Team NGUNI: Alaa Mohammed, Stacy Kifworo, Brian Watai, Alex Inoma, Stella Chelagat, M Farhana

Published July 15, 2020

COVID AuxiKit

Our kit is designed to minimize risk and exposure to coronavirus infections for both healthcare practitioners and ordinary citizens.

IntermediateFull instructions provided794

Things used in this project

Hardware components

Philips hue UVC light tube

Rocker Switch, Non Illuminated

Arduino UNO

LCD display

Relay 1-channel 250VAC 10A

AC female port Power Connector

Jumper wires (generic)

Power Cable - 3 pins , 1.5m long

24 AWG Wire

Story

Introduction

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the newly discovered coronavirus. In the time between its emergence and now, there has been a steep increase in the number of cases witnessed across the world. Although there are many ongoing clinical trials evaluating potential treatments, there is still no specific treatment to cure COVID-19 at the moment. Hence, this highlights the importance for each individual to take action to prevent and slow down transmission of COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized that each individual does play a part in the battle against a disease by being responsible and following the necessary precautionary measures. With protective measures, the COVID-19 curve can be flattened and will not exceed the healthcare system capacity. Usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) is one of the ways that individuals can play their part as a responsible citizen.

Existing Solutions & Limitations

Various preventive equipment currently exist that help in curbing the spread of COVID-19.

1. Masks
Surgical grade N95 respirators offer the highest level of protection against COVID-19 infection, followed by surgical grade masks. However, these masks are costly, in limited supply, contribute to landfill waste and are uncomfortable to wear for long periods. Some N95 masks have valves that make them easier to breathe through. With this type of mask, unfiltered air is released when the wearer exhales. Like surgical masks, N95 masks are intended to be disposable. However, researchers are testing ways to disinfect N95 masks so they can be reused.

2. Face Shields
Face shields have the following advantages: They are comfortable to wear, protect the portals of viral entry, and reduce the potential for auto inoculation by preventing the wearer from touching their face.

3. Ultraviolet Light
Ultraviolet light is an effective tool that has been in use for decades in hospitals and operating rooms. For COVID-19 sterilization applications, UVC lamps are great. But they’re often big and unwieldy. And because of the high risk to humans, operators need to wear really hardcore safety equipment and go through specialized training. Researchers have discovered that a specific wavelength of UVC light – 222 nm – could be much less dangerous to humans, while still lethal for viruses and bacteria.

Motivation

Hence, there is a possibility for further research in these mentioned topics that we can do to enhance the PPE worn by the healthcare practitioners and this is why we embarked on our project: COVID AuxiKit.

About our project

Our project focuses on enhancing the current PPE available in the market so that it better protects both healthcare practitioners and ordinary citizens from the coronavirus by minimizing risk and exposure to infection.

The COVID AuxiKit includes: filtered masks apt for sterilization, re-usable face shields and a portable UV light sterilizer. The components of the AuxiKit works in synergy with one another to ensure the safety of the people by minimizing risk and exposure. The COVID AuxiKit is low cost, reusable, safe, environmentally-friendly, comfortable and easy to use for people from all walks of life.

Physical Principles

1. Ultraviolet Light
Ultraviolet irradiation is a disinfection method that uses short wavelength ultraviolet (ultraviolet C or UV-C) light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by destroying nucleic acids and disrupting their DNA, leaving them unable to perform vital cellular functions. Ultraviolet lamps can produce strong enough UV-C light in circulating air or water systems to make them inhospitable environments to microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, moulds and other pathogens. A specific wavelength of light can be used to ensure safety for skin and eyes, while ensuring that it is most harmful for viruses and bacteria.

2. Cotton for comfort and the environment
The enhanced face mask is made up of cotton. Cotton is chosen as it one of the most commonly used natural fibres worldwide. It allows the mask to be comfortable, breathable and soft for users. Its hypoallergenic qualities make it ideal for use with sensitive skin, allowing more users to be able to use the mask. Furthermore, the usage of cotton has serious benefits on the environment as it is biodegradable and environmentally-friendly.

