Angled Elastomeric Panel for Protective Coverall Mobility

Solution Overview

Problem

Disposable protective coveralls often lack flexibility and comfort due to non-stretchy materials, leading to restricted movement and increased costs when using elastomeric panels for stress relief, which complicates the design and increases expenses.

Innovation Solution

A disposable protective coverall design featuring an elastomeric strip configured in a V-shape across the back, extending from the lower back to the underarms and sleeves, providing single-direction or multi-directional stretch for improved flexibility and comfort without the need for extensive elastomeric panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If elastomeric panels are used to provide stretch and flexibility, then wearer comfort and mobility are improved, but garment complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewearer comfort and mobilityVSAvoidgarment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric material is divided into multiple discrete panels positioned at specific stress points on the coverall (shoulders, elbows, knees, waist). This segmentation allows stretch functionality to be provided only where needed, rather than making the entire garment elastomeric, thus reducing overall complexity and cost while maintaining comfort and mobility benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the coverall have different material properties - elastomeric panels are placed specifically at high-stress areas requiring flexibility, while other areas use standard protective material. This local differentiation optimizes the balance between protection, comfort, and cost by applying stretch properties only where mechanically necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If elastomeric panels are used to relieve restrictive stresses, then movement freedom is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworker productivityVSAvoidmaterial cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The elastomeric material is divided into multiple discrete panels positioned at specific stress points on the coverall (shoulders, elbows, knees, waist). This segmentation allows stretch functionality to be provided only where needed, rather than making the entire garment elastomeric, thus reducing overall complexity and cost while maintaining comfort and mobility benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of providing full elastomeric coverage throughout the entire coverall, the design applies elastomeric panels partially - only at the five or more discrete points where stress concentration occurs during normal work movements. This partial application is sufficient to relieve restrictive stresses and maintain productivity while significantly reducing material costs compared to full elastomeric construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If non-stretchy materials are used to maintain barrier properties, then protective performance is improved, but flexibility and comfort deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebarrier protectionVSAvoidgarment flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the coverall have different material properties - elastomeric panels are placed specifically at high-stress areas requiring flexibility, while other areas use standard protective material. This local differentiation optimizes the balance between protection, comfort, and cost by applying stretch properties only where mechanically necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The coverall combines two distinct material types - standard protective barrier material and elastomeric stretch material - into a composite garment structure. The barrier material provides chemical and particulate protection, while the elastomeric panels provide flexibility and movement capability, creating a composite system that delivers both protective performance and wearer comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The design enhances the wearer's mobility, comfort, and fit while minimizing costs by strategically using elastomeric materials, allowing for greater freedom of movement and a more stylish appearance.

Implementation Method 1

The elastomeric materials of the elastomeric strip have single-directional or multi-directional stretch properties

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10863783B2Protective apparel with angled stretch panel

Publication Date: 2020.12.15 ANSELL HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS LLC

AI summary

A disposable protective apparel garment having an angled elastomeric panel present on the back side of the garment is described. The garment, such as protective coveralls, includes an elastomeric panel in a V-shaped configuration that extends from the lower back upwardly toward the underarms and along the sleeves. Such an elastomeric panel allows the wearer a greater degree of movement when wearing such a garment.