Hospital Garment With Hinged Flaps for Selective Body Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hospital garments are uncomfortable, inconvenient, and require frequent removal during medical examinations and procedures, leading to patient discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A hospital garment with detachable flaps that allow easy access to the body while remaining worn, featuring attachment points for medical devices and adjustable fasteners for convenience and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the garment is made as a single continuous piece, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but access to the patient's body requires complete removal of the garment
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is divided into multiple detachable flaps (front flap, back flap, side flaps) that can be independently opened or closed. This segmentation allows partial access to the patient's body without removing the entire garment, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity by adding modular components that enable selective access.
2Ease of operation
If the garment requires frequent complete removal for examinations, then full access is achieved, but patient comfort and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the garment into detachable flaps, the invention enables examinations and procedures to be performed by opening only the necessary flap(s) rather than removing the entire garment. This significantly reduces the frequency of complete garment removal while maintaining patient comfort and continuity of wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment incorporates dynamic elements through detachable flaps with various attachment mechanisms (snaps, Velcro, buttons) that allow the garment configuration to change based on medical needs. This dynamic adaptability enables the garment to transition between fully closed, partially open, and fully open states, improving patient comfort during different procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the garment is designed to be form-fitting and flattering, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but ease of removal for patients with limited mobility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable flap design segments the garment into sections that can be independently manipulated. This allows the garment to maintain a form-fitting appearance when flaps are closed while enabling easy removal by simply opening and detaching the flaps, regardless of patient mobility limitations. The segmentation provides mechanical advantage for removal without compromising aesthetic fit.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the garment is made with multiple detachable flaps and attachment points, then versatility and functionality are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable flaps serve multiple functions: they provide access to different body areas, offer attachment points for various medical devices (IV poles, oxygen tanks, monitoring equipment), and can be configured in different ways for different procedures. This multi-functionality justifies the increased component count by eliminating the need for multiple separate garments or accessories.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved hospital garment comprising a body with a plurality of hinged flaps, enabling selective access while maintaining coverage. The garment includes cutouts concealed by flaps, providing access to the chest, thighs, back, and lower back. The flaps are secured using adjustable fasteners such as adhesives, hook-and-loop fasteners, or zippers. The hospital garment features an external pocket with wire-access holes, and an accessible side closure for easy access to larger portions of the body of the user. Additionally, the garment includes an external thigh pocket and interior hooks for medical equipment attachment.