PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to testing of personal protective equipment, and more particularly to a device, a system, and a method for testing an article of personal protective equipment.

Background

Various articles of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as, a respirator, a facemask, an eyewear, a headgear, and the like, may be worn on a head or a face of a user. The article of PPE may protect the user from various hazards in a work environment. Therefore, there may be a requirement for testing a quality, an effectiveness, or a design of the article of PPE before the user uses the article of PPE in the work environment, especially if the work environment has immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) conditions. Furthermore, with a development of Internet of Things (IoT), various devices, such as, audio devices, visual devices, haptic devices, and the like, may be integrated with the article of PPE. Since the devices may be developed and manufactured by different manufacturers, there may be a requirement for testing the article of PPE to verify and ensure a proper functioning of the devices integrated with the article of PPE.

Summary

In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a device for testing an article of personal protective equipment (PPE). The device includes a head form representative of a human head. The head form includes a frontal region, two orbital regions, two auricular regions, a nasal region, an oral region, two buccal regions, two temporal regions, a mental region, a vertex region, and an occipital region. The head form further includes one or more zones. The one or more zones include a first zone at least partially defined by the two buccal regions, the nasal region, and the mental region of the head form. The first zone has a substantially annular shape and surrounds the oral region of the head form. The device further includes a plurality of sensors associated with the head form and configured to generate respective output data. The plurality of sensors includes a first set of sensors disposed on the first zone.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for testing at least one article of personal protective equipment (PPE). The system includes an external device including a processor, and a memory communicably coupled with the processor. The system further includes at least one device including a head form representative of a human head. The head form includes a frontal region, two orbital regions, two auricular regions, a nasal region, an oral region, two buccal regions, two temporal regions, a mental region, a vertex region, and an occipital region. The head form further includes one or more zones. The one or more zones include a first zone at least partially defined by the two buccal regions, the nasal region, and the mental region of the head form. The first zone has a substantially annular shape and surrounds the oral region of the head form. The at least one device further includes a plurality of sensors associated with the head form and configured to generate respective output data. The plurality of sensors includes a first set of sensors disposed on the first zone. The plurality of sensors is communicably coupled to the processor. The processor is configured to store the respective output data in the memory.

In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for testing an article of PPE. The method includes providing a head form. The head form includes a frontal region, two orbital regions, two auricular regions, a nasal region, an oral region, two buccal regions, two temporal regions, a mental region, a vertex region, and an occipital region. The head form further includes one or more zones. The one or more zones include a first zone at least partially defined by the two buccal regions, the nasal region, and the mental region of the head form. The first zone has a substantially annular shape and surrounds the oral region of the head form. The method further includes providing a plurality of sensors. Providing the plurality of sensors includes providing a first set of sensors on the first zone. The method further includes placing at least one article of PPE on the head form. The method further includes generating, via the plurality of sensors, respective output data. The method further includes analyzing the respective output data. The method further includes determining one or more parameters associated with the at least one article of PPE based on the analysis of the respective output data.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the following figures. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like numbers used in the figures refer to like components. However, it will be understood that the use of a number to refer to a component in a given figure is not intended to limit the component in another figure labeled with the same number.

FIG. 1 A illustrates a schematic front view of personal protective equipment (PPE);

FIGS. 1B-1F illustrate schematic perspective views of various articles of PPE;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective side view of a human head;

FIG. 3 A illustrates a schematic front view of a device for testing at least an article of PPE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic block diagram of the device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3C illustrates a schematic block diagram of different types of sensors of the device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4A illustrates a schematic side view of a device for testing at least an article of PPE according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B illustrates a schematic sectional view of a portion of a head form of the device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic front view of a device for testing at least an article of PPE according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic front view of a device for testing at least an article of PPE according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic side view of a device for testing at least an article of PPE according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic front view of a device for testing at least an article of PPE according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic side view of a device for testing at least an article of PPE according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10A illustrates a schematic block diagram of a device for testing at least an article of PPE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10B illustrates a schematic block diagram of a device for testing at least an article of PPE according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a system for testing at least an article of PPE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 12A illustrates a graph depicting respective output data and historic data versus time according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12B illustrates a graph depicting the respective output data versus time according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 A illustrates a schematic block diagram depicting a processing of the respective output data by a processor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13B illustrates a graph depicting combined output data versus time according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart depicting various steps of a method for testing an article of PPE according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures that form a part thereof and in which various embodiments are shown by way of illustration. It is to be understood that other embodiments are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present disclosure. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense.

In the following disclosure, the following definitions are adopted.

As recited herein, all numbers should be considered modified by the term “about”. As used herein, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” are used interchangeably.

As used herein as a modifier to a property or attribute, the term “generally”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means that the property or attribute would be readily recognizable by a person of ordinary skill but without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match (e.g., within +/- 20 % for quantifiable properties).

The term “substantially”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within +/- 10% for quantifiable properties) but again without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.

The term “about”, unless otherwise specifically defined, means to a high degree of approximation (e.g., within +/- 5% for quantifiable properties) but again without requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.

Terms such as same, equal, uniform, constant, strictly, and the like, are understood to be within the usual tolerances or measuring error applicable to the particular circumstance rather than requiring absolute precision or a perfect match.

As used herein, the terms “first” and “second” are used as identifiers. Therefore, such terms should not be construed as limiting of this disclosure. The terms “first” and “second” when used in conjunction with a feature or an element can be interchanged throughout the embodiments of this disclosure.

As used herein, when a first material is termed as “similar” to a second material, at least 90 weight % of the first and second materials are identical and any variation between the first and second materials comprises less than about 10 weight % of each of the first and second materials.

As used herein, “at least one of A and B” should be understood to mean “only A, only B, or both A and B”.

Various articles of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be worn on a head of a user entering a hazardous environment having harmful conditions (e.g., air contaminated with harmful substances, such as, airborne particulates, toxic fumes, smoke, vapors, etc.). The articles of PPE used in the hazardous environment may depend on the harmful conditions. One such article of PPE may include a respirator. The respirator may protect the user from the harmful substances present in the surrounding atmosphere. The respirator may be one of two main types. A first type of the respirator functions by filtering out chemicals and gases, or airborne particles, from the air breathed by the user. Examples of the first type of the respirators include gas masks and particulate respirators (such as, N95 masks, N96 masks, N97 masks, N98 masks, and N99 masks, etc.). A second type of the respirator protects users by providing clean and respirable air from another source, such as an air tank. Examples of the second type of the respirators include airline respirators and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). In addition, other articles of PPE may be used for protection of the user in the hazardous environment. Examples of such other articles of PPE may include a facemask, a headgear, an eyewear, a hearing device, a hearing protection device, etc. Further, the articles of PPE may include audio devices, visual devices, haptic devices, and the like. Therefore, testing the articles of PPE may be important to protect the user against the harmful conditions in the hazardous environment.

