Protective Gown Cuff Seal for Fluid Leakage Containment
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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, allowing fluids such as perspiration and external contaminants to breach the barrier, leading to contamination of the external environment and potential health risks for surgical and perioperative professionals.
Innovation Solution
A fluid management system is introduced, comprising a sleeve member with a moisture-wicking interior and impervious exterior, and a cuff member with a retention mechanism 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 conventional protective gown sleeve and glove interface is used, then the structure is simple and ease of manufacture is improved, but fluid leakage occurs and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is divided into multiple functional layers: an inner moisture-wicking layer that absorbs perspiration, a middle sealing layer that creates a fluid barrier, and an outer glove-retention layer that secures the glove. This segmentation allows each layer to address specific failure modes independently, improving overall reliability without requiring complete redesign of the entire interface structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface uses composite construction combining materials with different properties: hydrophilic moisture-wicking materials on the inner surface, hydrophobic impervious materials in the sealing layer, and elastic materials for glove retention. This composite approach enables simultaneous achievement of moisture management, fluid barrier, and glove security functions.
2Reliability
If the sleeve/glove interface is made more secure to prevent fluid leakage, then reliability is improved, but user comfort deteriorates due to moisture accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The interface structure implements local quality by providing moisture-wicking functionality specifically at the inner surface where perspiration accumulates, while maintaining fluid barrier properties at the sealing layer. This localized functional differentiation allows the system to manage moisture effectively without compromising the overall fluid barrier, thereby maintaining both reliability and user comfort.
3Reliability
If a fluid management system with multiple layers is implemented, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional layers into an integrated interface assembly where the moisture-wicking layer, sealing layer, and glove-retention layer are joined together as a unified structure. This merging reduces the number of separate assembly steps required during manufacturing while maintaining the distinct functional properties of each layer, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity.
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 system effectively prevents the leakage of fluids between the gown and glove, maintaining a sterile environment and enhancing user comfort by managing moisture and reducing the risk of contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a sleeve member having a first end, a second end, an interior surface, and an exterior surface... The interior surface of the cuff member may comprise a moisture wicking material
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.