Reusable Isolation Gown with Easy-Release Hook and Loop Fastener
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reusable healthcare isolation gowns require safe and easy doffing methods without damaging the garment, as current methods risk transferring microorganisms and are not compatible with the pull-forward removal of disposable gowns.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating easy-release hook and loop fasteners with specific peel and shear strengths at the neck opening, allowing for secure fastening and safe, quick removal by pulling forward, similar to disposable gowns, while maintaining gown integrity for reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fasteners (ties, snaps, hooks) are used in reusable gowns to provide secure closure, then the gown provides reliable protection during use, but the gown cannot be easily removed using the pull-forward method and requires active untying/undoing which increases contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fastening mechanism from conventional ties/snaps to hook-and-loop fasteners with specifically engineered peel strengths. By controlling the peel strength parameter to be less than the fabric tear strength, the gown enables easy pull-forward removal while maintaining secure closure during use. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between ease of doffing and protection reliability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the gown fabric and fasteners are made highly durable for reuse, then the gown can withstand multiple laundering cycles, but the pull-forward removal method damages the gown and compromises its reusability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully balances material durability with fastener peel strength. The gown fabric is made durable for repeated laundering, while the hook-and-loop fasteners are engineered with controlled peel strengths that allow easy removal without damaging the fabric. This selective parameter optimization enables both ease of doffing and extended reusable life.
3Ease of operation
If disposable gowns use pull-forward removal method, then the removal is quick and eliminates the need to touch backside closures, but disposable gowns cannot be reused and are environmentally unfriendly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adapts the pull-forward removal concept for reusable gowns by engineering hook-and-loop fasteners with peel strengths lower than fabric tear strengths. This allows the gown to be removed quickly without touching backside closures, matching the ease of use of disposable gowns, while the durable fabric and reusable fasteners allow multiple uses, reducing environmental impact.
4Reliability
If active untying/undoing of backside fasteners is required for reusable gown removal, then the gown structure remains intact, but the wearer risks contacting contaminated surfaces and transferring microorganisms to neck or hair
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fastener peel strength parameter to enable passive pull-forward removal. By making the fastener peel strength less than the fabric tear strength, the gown can be removed by simply pulling the front away from the body, eliminating the need to reach behind and touch contaminated backside surfaces, thus improving safety during doffing while maintaining 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
Enables safe and efficient doffing of reusable isolation gowns without risking damage or microorganism transfer, aligning with disposable gown removal methods while ensuring the gown's reusability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating easy-release hook and loop fasteners with specific peel and shear strengths at the neck opening, allowing for secure fastening and safe, quick removal by pulling forward
Data Source
AI summary
A personal protective equipment (PPE) rear opening isolation gown is provided that can be used by workers in the healthcare industry. The isolation gown is reusable and can provide for ease of doffing, such as in a pull forward manner that is consistent with how current users of disposable isolation gowns are accustomed to removing such gowns, without substantial risk of damaging (e.g., tearing) the gown and without substantial risk of the transfer of potentially harmful microorganisms, body fluids, and/or particulate material, to the neck or hair on the head or neck of a wearer. The reusable, rear opening isolation gown is provided with an easy release fastener(s) that provides a safe and secure hold when fastened but permits the gown to be removed easily, quickly, and more safely than other reusable options.