The present disclosure relates to a device for testing an article of PPE. The device includes a head form representative of a human head. The head form includes a frontal region, two orbital regions, two auricular regions, a nasal region, an oral region, two buccal regions, two temporal regions, a mental region, a vertex region, and an occipital region. The head form further includes one or more zones. The one or more zones include a first zone at least partially defined by the two buccal regions, the nasal region, and the mental region of the head form. The first zone has a substantially annular shape and surrounds the oral region of the head form. The device further includes a plurality of sensors associated with the head form and configured to generate respective output data. The plurality of sensors includes a first set of sensors disposed on the first zone.

The device of the present disclosure may be used for testing the article of PPE. Specifically, the device may be used for testing various parameters associated with the article of PPE. The head form of the device may include the one or more zones and cavities, such that the plurality of sensors may be appropriately positioned on the head form to generate the respective output data. The respective output data may be associated with the parameters associated with the article of PPE. For example, the device may be used for testing a fit of the article of PPE on the head form. In other words, the device may be used for determining a pressure exerted by the article of PPE when worn by the user, and whether the pressure exerted by the article of PPE is adequate, as per desired application attributes.

The appropriate positioning of the plurality of sensors may further allow the device to simulate one or more senses (e.g., visual, tactile, audio, and the like) of humans. Therefore, the device may be used for testing various parameters of the article of PPE that stimulate the one or more senses of humans. The device may further be used for testing one or more devices that may be incorporated in the article of PPE that simulate the one or more senses of humans. For example, the device may be used for testing displays, such as heads-up displays and other types of displays, that may be incorporated in the article of PPE. Furthermore, in some examples, the device may be used for testing sound devices, haptic devices, bone conduction systems, and physiological devices, such as, pulse oximeters, that may be incorporated in the article of PPE. In some cases, the device may further simulate various biological processes, such as breathing and sweating of humans. Therefore, the device may be used for testing the parameters associated with the article of PPE in response to breathing and sweating of the user.

Furthermore, the device may be used for testing the article of PPE in various environmental parameters, such as, temperature, pressure, vacuum, humidity, moisture, etc. For example, the device may be used for testing a performance of the article of PPE in the environmental parameters, such as high temperatures, dust, salt fog, cold and moisture. Further, the device may be used for testing whether a performance of the article of PPE changes with a change in the environmental parameters.

The device may also provide information regarding the synergistic or adverse effects of the one or more devices incorporated in the article of PPE. In other words, the device may be used for testing a combined effect provided by two or more different devices incorporated in the article of PPE. Furthermore, the device may be used for testing whether the devices incorporated in the article of PPE may cause distraction or discomfort to the user. In some cases, the device may also be used for testing a combined effect provided by two or more different articles of PPE.

The respective output data generated by the plurality of sensors may further be provided to certification agencies, such as National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for facilitating certification of the article of PPE. Moreover, the respective output data generated by the plurality of sensors may be processed and/or analyzed to determine whether the article of PPE conforms to one or more standards.

Therefore, the device may verify and ensure a proper design, functioning, and a quality of the article of PPE, and facilitate maintenance of the article of PPE.

Referring now to the Figures, FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic view of an example of personal protective equipment (PPE) 20 for a user. In some cases, the user may be an emergency personnel, such as, a firefighter. In some examples, the PPE 20 may include a breathing apparatus. Specifically, in the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the PPE 20 is a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). However, in some other examples, the PPE 20 may include a powered air purifying respirator (PAPR), a non-powered air purifying respirator (APR), a hose line, and the like.

The PPE 20 includes an air tank 21 mounted on a backpack 22. The air tank 21 may store pressurized breathable air. The backpack 22 includes a belt 24 and shoulder straps 25. Therefore, the PPE 20 may be carried by the user by fastening the belt 24 and/or the shoulder straps 25 of the backpack 22. In some cases, the PPE 20 may be carried by the emergency personnel in a hazardous environment.

The PPE 20 further includes at least one article of PPE 10 (hereinafter, “the article 10”) that is worn on a head of the user. The article 10 may be connected to the air tank 21 by an air supply/data line 23. The air supply/data line 23 may supply the pressurized breathable air from the air tank 21 to the user. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1, the article 10 includes a heads-up display (HUD) 29. The air supply/data line 23 may further supply power/data communications to the HUD 29 of the article 10. In some cases, the HUD 29 may display one or more parameters associated with the PPE 20, such as, an air level in the air tank 21, a battery level of a battery module, and the like, to the user.

The PPE 20 further includes a personal alert safety system (PASS) device 26, a personal digital assistant (PDA) device 27, and a video camera 28. In some examples, the article 10 may further include devices configured to provide audible and haptic alarms generated by the PASS device 26 to the user. In some examples, the alarms may be provided to the user by a headset, a haptic device, a bone conduction system, and the like. Furthermore, in some examples, the HUD 29 may be configured to display an image and/or a video feed captured by the video camera 28.

FIGS. 1B-1F illustrate schematic views of various examples of the article 10. In some examples, the article 10 includes, but is not limited to, a half facemask, a full facemask, a half face respirator, a full face respirator, a headgear, an eyewear, a hearing device, a hearing protection device, or any other articles of PPE that may be worn on the head or the face of the user.

In the illustrated example of FIG. IB, the article 10 is a facemask 30. Specifically, in the illustrated example of FIG. IB, the facemask 30 is a half facemask. However, in some examples, the facemask 30 may be a full facemask.

In the illustrated example of FIG. 1C, the article 10 is a respirator 40. Specifically, in the illustrated example of FIG. 1C, the respirator 40 is a full face respirator. However, in some examples, the respirator 40 may be a half face respirator.

In the illustrated example of FIG. ID, the article 10 is a headgear 50. In some examples, the headgear 50 may include a helmet, a headband, a safety hat, etc. In the illustrated example of FIG. IE, the article 10 is an eyewear 60. In some examples, the eyewear 60 may include safety goggles. In some other examples, the eyewear 60 may include a display, such as a HUD.

In the illustrated example of FIG. IF, the article 10 is a hearing device 70. In some examples, the hearing device 70 may include a wired/wireless headphone and/or earphone. In some other examples, the hearing device 70 may include a hearing protection device, such as, a pair of earmuffs.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic side view of a human head 102. The human head 102 may be of the user of the PPE 20 (shown in FIG. 1 A). The human head 102 may include a plurality of regions (demarcated by dotted lines in FIG. 2). Specifically, the human head 102 includes a frontal region 104, a vertex region 106, two orbital regions 108 (only one orbital region is visible in FIG. 2), two auricular regions 110 (only one auricular region is visible in FIG. 2), a nasal region 112, an oral region 114, two buccal regions 116 (only one buccal region is visible in FIG. 2), two temporal regions 118 (only one temporal region is visible in FIG. 2), a mental region 120, and an occipital region 122.

FIG. 3 A illustrates a schematic front view of a device 200 for testing the article 10 (shown in FIGS. 1 A-1F) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 200 includes a head form 202 representative of the human head 102 (shown in FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the head form 202 may be hollow and enclose one or more elements of the device 200.

In some embodiments, the device 200 further includes a base portion 203 extending from the head form 202. In some embodiments, the base portion 203 may be integral with the head form 202. However, in some other embodiments, the base portion 203 may be separately manufactured and coupled to the head form 202.