3. Strap for adjustability and comfort
The face shield will have a larger extent of coverage compared to the current face shields being used. The usage of a strap ensures that the cap can be fitted to any head size so that it is not too tight or not too loose for users. This helps them keep the face shield on comfortably for their long working hours.

Conceptual Description

1. Filtered face masks apt for sterilization

The enhanced face mask will have a more comfortable and breathable fit. It minimizes inward leakage of particles to protect the user while maximising comfort levels while wearing the mask. It is made up of cotton as it is one of the most environmentally-friendly, biodegradable, comfortable, breathable and soft material. Its hypoallergenic qualities also make it ideal to be used with sensitive skin, allowing more people to be able to use the mask. The mask also keeps the users cool by using cooling technology in the material. Lastly, it comes with an adjustable strap to ensure comfortable fit and reduce the pain on the earlobes due to the pressure points present.

2. Reusable face shields

The face shield has a cap instead of a strap around the head to ensure that there is less pain on common pressure points. It also has an adjustable strap at the back of the cap for a more comfortable fit around the head of the user. The face shield is worn through the hole and has good coverage. To avoid possibility of hypoxia, the neck closure can be left open and adjusted by the strap to fit better around the neck if the situation requires the user to do so. Furthermore, there is cooling technology in the underside of the cap to ensure that it is not too hot for users and they are kept cool during their long working hours. Next, the transparent visor is waterproof & dustproof and allows for minimizing of fogging. Additionally, this face shield is reusable and environmentally-friendly as the parts can be separated and washed. Lastly, an idea that we could experiment on: the picture and details of patients who need immediate care will be shown at the side of the visor as it will be connected to the sensor at the patient's bed.

3. Portable UV light sterilizer

The concept of the UV lamp design is to create a structure that can sterilize a whole room. With previous designs, the operator of the lamp had to turn on the lamp and quickly leave the room as sterilization starts putting them at risk of exposure. Our design includes a delay circuit such as when the sterilizer is switched on, it gives the user 30 seconds to leave the room before it begins the sterilization cycle. It also includes a display and keypad for setting the duration of the sterilization cycle. A specific wavelength of UVC light – 222 nm – would be used as it is much less dangerous to humans, while still lethal for viruses and bacteria.

Classifications & Regulations

EU Medical Device Regulation 745/2017

Face masks + face shields: Class I
Portable UV light steriliser: Class IIA
COVID AuxiKit as a whole: Class IIA

Standards of interest

ISO 10993 for biocompatibility testing (mask/shields with face)
IEC 60601 for electromedical devices (sterilizer)
EN 14683: Medical face masks - Requirements and test methods
ISO 15858: UV-C devices, safety information, allowable human exposure

Considerations for safety assessment

The most commonly employed type of UV light for germicidal applications is a low pressure mercury-vapor arc lamp, emitting around 254 nm. The lamp produces light via an electric arc through vaporized mercury. While safety tests are being carried out, consider the following:

Mercury vapor lamps must contain a feature that prevents ultraviolet radiation from escaping. Even with these methods, some UV radiation can still pass through the outer bulb of the lamp. This accelerates the aging process of some plastics, leaving them significantly discolored after only a few years’ service.
Mercury contamination can occur if a lamp breaks or explodes
An arc lamp envelope reaches very high temperatures during normal operation and can cause severe burns if touched. Let the lamp cool at least 15 minutes before opening the lamp compartment door.
Do not view it directly regardless of distance when the UV light source is on
Warning signs are necessary to inform about risk of exposure during use and maintenance. Warning signs should be used where applicable to indicate the presence of potential UVR hazards and to restrict access.
Avoid touching or scratching the glass section of the lamp. Fingerprints weaken the lamp envelope, and this may lead to lamp explosion.

