loop fastener available. The velour inside is very comfortable on the skin.
This visor can be made by any company owning die-cutting machines. This can also easely be found in developing countries. Supporting the local economy.
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