In some embodiments, the base portion 203 may be representative of a neck of the user. In some examples, the base portion 203 may provide a support structure to the head form 202 of the device 200. In some embodiments, the base portion 203 may be substantially hollow. Thus, in some cases, the base portion 203 may facilitate coupling of the one or more elements of the device 200 to one or more external devices.

The head form 202 includes a plurality of regions (demarcated by dotted lines in FIG. 3 A). Specifically, the head form 202 includes a frontal region 204, two orbital regions 208, two auricular regions 210, a nasal region 212, an oral region 214, two buccal regions 216, two temporal regions 218, a mental region 220, a vertex region 206, and an occipital region 222 (shown in FIG. 4A). In some embodiments, the frontal region 204, the two orbital regions 208, the two auricular regions 210, the nasal region 212, the oral region 214, the two buccal regions 216, the two temporal regions 218, the mental region 220, the vertex region 206, and the occipital region 222 of the head form 202 may be representative of the frontal region 104, the two orbital regions 108, the two auricular regions 110, the nasal region 112, the oral region 114, the two buccal regions 116, the two temporal regions 118, the mental region 120, the vertex region 106, and the occipital region 122, respectively, of the human head 102 (shown in FIG. 2).

The head form 202 further includes one or more zones 234. A zone may refer to a section of the head form 202 partially or completely defined by one or more of the plurality of regions. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3A, the one or more zones 234 include a first zone 236 (demarcated by dashed lines in FIG. 3 A) at least partially defined by the two buccal regions 216, the nasal region 212, and the mental region 220 of the head form 202. Furthermore, the first zone 236 has a substantially annular shape and surrounds the oral region 214 of the head form 202. However, in some other embodiments, the one or more zones 234 may further include other zones defined by different regions of the head form 202.

The device 200 further includes a plurality of sensors 250 associated with the head form 202. The plurality of sensors 250 may be strategically disposed on the head form 202 to determine various parameters associated with the article 10 (shown in FIGS. 1 A-1F). In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors 250 includes at least one of one or more sound sensors, one or more image sensors, one or more pressure sensors, one or more temperature sensors, and one or more motion sensors. In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors 250 further includes one or more light emitting elements. In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors 250 further includes one or more light detectors. For example, the plurality of sensors 250 may include the one or more temperature sensors disposed proximal to or on the frontal region 204 and the nasal region 212 of the head form 202, and on the base portion 203 of the device 200. In a further example, the plurality of sensors 250 may include the one or more motion sensors disposed on the two temporal regions 218 and the vertex region 206 of the head form 202.

The plurality of sensors 250 includes a first set of sensors 252 disposed on the first zone 236. In some embodiments, the first set of sensors 252 includes the one or more pressure sensors. It may be noted that the first set of sensors 252 disposed on the first zone 236 may also include any other sensors. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3 A, four of the plurality of sensors 250 are disposed on the first zone 236. Specifically, the first set of sensors 252 includes four of the plurality of sensors 250. However, any number of the plurality of sensors 250 may be disposed in any suitable pattern on the first zone 236, as per desired application attributes.

FIG. 3B illustrates a schematic block diagram of the device 200, the head form 202 and the plurality of sensors 250 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The plurality of sensors 250 is configured to generate respective output data 324. In other words, each sensor 250 from the plurality of sensors 250 is configured to generate the respective output data 324.

Referring to FIGS. 3 A and 3B, the plurality of sensors 250 may be disposed on the one or more zones 234 of the head form 202 to generate the respective output data 324. Specifically, the first set of sensors 252 disposed on the first zone 236 may generate data corresponding to the first zone 236.

In some embodiments, the respective output data 324 includes respective sound/audio data from the one or more sound sensors. In some embodiments, the respective output data 324 further includes respective visual data from the one or more image sensors. In some embodiments, the respective output data 324 further includes respective pressure data from the one or more pressure sensors. In some embodiments, the respective output data 324 includes temperature data from the one or more temperature sensors. In some embodiments, the respective output data 324 includes respective motion data from the one or more motion sensors. In some embodiments, the respective output data 324 includes respective light data from the one or more light detectors.

In some embodiments, the first zone 236 is configured to receive the facemask 30 (shown in FIG. IB) thereon. However, in some embodiments, the first zone 236 may be configured to receive a half face respirator thereon. Since, in some embodiments, the first set of sensors 252 includes the one or more pressure sensors, the device 200 may be used to determine a pressure exerted by the facemask 30 or the half face respirator received on the first zone 236 of the head form 202. Furthermore, the device 200 may be used for testing a seal of the facemask 30 or the half face respirator received on the first zone 236 of the head form 202. However, in some other embodiments, the first set of sensors 252 may include at least one of the one or more sound sensors, the one or more image sensors, the one or more temperature sensors, the one or more motion sensors, and combinations thereof, for testing various parameters associated with the article 10 (e.g., the facemask 30) received on the first zone 236.

As discussed above, the plurality of sensors 250 may include the one or more motion sensors. In some embodiments, the one or more motion sensors are disposed on at least one of the two auricular regions 210, the two temporal regions 218, and the vertex region 206. In some embodiments, the one or more motion sensors are configured to measure one or more of an intensity and a frequency of a vibration. In other words, the one or more motion sensors may generate the respective motion data indicative of the intensity and the frequency of the vibration. Therefore, the device 200 may further be used for testing, for example, haptic alerts provided by haptic devices incorporated in the article 10 (shown in FIGS. 1 A-1F). In some other embodiments, the one or more motion sensors may generate the respective motion data corresponding to bone conduction communication systems incorporated in the article 10. In other words, the device 200 may emulate conduction of sound through bones of a human skull using the one or more motion sensors.

As discussed above, the plurality of sensors 250 may include the one or more temperature sensors. In some examples, the one or more temperature sensors are disposed proximal to the nasal region 212 and the frontal region 204 of the head form 202, and the base portion 203 of the device 200. The one or more temperature sensors disposed proximal to the nasal region 212 and the frontal region 204 of the head form 202 may generate the respective temperature data to determine a change in temperature before and after receiving the facemask 30 (shown in FIG. IB) and/or the respirator 40 (shown in FIG. 1C). Further, the one or more temperature sensors disposed on the base portion 203 may determine an ambient temperature upon receiving the facemask 30 or the respirator 40 on the first zone 236.

FIG. 3C is a schematic block diagram showing different types of the plurality of sensors. 250. The plurality of sensors 250 includes one or more sound/audio sensors 250-1, one or more image sensors 250-2, one or more pressure sensors 250-3, one or more temperature sensors 250- 4, one or more motion sensors 250-5, one or more light emitting elements 251, and one or more light detectors 253. Each sound sensor 250-1 may include a transducer that converts sound into an electrical signal. In an example, each of the sound sensors 250-1 may include a microphone. Each image sensor 250-2 may include a charge-coupled device (CCD) or an active-pixel sensor (CMOS sensor). Each pressure sensor 250-3 may include a piezoelectric sensor, a piezoresistive sensor, a capacitive sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, and so forth. Each temperature sensor 250- 4 may include a thermocouple, a thermistor, an infrared sensor, and so forth. Each motion sensor 250-5 may include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and so forth. In some embodiments, each light emitting element 251 may include a light emitting diode (LED). In some embodiments, each light detector 253 may include a photodetector including a semiconductor element.