Quality Criteria

1. Portable UV light sterilizer
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that, if used for surface sterilization, ensure the energy output is sufficient to kill microorganisms. The lamp should be tested and the intensity should not be less that 40 micro watts per square centimetre (µW/cm^2) at the center of the work area. The light intensity can be measured using a photometer.

2. Mask
Determining fit factor of mask
Use a commercial fit test system to measure respirator fit by comparing the concentration of microscopic particles outside the respirator with the concentration of particles that have leaked into the respirator. A Wilcoxon sign rank test is then conducted to show that there is a significant difference between wearing a mask and not wearing a mask.

Determining the effect of masks in preventing dispersal of droplets & aerosol
Construct enclosed mobile sampling chamber and place it in a high-frequency particulate air-filtered environmental room. Place settle plates in the chamber and volunteers wearing the mask can cough into the box. Incubate plates for 48 hours at 37°C before counting the median colony forming units. If there are lesser colony forming units formed while wearing the mask when compared to not wearing a mask, the mask can be shown to be effective.

Stakeholders

Potential impacts

Growth Strategy & Sustainability of project

User Manual

Schematics

1. Sketch of face masks apt or self-sterilization

The enhanced face mask will have a more comfortable and breathable fit, while minimizing inward leakage of particles to protect the user while maximising their comfort levels while wearing the mask. It is made up of cotton as it is one of the most environmentally-friendly, biodegradable, comfortable, breathable and soft material. Its hypoallergenic qualities also make it ideal to be used with sensitive skin, allowing more people to be able to use the mask. The mask also keeps the users cool by using cooling technology in the material. Lastly, it comes with an adjustable strap to ensure comfortable fit and reduce the pain on the earlobes due to the pressure points present.

2. Sketch of reusable face shield

The face shield has a cap instead of a strap around the head to ensure that there is less pain on the earlobes. It also has an adjustable strap at the back of the cap for a more comfortable fit around the head of the user. The face shield is worn through the hole and has good coverage. To avoid possibility of hypoxia, the neck closure can be left open and adjusted by the strap to fit better around the neck if the situation requires the user to do so. Furthermore, there is cooling technology in the underside of the cap to ensure that it is not too hot for users and they are kept cool during their long working hours. Next, the transparent visor is waterproof & dustproof and allows for minimizing of fogging. Additionally, this face shield is reusable and environmentally-friendly as the parts can be separated and washed. Lastly, an idea that we could experiment on: the picture and details of patients who need immediate care will be shown at the side of the visor as it will be connected to the sensor at the patient's bed.

3. Sketch of portable UV Light Sterilizer

Code

#include <Keypad.h>
//#include <LiquidCrystal.h>
#include <Wire.h> 
#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>
LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27,16,2);  //0x27 is the i2c address, while 16 = columns, and 2 = rows. 

#include<stdio.h>
const byte ROWS = 4; //four rows
const byte COLS = 3; //three columns
char keys[ROWS][COLS] = {
  {'1','2','3'},
  {'4','5','6'},
  {'7','8','9'},
  {'*','0','#'}
};
byte rowPins[ROWS] = {4, 5, 6, 7}; //connect to the row pinouts of the keypad
byte colPins[COLS] = {8, 9, 10}; //connect to the column pinouts of the keypad

Keypad keypad = Keypad( makeKeymap(keys), rowPins, colPins, ROWS, COLS );





int relay = 13;

int counter = 0; 
int attempts = 0; 
int max_attempts = 3; 

String mymints;
int minutes = 0; 

String mysecs; 
int seconds = 0; 
long int total_seconds = 0; 
int secflag = 0; 
int timer_started_flag = 0; 


