Fluid Management Cuff Assembly for Sealed Gown–Glove Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
The interface between the sleeve of a protective gown and the cuff of a protective glove is a weak link that allows fluids such as perspiration and external contaminants to breach the barrier, leading to contamination of the external environment and discomfort for the wearer, particularly in surgical settings.
Innovation Solution
A fluid management system is introduced, comprising a sleeve member with a moisture-wicking interior surface and an impervious exterior surface, combined with a cuff member and retention member to secure the glove cuff, forming a liquid-impermeable seal and trapping any leaked fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional protective gown with a knit cuff is used, then the gown provides basic protection, but perspiration collects at the sleeve/glove interface and can breach the barrier, contaminating the external environment
Solution Approach 1:
The cuff assembly is divided into multiple functional components: an elastic cuff member providing the primary seal, a knit cuff layer for comfort and flexibility, and a fluid management layer with wicking and impervious surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to address specific aspects of the fluid barrier problem, collectively achieving reliable fluid containment without compromising wearer comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid management layer combines materials with different properties: a moisture-wicking interior surface to draw perspiration away from the interface, and an impervious exterior surface to prevent fluid penetration. This composite structure effectively manages both sweat collection and fluid barrier functions, eliminating the traditional contradiction between protection and comfort
2Ease of operation
If the glove cuff is loosely fitted for comfort, then the wearer experiences less discomfort, but the glove can roll down or slip, increasing exposure risk to blood or body fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic cuff member functions as a flexible sealing element that can deform to accommodate the glove cuff while maintaining a secure fit. Its elastic properties allow it to conform to the glove contour and prevent roll-down or slippage, ensuring the glove remains properly positioned without compromising wearer comfort or increasing exposure risk
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic cuff member's material properties are specifically designed to provide optimal friction and elasticity. By adjusting the elastic modulus and surface characteristics, the cuff maintains sufficient grip on the glove to prevent slippage while remaining flexible enough to accommodate movement and maintain comfort during surgical procedures
3Reliability
If a liquid impervious seam is created between the cuff material and gown sleeve material, then fluid leakage is prevented, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid management layer is integrated directly into the cuff assembly structure, combining the sealing function and fluid management function in a single integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for separate liquid impervious seams between different materials, as the impervious exterior surface of the fluid management layer provides the barrier function throughout the entire cuff-gown interface, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining reliability
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
This system effectively prevents fluid leakage and contamination, maintaining a sterile environment while enhancing user comfort by managing moisture and securing the glove in place.
Implementation Method 1
The interior surface of the cuff member can be moveable with respect to portions of the exterior surface of one or both of the sleeve member and the sleeve of the protective gown
Data Source
AI summary
An improved protective garment, and systems and methods of manufacturing are disclosed, wherein a method of manufacturing the protective garment, includes: providing a cuff material; providing a sleeve of a protective garment; and bonding the cuff material to the sleeve at a predetermined first bonding zone of the sleeve, wherein the bonding includes: applying an adhesive on the predetermined first bonding zone of the sleeve; positioning the cuff material over the sleeve such that a predetermined second bonding zone of the cuff material is aligned with the predetermined first bonding zone of the sleeve; and applying heat to the first and second bonding zones, thereby forming a seal between the elastic cuff material and the sleeve at the first and second bonding zones.