FIGS. 4 A illustrates a schematic side view of a device 300 including the head form 202 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 300 is substantially similar to the device 200 shown in FIGS. 3 A and 3B. However, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4A, the head form 202 further defines an eye cavity 228 in at least one of the two orbital regions 208. Moreover, the head form 202 further defines an ear cavity 230 in at least one of the two auricular regions 210. Some components of the device 300 have been omitted in FIG. 4A for the purpose of illustration.

FIG. 4B illustrates a schematic sectional side view of a portion of the head form 202 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, in some embodiments, the head form 202 further includes an outer surface 224 and an inner surface 226 opposite to and spaced apart from the outer surface 224. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 4B, the inner surface 226 is spaced apart from the outer surface 224 by a thickness T. In some embodiments, the thickness T may vary along a length of the inner surface 226 and the outer surface 224. In some embodiments, the head form 202 may further include one or more layers of an elastomer, or any other suitable material disposed on the outer surface 224 of head form 202 to simulate a skin of the user. Specifically, the one or more layers of the elastomer may simulate friction provided by the skin of the user. Furthermore, the one or more layers of the elastomer may simulate the pressure distribution of a pressure exerted by the article 10 (shown in FIGS .1 A-1F) on the head form 202.

In some embodiments, the eye cavity 228 at least partially extends from the outer surface 224 to the inner surface 226. In other words, in some embodiments, the eye cavity 228 at least partially extends along the thickness T of the head form 202. Further, in some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of sensors 250 are disposed in the eye cavity 228. Specifically, in some embodiments, the one or more image sensors are disposed in the eye cavity 228. In some embodiments, the eye cavity 228 may have a polygonal prism shape to ensure appropriate positioning and orientation of the one or more image sensors disposed in the eye cavity 228. Further, in some cases, the eye cavity 228 may include electrical and data connections to operate the one or more image sensors and transmit the respective visual data of the one or more image sensors.

In some embodiments, the one or more image sensors may be disposed in the eye cavity 228 at a location identical to a location of an eye of the user. Therefore, the one or more image sensors disposed in the eye cavity 228 may be configured to simulate the eye of the user. For example, the one or more image sensors may have a field of view (FOV) substantially similar to a FOV of the eye of the user.

In some embodiments, the one or more image sensors may generate the respective visual data to test visual displays, such as, the HUD 29 (shown in FIG. 1 A) that may be incorporated in the article 10. However, in some other embodiments, the one or more image sensors may provide the respective visual data to test other types of the visual displays, such as visible light displays, infrared displays, ultraviolet displays, multiple-wavelength displays, or any other displays that may be incorporated in the article 10. Furthermore, the one or more image sensors may provide the respective visual data to test light emitting diodes (LEDs) that may be incorporated in the article 10. Therefore, the device 300 may be used for testing a functioning of the visual displays and the LEDs. In one example, the device 300 may be used for testing whether the visual display and the LEDs are located in the FOV of the user. In another example, the device 300 may be used for testing whether the visual displays and the LEDs may cause visual obstruction or distraction to the user. In yet another example, the device 300 may be used for testing various parameters of the visual displays and the LEDs, such as, brightness, contrast, saturation, and the like. In some cases, the visual displays and the LEDs may display the one or more parameters associated with the PPE 20 (shown in FIG. 1A), such as, the air level in the air tank 21 (shown in FIG. 1A), the battery level of the battery module of the PPE 20 (shown in FIG. 1 A), evacuation commands provided by the article 10 of the PPE 20, and the like. Therefore, the device 300 may be used for testing whether the visual displays and the LEDs display parameters associated with the PPE 20 correctly and accurately.

Moreover, the respective visual data from the one or more image sensors may be provided to certification agencies, such as, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In one example, the respective visual data from the one or more image sensors may expedite certification of the article 10 (shown in FIGS. 1A-1F). In one example, the respective visual data from the one or more image sensors may provide information regarding a quality of optics used in thermal image cameras of the PPE 20 (shown in FIG. 1 A). The information may be used to determine whether the quality of optics used in the thermal image cameras conform to a standard, such as, NFPA 1801. Therefore, the device 300 may further expedite certification of the article 10 (shown in FIGS. 1A-1F).

In some embodiments, the ear cavity 230 at least partially extends from the outer surface 224 to the inner surface 226. In other words, in some embodiments, the ear cavity 230 at least partially extends along the thickness T. Further, in some embodiments, one or more of the plurality of sensors 250 are disposed in the ear cavity 230. Specifically, in some embodiments, the one or more sound sensors are disposed in the ear cavity 230. In some embodiments, the ear cavity 230 may have a polygonal prism shape to ensure appropriate positioning and orientation of the one or more sound sensors disposed in the ear cavity 230. Further, in some cases, the ear cavity 230 may include electrical and data connections to operate the one or more sound sensors and transmit the respective sound data of the one or more sound sensors.

In some embodiments, the one or more sound sensors may be disposed in the ear cavity 230 at a location identical to a location of an ear of the user. Therefore, in some embodiments, the one or more sound sensors may be configured to simulate the ear of the user. For example, the one or more sound sensors may generate the respective sound data to test audio alarms provided by the article 10 (shown in FIG. 1A). Therefore, in some embodiments, the one or more sound sensors may generate the respective sound data to test the hearing device 70 (shown in FIG. IF), for example, the wired/wireless headphone and/or earphone. In some embodiments, the one or more sound sensors may generate the respective sound data to test a level of hearing protection provided by the hearing device 70, for example, the hearing protection device. In some embodiments, the one or more sound sensors may generate the respective sound data for testing various parameters of the hearing device 70, such as, noise levels, amplitude and/or frequency of sound alerts, and latency. Therefore, the device 300 may be used for testing whether the hearing device 70 is functioning correctly and accurately.

In another example, the device 300 may be used for testing whether the article 10 causes sound attenuation or noise. Moreover, the respective sound data from the one or more sound sensors may be provided to certification agencies, such as, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). In one example, the respective sound data from the one or more sound sensors may expedite certification of the article 10 (shown in FIGS. 1 A-1F), such as the hearing device 70.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic front view of a device 400 including the head form 202 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, the head form 202 includes the first zone 236, as described above. Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, the one or more zones 234 further include a second zone 238 (demarcated by dashed lines) at least partially defined by the frontal region 204, the two buccal regions 216, and the two temporal regions 218 of the head form 202. In some embodiments, the second zone 238 at least partially surrounds the first zone 236. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, the plurality of sensors 250 includes a second set of sensors 254 disposed on the second zone 238. In some embodiments, the second set of sensors 254 includes the one or more pressure sensors. It may be noted that the second set of sensors 254 may also include other sensors disposed on the second zone 238.