// Tracks the time since last event fired
unsigned long previousMillis=0;
unsigned long int previoussecs = 0; 
unsigned long int currentsecs = 0; 
 unsigned long currentMillis = 0;
  int interval= 1 ; // updated every 1 second
int tsecs = 0; 
 
void setup(){
  Serial.begin(9600);
  lcd.init();                 //Init the LCD
  lcd.backlight();            //Activate backlight 
  

  pinMode(relay, OUTPUT);
  digitalWrite(relay, LOW);
  
  Serial.println("enter password");
    lcd.print("Countdown Timer");

    delay(2000); 
    lcd.clear();
     lcd.print("Enter Minutes:");
}
  
void loop()
{
  
 keypadfunction();
 
}

void keypadfunction()
{ 
 char key = keypad.getKey();
  
  if (key){
    Serial.println(key);
    counter = counter + 1; 
    lcd.setCursor(counter, 1);
    lcd.print(key);
  }
  
  if (key == '1')
  {

    mymints = mymints + 1;   
  }
  
    if (key == '2')
  {

    mymints = mymints + 2;  
  }
  
  if (key == '3')
  {
 
    mymints = mymints + 3; 
  }
  
   if (key == '4')
  {
  
    mymints = mymints + 4;  
  }
  
  if (key == '5')
  {
  
    mymints = mymints + 5;
  }
  
   if (key == '6')
  {
   
    mymints = mymints + 6; 
  }
  
   if (key == '7')
  {

    mymints = mymints + 7; 
  }

   if (key == '8')
  {

    mymints = mymints + 8; 
  }
  
  if (key == '9')
  {

    mymints = mymints + 9;
  }
             
                 if (key == '0')
  {

    mymints = mymints + 0; 
  }

                    if (key == '#')
  {

    counter = 0;
    mymints = ""; 
    minutes = 0;  
    mysecs = ""; 
    seconds = 0; 
    secflag = 0;  

    lcd.clear(); 
    lcd.setCursor(0,0); 
    lcd.print("Enter Minutes:"); 
  }
  
  
        if (key == '*')
  {
lcd.clear();     
minutes = mymints.toInt();
Serial.println(minutes);
lcd.clear(); 
lcd.print("Minutes: "); 
lcd.setCursor(0,1); 
lcd.print(minutes); 
mymints = ""; // empty the string
delay(2000); 
lcd.clear();
lcd.setCursor(0,0);
lcd.print("Enter Seconds:");
counter = 0; 
secflag = 1; 

delay(10000);
while(secflag == 1)
{
forSeconds(); 
}    
  }  
   
}

void forSeconds()
{ 
 char key = keypad.getKey();
  
  if (key){
    Serial.println(key);
    counter = counter + 1; 
    lcd.setCursor(counter, 1);
    lcd.print(key);
  }
  
  if (key == '1')
  {

   mysecs = mysecs + 1;   
  }
  
    if (key == '2')
  {

   mysecs = mysecs + 2;  
  }
  
  if (key == '3')
  {
 
    mysecs = mysecs + 3; 
  }
  
   if (key == '4')
  {
  
    mysecs = mysecs + 4;  
  }
  
  if (key == '5')
  {
  
    mysecs = mysecs + 5;
  }
  
   if (key == '6')
  {
   
    mysecs = mysecs + 6; 
  }
  
   if (key == '7')
  {

    mysecs = mysecs + 7; 
  }

   if (key == '8')
  {

    mysecs = mysecs + 8; 
  }
  
  if (key == '9')
  {

    mysecs = mysecs + 9;
  }
             
                 if (key == '0')
  {

    mysecs = mysecs + 0; 
  }

                   if (key == '#')
  {

    counter = 0;
    mymints = ""; 
    minutes = 0;  
    mysecs = ""; 
    seconds = 0; 
    secflag = 0;  

    lcd.clear(); 
    lcd.setCursor(0,0); 
    lcd.print("Enter Minutes:"); 
  }
  
  
  
