Multi-Layer Instrument Sleeve for Clear, Tight-Fit Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical and dental instruments require disposable sleeves that are affordable, durable, and form a tight fit to prevent the spread of infectious diseases while minimizing obstruction of light or image transmission, yet current solutions are not adequately addressing these needs.
Innovation Solution
A single-use, elongated tubular sleeve composed of multiple layers, including a core structure of linear low-density polyethylene with specific percentages of low-density polyethylene, anti-block agent, and slip additive, providing a fitted relationship with instruments to reduce contamination risk and maintain clarity and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a disposable sleeve is used to prevent spread of infectious diseases, then patient safety is improved, but cost increases due to repeated disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve is divided into five distinct layers, each performing a specific function: outer protective layer, inner protective layer, barrier layer, anti-fog layer, and adhesive layer. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific purpose while maintaining overall cost-effectiveness through selective material usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve employs a composite structure combining multiple materials with different properties: polyethylene for barrier protection, polyvinylidene chloride for anti-fog properties, and acrylic adhesive for secure attachment. This composite approach achieves superior overall performance while managing costs through material specialization.
2Productivity
If a tight-fitting sleeve is used to minimize obstruction of light or image transmission, then procedural efficiency is improved, but durability decreases as the sleeve may rip or tear
Solution Approach 1:
The sleeve incorporates an elastic band that provides dynamic adjustment capability, allowing the sleeve to adapt to different instrument sizes and shapes. This elasticity enables a tight fit for procedural efficiency while the material's stretch and recovery properties prevent ripping and tearing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve uses materials with specific elastic modulus and tensile strength parameters that allow it to deform elastically under tension rather than breaking. The elastic band's parameters are selected to provide sufficient compression for fit while maintaining durability through repeated stretching and recovery cycles.
3Strength
If a thick sleeve is used to ensure durability and protection, then durability is improved, but light transmission and image visibility are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is segmented across multiple thin layers rather than concentrated in a single thick layer. The barrier layer and outer protective layer together provide durability, while each individual layer remains thin enough to allow light transmission, solving the contradiction between protection and visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve uses transparent or translucent materials in its composite structure that inherently allow light passage. The polyethylene and polyvinylidene chloride layers are selected for their optical properties, providing both protection and light transmission without requiring excessive thickness.
4Loss of time
If a disposable sleeve is used to eliminate disinfection requirements, then time savings are achieved, but manufacturing cost must be reduced to be affordable
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple protective functions are merged into a single integrated sleeve structure. The barrier layer, anti-fog layer, and adhesive layer are combined in one component that can be manufactured as a single piece through extrusion and lamination processes, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while eliminating the need for separate disinfection steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve is designed as a disposable component using inexpensive materials that can be rapidly manufactured and discarded after single use. The five-layer construction provides adequate protection for one use while the overall material cost remains low, making the disposable approach economically viable compared to repeated disinfection.
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 sleeve effectively prevents contamination of instruments used on multiple patients, is easy to manufacture, and ensures clear light transmission or image visibility, while being disposable and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
The second layer has a distal end and is formed from about 70% to about 90% of a linear low-density polyethylene, from about 10% to about 20% of low-density polyethylene, from about 2% to about 3% of an anti-block agent, and about 2% of a slip additive, the second layer having a thickness ranging from between about 1.36 mils to 1.64 mils, and having a coefficient of friction equal to or less than about 0.35
Implementation Method 2
The fourth layer is formed from linear low-density polyethylene and exhibiting transparency and clarity with a haze less than 7.5%, the fourth layer being secured to the second and third layers
Implementation Method 3
from about 2% to about 3% of an anti-block agent
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A single use, elongated tubular sleeve for a medical or dental instrument. The sleeve includes first through fifth layers. The second layer has a distal end and being formed from about 70% to about 90% of a linear low-density polyethylene, from about 10% to about 20% of low-density polyethylene, from about 2% to about 3% of an anti-block agent, and about 2% of a slip additive. The third layer is formed identical in composition to that of the second layer. The fourth layer is formed from linear low-density polyethylene and exhibiting transparency and clarity with a haze less than 7.5%. The fifth layer is removably attached to both the first layer and to the fourth layer, the first and fifth layers functioning as exterior protective layers for the second, third and fourth layers, and all adapted for placement over a medical or dental instrument to reduce the risk of contamination of the instrument.