In some embodiments, the second zone 238 is configured to receive the respirator 40 (shown in FIG. 1C) thereon. Therefore, in some embodiments, the device 400 may be used to determine a pressure exerted by the respirator 40 on the second zone 238 of the head form 202. Therefore, in some embodiments, the device 400 may be used for testing a seal of the respirator 40 received on the second zone 238 of the head form 202. In some other embodiments, the second set of sensors 254 may include at least one of the one or more sound sensors, the one or more image sensors, the one or more temperature sensors, the one or more motion sensors, and combinations thereof, for testing various parameters associated with the article 10 (e.g., the respirator 40) received on the second zone 238. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, the one or more zones 234 further include a third zone 240 (demarcated by dashed lines) at least partially defined by the vertex region 206 and the occipital region 222 (shown in FIG. 4A) of the head form 202. The plurality of sensors 250 further includes a third set of sensors 256 disposed on the third zone 240. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, the third set of sensors 256 includes the one or more pressure sensors. It may be noted that the third set of sensors 256 may also include other sensors disposed on the third zone 240.

In some embodiments, the third zone 240 is configured to receive the headgear 50 (shown in FIG. ID) thereon. Therefore, in some embodiments, the device 400 may be used to determine a pressure exerted by the headgear 50 on the third zone 240 of the head form 202. Therefore, in some embodiments, the device 400 may be used for testing a fit of the headgear 50 on the third zone 240 of the head form 202. In some other embodiments, the third set of sensors 256 may include at least one of the one or more sound sensors, the one or more image sensors, the one or more temperature sensors, the one or more motion sensors, and combinations thereof, for testing various parameters associated with the article 10 (e.g., the headgear 50) received on the third zone 240. For example, the one or more temperature sensors may determine a temperature of the third zone 240 of the head form 202 during the use of the headgear 50, such as the helmet, the headband, or the safety hat.

FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic front view of a device 500 including the head form 202 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 500 is substantially similar to the device 200 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In some embodiments, the device 500 may be substantially similar to the devices 300, 400 shown in FIGS. 4A and 5, respectively. Some components of the device 500 have been omitted in FIG. 6 for the purpose of illustration.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the one or more zones 234 further includes a fourth zone 242 (demarcated by dashed lines) at least partially surrounding the two orbital regions 208 of the head form 202. The plurality of sensors 250 further includes a fourth set of sensors 258 disposed on the fourth zone 242. In some embodiments, the fourth set of sensors 258 includes the one or more pressure sensors. It may be noted that the fourth set of sensors 258 may also include other sensors disposed on the fourth zone 242.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the head form 202 includes two fourth zones 242 corresponding to the two orbital regions 208. Each fourth zone 242 includes a corresponding fourth set of sensors 258.

In some embodiments, the fourth zone 242 is configured to receive the eyewear 60 (shown in FIG. IE) thereon. Further, in some embodiments, the device 500 may be used to determine a pressure exerted on the fourth zone 242 of the head form 202 by the eyewear 60. Therefore, the device 500 may be used for testing a fit of the eyewear 60 received on the fourth zone 242 of the head form 202. In some other embodiments, the fourth set of sensors 258 may include at least one of the one or more sound sensors, the one or more image sensors, the one or more temperature sensors, the one or more motion sensors, and combinations thereof, for testing various parameters associated with the article 10 (e.g., the eyewear 60) received on the fourth zone 242. For example, the one or more temperature sensors may determine a temperature of the fourth zone 242 of the head form 202 during the use of the eyewear 60, such as the safety goggles.

FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic side view of a device 600 including the head form 202 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 600 is substantially similar to the device 200 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In some embodiments, the device 600 may be substantially similar to the devices 300, 400, 500 shown in FIGS. 4A, 5 and 6, respectively. Some components of the device 600 have been omitted in FIG. 7 for the purpose of illustration.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7, the one or more zones 234 further includes a fifth zone 244 (demarcated by dashed lines) at least partially surrounding the two auricular regions 210 of the head form 202. In some embodiments, the fifth zone 244 may at least partially include the two temporal regions 218 of the head form 202. Moreover, the plurality of sensors 250 further includes a fifth set of sensors 260 disposed on the fifth zone 244. In some embodiments, the fifth set of sensors 260 includes the one or more pressure sensors. It may be noted that the fifth set of sensors 260 may also include other sensors disposed on the fifth zone 244.

Though FIG. 7 illustrates one fifth zone 244, in some embodiments, the head form 202 includes two fifth zones 244 corresponding to the two auricular regions 210. Each fifth zone 244 includes a corresponding fifth set of sensors 260.

In some embodiments, the fifth zone 244 is configured to receive the hearing device 70 (shown in FIG. IF) thereon. Further, in some embodiments, the device 600 may be used to determine a pressure exerted on the fifth zone 244 of the head form 202 by the hearing device 70. Therefore, the device 600 may be used for testing a fit of the hearing device 70 received on the fifth zone 244 of the head form 202. In some embodiments, the device 600 may be used for testing a fit of the hearing protection device, or the wired/wireless headphone and/or earphone received on the fifth zone 244 of the head form 202. In some other embodiments, the fifth set of sensors 260 may include at least one of the one or more sound sensors, the one or more image sensors, the one or more temperature sensors, the one or more motion sensors, and combinations thereof, for testing various parameters associated with the article 10 (e.g., the hearing device 70) received on the fifth zone 244. For example, the one or more temperature sensors may determine a temperature of the fifth zone 244 of the head form 202 during the use of the hearing device 70, such as the wired/wireless headphone and/or earphone, or the pair of earmuffs.

FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic front view of a device 700 including the head form 202 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 700 is substantially similar to the device 200 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In some embodiments, the device 700 may be substantially similar to the devices 300, 400, 500, 600 shown in FIGS. 4A, 5, 6 and 7, respectively. Some components of the device 700 have been omitted in FIG. 8 for the purpose of illustration.

In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors 250 further includes the one or more light emitting elements 251 disposed on at least one of the two buccal regions 216, the frontal region 204, and the two temporal regions 218. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8, the one or more light emitting elements 251 (depicted by circles in FIG. 8) are disposed on the two buccal regions 216, the frontal region 204, and the two temporal regions 218. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the plurality of sensors 250 includes the one or more light detectors 253 disposed on at least one of the two buccal regions 216, the frontal region 204, and the two temporal regions 218. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 8, the one or more light detectors 253 (depicted by triangles in FIG. 8) are disposed on the two buccal regions 216, the frontal region 204, and the two temporal regions 218.

In some embodiments, the device 700 may be configured to utilize the one or more light emitting elements 251 and the one or more light detectors 253 for testing a functioning of a pulse oximeter (not shown) that may be incorporated in the article 10 (shown in FIGS. 1A-1F).

In some embodiments, the pulse oximeter may include a light emitter and a light receiver disposed thereon to determine a saturation of oxygen in blood of the user. The pulse oximeter may determine the saturation of oxygen in blood of the user by determining a variation between a first parameter of an emitted light emitted by the light emitter, and a second parameter of a reflected light reflected by the blood and received by the light receiver of the pulse oximeter. In some cases, the first and second parameters may include wavelengths of the emitted light and the reflected light, respectively.