        if (key == '*')
  {

lcd.clear();     
seconds = mysecs.toInt();
Serial.println(seconds);
lcd.clear();
lcd.setCursor(0,0); 
lcd.print("Seconds: "); 
lcd.setCursor(0,1); 
lcd.print(seconds); 
mysecs = ""; // empty the string
delay(2000); 
lcd.clear();
lcd.setCursor(0,0);
 
lcd.print("Mins      Secs"); 
lcd.setCursor(1,1); 
lcd.print(minutes); 
lcd.setCursor(10,1); 
lcd.print(seconds); 
total_seconds = (minutes * 60) + seconds ;
counter = 0;
secflag = 0; 
timer_started_flag = 1;

lcd.clear();
lcd.print("T Seconds:");
lcd.setCursor(11,0);
lcd.print( total_seconds );
delay(3000); 
while( timer_started_flag == 1)
{
   char key = keypad.getKey();
  
  if (key){
    Serial.println(key);
    counter = counter + 1; 
    lcd.setCursor(counter, 1);

  }

   if (key == '#')
  {

    counter = 0;
    mymints = ""; 
    minutes = 0;  
    mysecs = ""; 
    seconds = 0; 
    secflag = 0;  
    total_seconds = 0; 
     timer_started_flag = 0;
    lcd.clear(); 
    lcd.setCursor(0,0); 
    lcd.print("Enter Minutes:"); 
  }

         //  lcd.clear(); 
  lcd.setCursor(0,0); 
  lcd.print("T Seconds:");
  lcd.setCursor(11,0); 
  lcd.print( total_seconds );
  lcd.setCursor(0,1);
  if( total_seconds > 0)
  {
    digitalWrite(relay, HIGH); 
  lcd.print("load ON "); 
  }

    if( total_seconds <= 0)
  {
    total_seconds = 0; 
    digitalWrite(relay, LOW); 
  lcd.print("load OFF"); 
  }

     currentMillis = millis();
   currentsecs = currentMillis / 1000; 
    if ((unsigned long)(currentsecs - previoussecs) >= interval) {
      total_seconds = total_seconds - 1;
      lcd.clear(); 
      previoussecs = currentsecs;
    }
}
 
  }  
  
  
}

/*
  LiquidCrystal Library - Hello World

 Demonstrates the use a 16x2 LCD display.  The LiquidCrystal
 library works with all LCD displays that are compatible with the
 Hitachi HD44780 driver. There are many of them out there, and you
 can usually tell them by the 16-pin interface.

 This sketch prints "Hello World!" to the LCD
 and shows the time.

  The circuit:
 * LCD RS pin to digital pin 12
 * LCD Enable pin to digital pin 11
 * LCD D4 pin to digital pin 5
 * LCD D5 pin to digital pin 4
 * LCD D6 pin to digital pin 3
 * LCD D7 pin to digital pin 2
 * LCD R/W pin to ground
 * LCD VSS pin to ground
 * LCD VCC pin to 5V
 * 10K resistor:
 * ends to +5V and ground
 * wiper to LCD VO pin (pin 3)

 Library originally added 18 Apr 2008
 by David A. Mellis
 library modified 5 Jul 2009
 by Limor Fried (http://www.ladyada.net)
 example added 9 Jul 2009
 by Tom Igoe
 modified 22 Nov 2010
 by Tom Igoe

 This example code is in the public domain.

 http://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/LiquidCrystal
 */

// include the library code:
#include <LiquidCrystal.h>

// initialize the library with the numbers of the interface pins
LiquidCrystal lcd(12, 11, 5, 4, 3, 2);

void setup() {
  // set up the LCD's number of columns and rows:
  lcd.begin(16, 2);
  // Print a message to the LCD.
  lcd.print("COVID AUXIKIT");
}

void loop() {
  // set the cursor to column 0, line 1
  // (note: line 1 is the second row, since counting begins with 0):
  lcd.setCursor(0, 1);
  // print the number of seconds since reset:
  lcd.print(millis() / 1000);
}

COVID AuxiKit