Curtain pull
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hospital-associated infections (HAIs) are prevalent due to contamination of privacy curtains with drug-resistant organisms, which are not effectively addressed by existing antimicrobial treatments that decline in efficacy over time and may leach into the environment, and lack antiviral properties.
Innovation Solution
A curtain pull with rechargeable anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral properties infused throughout the material, using a polymer master batch with sterically hindered N-Halo-amine chemistry that binds chlorine molecules, providing durable antimicrobial activity and recharging with chlorine-containing cleaners/disinfectants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If curtains are treated with antimicrobial chemicals to reduce pathogen transmission, then bacterial efficacy is improved, but the treatment is not antiviral, efficacy declines over time with washing, and chemicals leach into the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter from conventional antimicrobial agents to sterically hindered N-Halo-amine chemistry that binds chlorine molecules. This chemical parameter change provides both antiviral and antibacterial activity while maintaining stability through washing, resolving the contradiction between efficacy type and duration of action
Solution Approach 2:
The curtain pull integrates multiple materials with different properties: the gripping elements for mechanical attachment, the polymer matrix for structural integrity, and the sterically hindered N-Halo-amine chemistry for antimicrobial activity. This composite approach combines mechanical function with durable, rechargeable antimicrobial and antiviral properties
2Object-affected harmful factors
If antimicrobial chemicals are applied to curtains, then pathogen transmission is reduced, but efficacy declines over time with washing
Solution Approach 1:
The curtain pull is designed to be recharged with chlorine-containing cleaners and disinfectants, allowing it to restore its own antimicrobial activity. This self-service capability maintains pathogen transmission reduction over time without requiring replacement, resolving the contradiction between harmful factor reduction and duration of action
Solution Approach 2:
The sterically hindered N-Halo-amine chemistry binds chlorine molecules in a stable form that persists through washing, changing the chemical parameter to achieve both immediate pathogen transmission reduction and long-lasting activity that can be replenished
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional antimicrobial treatments are used, then some bacteria are controlled, but the treatments are not antiviral and may leach into the environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter to sterically hindered N-Halo-amine chemistry that binds chlorine molecules, providing both antiviral and antibacterial activity. This chemical structure is designed to be stable and non-leaching, resolving the contradiction between broad-spectrum pathogen control and environmental safety
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 curtain pull effectively inhibits the spread of pathogens by maintaining antimicrobial efficacy through recharging, reducing the transmission of HAIs while being safe for the environment and patients.
Implementation Method 1
sterically hindered N-Halo-amine chemistry that binds chlorine molecules
Data Source
AI summary
A curtain pull comprises inner and outer surfaces, and first and second leaves each rotatably connected to the other along an edge by a connector. The first leaf comprises a first portion of the inner surface and a first portion of the outer surface and the second leaf comprises a second portion of the inner surface and a second portion of the outer surface. The curtain pull transforms by folding at the connector from an open state wherein the first and second portions of the inner surface are relatively rotated on the connector at a non-zero angle to a closed state wherein the first and second portions of the inner surface are opposed.