For testing the functioning of the pulse oximeter, the one or more light detectors 253 of the device 700 may determine the first parameter of a first light emitted by the light emitter of the pulse oximeter. Therefore, the device 700 may be used for testing a functioning of the light emitter of the pulse oximeter.

Further, the one or more light emitting elements 251 of the device 700 may emit a second light having the second parameter. The light receiver of the pulse oximeter may determine the second parameter of the second light. Therefore, the device 700 may be used for testing a functioning of the light receiver of the pulse oximeter by verifying that the oximetry data is accurate and corresponding to the second light emitted by the one or more light emitting elements 251 of the device 700.

FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic side view of a device 800 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 800 is substantially similar to the device 200 shown in FIGS. 3 A and 3B. In some embodiments, the device 800 may be substantially similar to the devices 300, 400, 500, 600, 700 shown in FIGS. 4A, 5, 6, 7, and 8, respectively. Some components of the device 800 have been omitted in FIG. 9 for the purpose of illustration.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9, the oral region 214 includes one or more through openings 232. Furthermore, the device 800 further includes at least one first tube 296 extending through the one or more through openings 232 of the oral region 214 to the base portion 203. In some embodiments, the device 800 further includes an air flow device 298 configured to generate breathing patterns. In other words, the air flow device 298 may simulate breathing of the user. In some embodiments, the at least one first tube 296 is in fluid communication with the air flow device 298. Therefore, in some embodiments, the device 800 may be used for testing various parameters of the article 10 (shown in FIGS. 1 A-1F) in response to the breathing patterns generated by the air flow device 298. For example, the device 800 may be used for testing an effect of breathing on a seal of the facemask 30 (shown in FIG. IB) and the respirator 40 (shown in FIG. 1C) received on the head form 202.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9, the device 800 further includes at least one second tube 301 contacting the head form 202 and a fluid supply 302 disposed in fluid communication with the at least one second tube 301. In some embodiments, a fluid flow 304 (shown by an arrow) received in the at least one second tube 301 from the fluid supply 302 is configured to regulate a temperature of the head form 202. In other words, in some embodiments, the at least one second tube 301 receives the fluid flow 304 from the fluid supply 302, and the fluid flow 304 regulates the temperature of the head form 202. In some embodiments, the temperature of the head form 202 may be regulated for simulating a human body temperature, for example, a temperature from about 36.5 degree Celsius (°C) to about 37.5 °C.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9, the head form 202 further includes a plurality of pores 306. Moreover, the device 800 further includes at least one third tube 308 in fluid communication with the plurality of pores 306, and a liquid supply 310 in fluid communication with the at least one third tube 308. In some embodiments, the liquid supply 310 provides a liquid 312 (shown by an arrow). In some embodiments, the at least one third tube 308 discharges the liquid 312 through the plurality of pores 306 to simulate sweating based upon one or more parameters. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters are determined by the one or more temperature sensors. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include the ambient temperature. In some embodiments, the ambient temperature may be determined by the one or more temperature sensors disposed on the base portion 203 of the device 800.

In some embodiments, the device 800 may further include one or more humidity sensors (not shown). Furthermore, the discharge of the liquid 312 through the plurality of pores 306 may be based upon the ambient temperature determined by the one or more temperature sensors, and a humidity level of the environment determined by the humidity sensor. The device 800 may further include a fluid controller (not shown) configured to regulate a volume of the liquid 312 discharged through the plurality of pores 306 based upon the ambient temperature and the humidity level of the environment.

In some embodiments, the discharge of the liquid 312 through the plurality of pores 306 may regulate the temperature of the head form 202. In other words, simulating sweating by discharging the liquid 312 through the plurality of pores 306 may regulate the temperature of the head form 202 in a range of the human body temperature. In such embodiments, the at least one second tube 301 and the fluid supply 302 may be omitted from the device 800.

FIG. 10A illustrates a block diagram of the device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10A, the device 200 further includes a processor 320, and a memory 322 communicably coupled to the processor 320.

The processor 320 may include any device that performs logic operations. The processor 320 may include a general processor, a central processing unit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a digital circuit, an analog circuit, a controller, a microcontroller, any other type of processor, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the processor 320 may include one or more components operable to execute computer executable instructions or computer code embodied in the memory 322.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. I0A, the processor 320 and the memory 322 are disposed inside the head form 202. However, in some other embodiments, the processor 320 and the memory 322 may be disposed external to the head form 202. In some embodiments, the processor 320 and the memory 322 may be integrated in a system on chip (SoC), and disposed inside the head form 202. In some embodiments, the processor 320 and the memory 322 are disposed inside the base portion 203 of the device 200.

As discussed above, the plurality of sensors 250 is associated with the head form 202 and configured to generate respective output data 324. In some embodiments, the processor 320 is communicably coupled to the plurality of sensors 250 associated with the head form 202 and configured to store the respective output data 324 generated by the plurality of sensors 250 in the memory 322. In some embodiments, the memory 322 may be a removable memory, such as, a USB flash drive, a hard disk, a floppy disk, a memory card, a compact disk, and the like.

In some embodiments, the device 200 further includes a communication module 326. The communication module 326 is communicably coupled to the processor 320. The communication module 326 is configured to transmit the respective output data 324 stored in the memory 322 to an external device 330. In some embodiments, the external device 330 may include any computing device, such as, a desktop computer, a laptop, a smartphone, and the like.

In some embodiments, the communication module 326 may transmit the respective output data 324 stored in the memory 322 to the external device 330 via a network. In some embodiments, the network may be any long range (LoRa) network. In some embodiments, the network may be a radio frequency network. In some embodiments, the network may be a cellular network. The cellular network may be one or more of global system for mobile communications (GSM), general packet radio service (GPRS), 3G, evoluti on-Data Optimized (EVDO), Long-Term Evolution (LTE), 4G, 5G, mesh, or any other network. In some other embodiments, the network may be a short range network, such as, Bluetooth®, Near Field Communication (NFC) network, mesh network, infrared, ultraband, and so forth.

FIG. 10B illustrates a block diagram of the device 200 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10B, the article 10 (shown in FIGS. 1 A-1F) is placed on the head form 202 of the device 200 for testing the article 10. Further, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 10B, a first article of PPE 12 and a second article of PPE 14 different from the first article of PPE 12 are placed on the head form 202 of the device 200. In some embodiments, the device 200 includes at least one first sensor 408 from the plurality of sensors 250 at least partially enclosed by the first article of PPE 12 and at least one second sensor 410 from the plurality of sensors 250 at least partially enclosed by the second article of PPE 14. In some embodiments, the at least one first sensor 408 may be different from the at least one second sensor 410. Furthermore, the respective output data 324 includes a first output data 412 from the at least one first sensor 408 and a second output data 414 from the at least one second sensor 410. Therefore, the device 200 may also be used for testing a combined effect provided by the first article of PPE 12 and the second article of PPE 14.

