Multi-Layer Anti-Fatigue Mat for Fluid Absorption and Slip Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medical personnel experience fatigue during long surgical procedures due to standing for extended periods, and there is a risk of fluid contamination and slips from bodily fluids or medical liquids on the operating room floor, which can pose hazards and lead to contamination.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered floor mat with a perforated polyurethane foam top layer for anti-fatigue properties, a polypropylene absorbent layer for fluid containment, a polyethylene impervious layer to prevent leakage, and a PVC anti-skid layer to prevent slipping, designed to absorb and retain fluids while minimizing contamination and fatigue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a floor mat is used to reduce surgeon fatigue, then comfort and anti-fatigue effect are improved, but fluid absorption and containment capability may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The floor mat is divided into multiple functional layers: a top comfort layer with cushioning material for anti-fatigue properties, an intermediate absorbent layer for fluid absorption, and a bottom impervious layer for fluid containment. Each layer performs a specific function, collectively resolving the contradiction between comfort and fluid containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor mat uses composite material construction combining different materials with distinct properties: foam or rubber for cushioning, absorbent materials like terrycloth or foam for fluid absorption, and impervious materials like vinyl or rubber for leakage prevention. This composite structure enables simultaneous achievement of comfort and reliable fluid containment.
2Quantity of substance
If absorbent materials are used to capture fluids, then fluid absorption is improved, but the mat may become saturated and leak fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent function is separated from the containment function into distinct layers. The intermediate absorbent layer captures and holds large volumes of fluid through its high absorbency, while the bottom impervious layer acts as a barrier that prevents any fluid from leaking through, thus resolving the contradiction between absorption capacity and leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
Combining absorbent materials with impervious materials in a layered composite structure allows the system to achieve both high fluid absorption capacity and zero leakage. The absorbent layer takes up the fluid volume while the impervious layer ensures containment, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
3Reliability
If a multi-layered mat structure is used to absorb and contain fluids, then fluid containment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mat is segmented into three distinct functional layers, each with a specific purpose: comfort, absorption, and containment. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability for fluid containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layered structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: providing surgeon comfort, absorbing fluids, containing fluids, and preventing slips. By integrating these multiple functions into a single composite mat system, the complexity is justified by the comprehensive solution provided.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the mat surface is made non-slip to prevent slips, then safety is improved, but the mat may become less comfortable for standing
Solution Approach 1:
The mat surface properties are segmented by layer: the top comfort layer is designed for cushioning and comfort with a soft, conforming surface, while the bottom impervious layer provides non-slip properties through its material characteristics and adhesion to the floor. This segmentation allows comfort and anti-slip properties to coexist without compromising either function.
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 mat effectively reduces surgeon fatigue and minimizes fluid contamination on the operating room floor by providing comfort, absorbing fluids, and preventing slips, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a second layer, which second layer comprises an absorbency comprising a volume of absorbency, to sufficiently absorb, capture, contain, and retain operating room fluids
Implementation Method 2
polypropylene absorbent layer for fluid containment
Implementation Method 3
said first foam layer comprising a sufficient thickness and composition that absorbs shocks and reduces fatigue on a person standing on said anti-fatigue operating room mat
Implementation Method 4
first foam layer with holes to permit entry of fluids into said mat with said first foam layer comprising a sufficient thickness and composition that absorbs shocks
Implementation Method 5
a PVC anti-skid layer to prevent slipping
Implementation Method 6
a polyethylene impervious layer to prevent leakage
Data Source
AI summary
A method of reducing surgeon fatigue during an operation while reducing collection of fluids from the operation on the floor of the operating room by absorbing fluids leaking onto the floor of the operating room and apparatus therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.