Disposable Armrest Cover with Perforations for Pathogen Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing disposable armrest covers for public seating areas are inefficient in preventing contamination and the spread of viruses, germs, and bacteria, and often require complex installation or are not economically viable.
Innovation Solution
A disposable armrest cover with a flexible, synthetic, and impermeable fabric or soft surface backed by a polyethylene film, featuring a strap assembly with hook and loop fasteners or buckle fasteners, forming a rectangular box configuration with perforations that align with cup-receiving holes on armrests, allowing easy installation and removal without special tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If disposable armrest covers are used in public seating areas, then contamination and spread of pathogens is prevented, but installation complexity and cost effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest cover is divided into multiple sections including a front wall, back wall, left sidewall, right sidewall, and base, with each section having specific functions. The cover can be separated into these segments for easier installation and removal, resolving the contradiction between providing comprehensive protection and maintaining simple installation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The cover includes pre-positioned elastic straps with fasteners that are already attached to the cover sections before use. These straps are prepared in advance to engage with cup-receiving holes on the armrest, eliminating the need for complex installation procedures while ensuring secure fit and pathogen prevention
2Object-affected harmful factors
If disposable armrest covers are used in public seating areas, then contamination and spread of pathogens is prevented, but manufacturing cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest cover utilizes thin flexible fabric material that can be easily manufactured and disposed of. This thin film approach reduces material costs and manufacturing complexity while still providing effective barrier protection against pathogens, resolving the contradiction between pathogen prevention and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed as a disposable product made from inexpensive materials including fabric and elastic straps. After single use, the entire cover is discarded, eliminating cleaning and maintenance costs. This disposable nature makes the product economically viable for public seating areas while maintaining effective pathogen prevention
3Reliability
If complex installation procedures are used for armrest covers, then security and fit improve, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic straps with integrated fasteners are designed to automatically engage with the cup-receiving holes on the armrest when the cover is placed on the armrest. The elastic material provides self-tensioning that secures the cover in place without requiring complex fastening procedures, achieving both secure fit and ease of installation
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic straps utilize the elastic property of the material to provide adjustable tension and secure fit. The elasticity allows the straps to accommodate variations in armrest dimensions while maintaining reliable attachment, resolving the contradiction between security/fit and ease of operation
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 solution effectively prevents contamination and the spread of pathogens in public seating areas, is easy to install and remove, volumetrically efficient for storage and transport, and cost-effective to manufacture while maintaining effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible, synthetic and impermeable fabric, or a soft surface backed by a polyethylene film that is impervious to liquids
Implementation Method 2
a strap assembly with hook and loop fasteners or buckle fasteners
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable armrest cover, having a top wall section with a top wall with a forward edge, an aft edge, and first and second lateral edges. The top wall further has perforations disposed at a first predetermined distance from the forward edge without reaching the aft edge. A first sidewall section has a first sidewall having a first sidewall forward edge, a first sidewall aft edge, and a first sidewall bottom edge. A second sidewall section has a second sidewall having a second sidewall forward edge, a second sidewall aft edge, and a second sidewall bottom edge. A forward wall section has a forward wall having a bottom edge. A strap assembly secures onto a chair having at least one armrest. In a preferred embodiment, the perforations form an “X” configuration.