FIG. 11 illustrates a block diagram of a system 1101 for testing the article 10 (shown in FIGS. 1A-1F) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 1101 includes at least one device 1100. In some embodiments, the at least one device 1100 may be substantially similar to the devices 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 (shown in FIGS. 3A, 4A, and 5-10B). Specifically, the at least one device 1100 includes the head form 202 and the plurality of sensors 250 associated with the head form 202.

In the illustrated embodiment FIG. 11, the at least one device 1100 includes a plurality of devices 1100, namely, a first device 1150 and a second device 1160. Each of the first device 1150 and the second device 1160 includes the head form 202 and the plurality of sensors 250 associated with the head form 202. As discussed above, the plurality of sensors 250 is configured to generate the respective output data 324. The first device 1150 and the second device 1160 are configured to test the article 10 (shown in FIGS. 1A-1F). In some embodiments, each device 1100 from the plurality of devices 1100 is configured to test a corresponding article 10. In other words, the first device 1150 and the second device 1160 may be configured to test the respective articles 10.

In some embodiments, the first device 1150 may be configured to test a first article of PPE and the second device 1160 may be configured to test a second article of PPE different from the first article of PPE. For example, the first device 1150 may be configured for testing the facemask 30 (shown in FIG. IB) and the second device 1160 may be configured for testing the eyewear 60 (shown in FIG. IE). However, in some other embodiments, each of the first device 1150 and the second device 1160 may be configured for testing a same article of PPE in different environmental conditions. For example, the first device 1150 may be used for testing a seal of the respirator 40 (shown in FIG. 1C) in an extreme humid condition, while the second device 1160 may be used to simultaneously test the seal of the respirator 40 in an extreme hot temperature.

The system 1101 further includes an external device 1102 including a processor 1104, and a memory 1106 communicably coupled to the processor 1104. In some embodiments, the processor 1104 may be substantially similar to the processor 320 (shown in FIG. 9A) and the memory 1106 may be substantially similar to the memory 322 (shown in FIG. 9A). In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors 250 is communicably coupled to the processor 1104. Therefore, in some embodiments, the processor 1104 may be configured to receive the respective output data 324 from the plurality of sensors 250. Further, the processor 1104 is configured to store the respective output data 324 in the memory 1106.

FIG. 12A illustrates a graph 510 depicting a variation of the respective output data 324 with respect to time. The graph 510 includes a curve 512 representative of the respective output data 324 with respect to time. The graph 510 further includes a curve 514 (shown by dashed lines) representative of a corresponding historical data of the respective output data 324 with respect to time. The corresponding historical data may include historical values of the respective output data 324 with respect to time. Referring to FIGS 11 and 12A, in some embodiments, the processor 1104 is further configured to compare the respective output data 324 from the plurality of sensors 250 to the corresponding historical data (depicted by the curve 514). In some embodiments, the corresponding historical data may include the respective output data 324 of the plurality of sensors 250 obtained during previous testing of the article 10 (shown in FIGS. 1A-1F). In some embodiments, the corresponding historical data may be stored in the memory 1106. In one example, the processor 1104 may compare the respective output data 324 to the corresponding historical data to test a performance of the article 10 in an extreme condition. By comparing the respective output data 324 to the corresponding historical data, the processor 1104 may test whether article 10 sustains its performance for a prolonged period of time in the extreme conditions.

FIG. 12B illustrates a graph 520 depicting a variation of the respective output data 324 with respect to time. The graph 510 includes the curve 512 representative of the respective output data 324 with respect to time. The graph 510 further includes a line 524 representative of a predetermined threshold with respect to time. Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12B, in some embodiments, the processor 1104 is further configured to compare the respective output data 324 from the plurality of sensors 250 to the corresponding predetermined threshold (depicted by the line 524). In some embodiments, by comparing the respective output data 324 to the corresponding predetermined threshold, the processor 1104 may provide a binary response, such as, “pass” or “fail”, indicating whether the article 10 conforms to one or more predefined standards based on the respective output data 324. In some embodiments, the corresponding predetermined threshold (depicted by the line 524) may be a value based on the historical data (depicted by the curve 514). In some embodiments, the corresponding predetermined threshold (depicted by the line 524) may be an optimum value required for a safe operation of the article 10.

FIG. 13 A illustrates a schematic block diagram depicting processing of the respective output data 324 from the plurality of sensors 250 by the processor 1104 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, in some embodiments, the processor 1104 is configured to combine the respective output data 324 from each of the plurality of sensors 250 to generate a combined output data 526. The combined output data 526 may be representative of a plurality of parameters determined by the plurality of sensors 250. In other words, the combined output data 526 may be representative of more than one parameter of the article 10 (shown in FIGS. 1A-1F). For example, the processor 1104 is configured to combine the respective output data 324 from the one or more pressure sensors and the one or more temperature sensors of the plurality of sensors 250 to generate the combined output data 526. FIG. 13B illustrates a graph 530 depicting a variation of the combined output data 526 with respect to time. The graph 510 includes a curve 532 representative of the combined output data 526 with respect to time. The graph 510 further includes a line 534 representative of a predetermined combined threshold with respect to time. The predetermined combined threshold may be representative of an optimum value required for the safe operation of the article 10. Referring to FIGS. 11, 13A, and 13B, in some embodiments, the processor 1104 is further configured to compare the combined output data (depicted by the curve 532) to the predetermined combined threshold (depicted by the line 534). By comparing the combined output data to the predetermined combined threshold, the processor 1104 may provide a binary response, such as, “pass” or “fail”, indicating whether the article 10 conforms to one or more predefined standards based on the combined output data 526.

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart depicting a method 1200 for testing the article 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the method 1200 may be executed by the processor 320 (shown in FIG. 9A) of the device 200. In some other embodiments, the method 1200 may be executed by the processor 1104 (shown in FIG. 11) of the system 1101. The method 1200 with be described with reference to FIGS. 1 A-13B. The method 1200 includes the following steps:

At step 1202, the method 1200 includes providing the head form 202.

At step 1204, the method 1200 further includes providing the plurality of sensors 250. Referring to FIGS. 3 A-8 and 14, providing the plurality of sensors 250 includes providing the first set of sensors 252 on the first zone 236. In some embodiments, providing the plurality of sensors 250 includes providing the second set of sensors 254 on the second zone 238. In some embodiments, providing the plurality of sensors 250 includes providing the third set of sensors 256 on the third zone 240. In some embodiments, providing the plurality of sensors 250 includes providing the fourth set of sensors 258 on the fourth zone 242. In some embodiments, providing the plurality of sensors 250 includes providing the fifth set of sensors 260 on the fifth zone 244.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, providing the plurality of sensors 250 further includes providing the one or more image sensors in at least one of the two orbital regions 208. In some embodiments, providing the plurality of sensors 250 further includes providing the one or more sound sensors in at least one of the two auricular regions 210. In some embodiments, providing the plurality of sensors 250 further includes providing one or more motion sensors in at least one of the two auricular regions 210, the two temporal regions 218, and the vertex region 206. In some embodiments, providing the plurality of sensors 250 further includes providing one or more light detectors (e.g., the light detectors 253 in FIG. 8) in at least one of the two buccal regions 216, the frontal region 204, and the two temporal regions 218.

