In August 2020, the FMAE research team, led by Yuli Setyo Indartono, one of the lecturers of the Mechanical Engineering study program, initiated the development of a 3 in 1 face protector which is expected to be part of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia. Personal protective equipment such as masks, face shield and eye protector, are usually used separately. Therefore, the idea of ​​the 3 in 1 Face Protector is to combine a mask (type N-95), face shield, and eye protector/ google.

Internationally, despite there are already similar products, namely PAPR (powered air purifying respirators), the price is quite expensive so that domestic use is still rare. Furthermore, there are difficulties in importing due to the high demand for PAPR from other countries. Thus, the development of domestic products, such as the 3 in 1 Face Protector, could be seen as one of the solutions.

The FMAE research team itself has previously carried out several researches to help the public and health workers during the pandemic, including the manufacture of face shields and sterilization cabins. The first research carried out was the manufacture of face shields in March 2020. The FMAE research team succeeded in making 8000 units and distributing them for free to various hospitals and health centers in need. Further research was carried out in the form of making a sterilization cabin in May 2020 which was funded by ITB, lecturers, and alumni. The production of the 3 in 1 Face Protector prototype began in January 2021. With a total of 10 units, this prototype was successfully tested at Hasan Sadikin Hospital, Cibabat Hospital, Cililin Hospital, Cimahi Health Center, and two other health clinics.

The utilization of the 3 in 1 Face Protector can be done multiple times by only replacing one component after each use, namely the N-95 industrial grid medical filter which is located in front of the mouth. In addition, there is a filter located in the box, the location of this filter is not directly exposed to other people’s breath so that the replacement can be done less frequently. One of the advantages of this 3 in 1 Face Protector is that it is easy to clean the inside because it does not need re-sterilization, and it will also not produce dew due to the presence of a one-way-valve. Unlike ordinary snorkeling suits, the presence of a one-way-valve in this tool makes it more difficult for bacteria or viruses to contaminate the device.

In the near future, there are 3 in 1 Face Protector development plans based-on the user feedbacks. First, the addition of a wireless microphone to the equipment so that the doctor’s voice can be heard. Second, the eyeglasses feature can be added so that users with vision problems can use them. Finally, the blower pressure needs to be increased so that the flow rate will also increase.

Currently, the 3 in 1 Face Protector research at FMAE is developed into a professional course, so that students could participate. Students outside Jakarta and Bandung could help by looking for market research in other industries such as the ceramic and wood industries. Meanwhile, students in Jakarta and Bandung might conduct hardware development as well as new features, and also take care of licensing. In addition to the course development, there has also been collaboration with PT Rekacipta Inovasi ITB to seek the interest from industries to develop the equipment.

It is an important lesson for our nation, innovations may thrive amidst the pandemic situation, through the collaboration between industry, government, and universities or research institutions. We can work together to meet the needs of domestic products independent to the foreign products. Moreover, students could be contributed to innovate by having good competencies in the fields of science and engineering.

Source:

Dr. Yuli Setyo Indartono

Mechanical Engineering Study Program

Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Institut Teknologi Bandung