At step 1206, the method 1200 includes placing the at least one article 10 on the head form 202. Referring to FIGS. 1A-1F and 13, in some embodiments, the article 10 is the facemask 30. In some embodiments, the article 10 is the respirator 40. In some embodiments, the article 10 is the headgear 50. In some embodiments, the article 10 is the eyewear 60. In some embodiments, the at least one article 10 is the hearing device 70.

Referring to FIGS. 10B and 14, in some embodiments, placing the article 10 on the head form 202 further includes placing each of the first article of PPE 12 and the second article of PPE 14 on the head form 202, such that the at least one first sensor 408 from the plurality of sensors 250 is at least partially enclosed by the first article of PPE 12 and the at least one second sensor 410 from the plurality of sensors 250 is at least partially enclosed by the second article of PPE 14. For example, the first article of PPE 12 may be the facemask 30 and the facemask 30 may at least partially enclose the at least one first sensor 408 (e.g., any one of the first set of sensors 252 disposed on the first zone 236). Similarly, the second article of PPE 14 may be the eyewear 60 and the eyewear 60 may at least partially enclose the at least one second sensor 410 (e.g., any one of the fourth set of sensors 258 disposed on the fourth zone 242 and/or the one or more image sensors disposed in the eye cavity 228).

At step 1208, the method 1200 further includes generating, via the plurality of sensors 250, the respective output data 324.

In some embodiments, generating the respective output data 324 includes generating the respective sound data (e.g., via the one or more sound sensors). In some embodiments, generating the respective output data 324 includes generating the respective visual data (e.g., via the one or more image sensors). In some embodiments, generating the respective output data 324 includes generating the respective motion data (e.g., via the one or more motion sensors). In some embodiments, generating the respective output data 324 includes generating the respective light data (e.g., via the one or more light detectors).

In some embodiments, the method 1200 further includes storing the respective output data 324 in the memory 322. In some embodiments, the method 1200 further includes storing the respective output data 324 in the memory 1106.

At step 1210, the method 1200 further includes analyzing the respective output data 324. In some embodiments, analyzing the respective output data 324 further includes comparing the respective output data 324 from the plurality of sensors 250 to the corresponding historical data (depicted by the curve 514 in FIG. 12A). In some embodiments, analyzing the respective output data 324 further includes comparing the respective output data 324 from the plurality of sensors 250 to the corresponding predetermined threshold (depicted by the line 524 in FIG. 12B).

In some embodiments, analyzing the respective output data 324 further includes combining the respective output data 324 from each of the plurality of sensors 250 to generate the combined output data 526 (shown in FIG. 13 A). In some embodiments, analyzing the respective output data 324 further includes comparing the combined output data 526 to the predetermined combined threshold (depicted by the line 534 in FIG. 12B).

In some embodiments, analyzing the respective output data 324 further includes analyzing the first output data 412 with the second output data 414. Analyzing the first output data 412 with the second output data 414 may provide a combined effect of the first and second articles of PPE 12, 14 on the head form 202.

At step 1212, the method 1200 further includes determining one or more parameters associated with the at least one article 10 based on the analysis of the respective output data 324.

In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a pressure exerted by the facemask 30 on the first zone 236. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a pressure exerted by the respirator 40 on the second zone 238. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a pressure exerted by the headgear 50 on the third zone 240. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a pressure exerted by the eyewear 60 on the fourth zone 242. In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include a pressure exerted by the hearing device 70 on the fifth zone 244.

In some embodiments, the method further includes storing the one or more parameters in the memory 322. In some embodiments, the method 1200 further includes determining if the article 10 conforms to one or more predetermined standards based on the one or more parameters.

In some embodiments, determining the one or more parameters associated with the at least one article 10 further includes determining one or more first parameters associated with the first article of PPE 12 based on the analysis of the first output data 412 and one or more second parameters associated with the second article of PPE 14 based on the analysis of the second output data 414.

In some embodiments, the method further includes storing the one or more first parameters and the one or more second parameters in the memory 1106. In some embodiments, the method 1200 further includes determining if each of the first and second articles of PPE 12, 14 conforms to one or more predetermined standards based on the one or more first parameters and the one or more second parameters. In some embodiments, the method 1200 further includes providing the at least one first tube 296 extending through the one or more through openings 232 in the oral region 214. In some embodiments, the method 1200 further includes providing the air flow device 298 configured to generate the breathing patterns and disposed in fluid communication with the at least one first tube 296 to simulate breathing. In some embodiments, the method 1200 further includes determining a change in each of the one or more parameters with respect to time in response to the generated breathing patterns. In some embodiments, the method 1200 further includes determining if the at least one article 10 conforms to the one or more predetermined standards based on the change in each of the one or more parameters with respect to time.

In some embodiments the method 1200 further includes providing the one or more temperature sensors on the head form 202. In some embodiments, the method 1200 further includes determining the ambient temperature via the one or more temperature sensors. In some embodiments, the method 1200 further includes providing the at least one second tube 301 contacting the head form 202. In some embodiments, the method 1200 further includes providing the fluid supply 302 disposed in fluid communication with the at least one second tube 301. In some embodiments, the method 1200 further includes regulating the temperature of the head form 202 by controlling a fluid flowing in the at least one second tube 301 based upon the determined ambient temperature.

In some embodiments, the method 1200 further includes providing the at least one third tube 308 contacting the head form 202 in fluid communication with the plurality of pores 306 in the head form 202. In some embodiments, the method 1200 further includes providing the liquid supply 310 disposed in fluid communication with the at least one third tube 308. In some embodiments, the method 1200 further includes discharging the liquid 312 from the plurality of pores 306 in the head form 202 to simulate sweating based upon the determined ambient temperature.

Therefore, the devices 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1100, the system 1101, and the method 1200 of the present disclosure may be used for testing the article 10. Specifically, various parameters associated with the article 10 may be tested. The head form 202 of the devices 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 may include the one or more zones 234 and cavities (e.g., the eye cavity 228 and the ear cavity 230), such that the plurality of sensors 250 may be appropriately positioned on the head form 202 to generate the respective output data 324. Further, a fit of the article 10 on the head form 202 may be tested. In other words, a pressure exerted by the article 10 when worn by the user may be tested, and whether the pressure exerted by the article 10 is adequate for providing a good seal may be tested. The appropriate positioning of the plurality of sensors 250 may further allow the devices 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1100 to simulate one or more senses (e.g., visual, tactile, audio, and the like) of humans. Therefore, various parameters of the article 10 that stimulate the one or more senses of humans may be tested.

Furthermore, the devices 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1100 may be used for testing the article 10 in various environmental parameters, such as, temperature, pressure, vacuum, humidity, moisture, etc. The devices 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1100 may also provide information regarding the synergistic or adverse effects of one or more devices incorporated in the article 10. In other words, the devices 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1100 may be used for testing a combined effect provided by two or more different devices incorporated in the article 10.

Therefore, the devices 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1100, the system 1101, and the method 1200 of the present disclosure may verify and ensure a proper design, functioning, and a quality of the article 10, and facilitate maintenance of the article 10.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, it is intended that this disclosure be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.