Notched Patch for Surgical Gown Tie Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing ties on nonwoven surgical gowns, such as adhesives, stitching, and mechanical coupling, often damage the gown's barrier material or cause it to tear, leading to a need for a secure and non-damaging attachment method.
Innovation Solution
A notched patch with a pair of spaced-apart arms is used, where the tie is coupled to the patch and positioned to cross a notch, allowing the arms to move downward against the fabric when tension is applied, securely holding the patch and preventing damage to the gown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesives are used to hold the front tie to the gown, then the tie can be secured to the gown, but the adhesive frequently fails and the tie is pulled free from the gown
Solution Approach 1:
A patch is introduced as an intermediary component between the tie and the gown. The patch includes a notched opening that receives the tie and is coupled to the gown, distributing attachment forces across a larger area and preventing direct stress concentration on the gown fabric or adhesive bonds.
2Strength
If stitching is used to hold the front tie, then the tie can be secured firmly, but stitching creates openings into the barrier material and may tear the gown
Solution Approach 1:
The patch serves as a mediator that prevents direct mechanical penetration into the barrier material. By coupling the tie to the patch rather than directly to the gown, the need for penetrating stitches is eliminated, preserving the barrier material's integrity while still providing secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into separate functional components: the patch (coupled to gown), the notched opening (receives tie), and the tie itself. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without compromising the others, particularly protecting the barrier material from direct mechanical damage.
3Strength
If heat sealing or ultrasound techniques are used to couple the tie to the front of the gown, then the tie can be attached, but these methods damage or effect the barrier material
Solution Approach 1:
The patch acts as a buffer between the tie attachment process and the barrier material. Attachment methods can be applied to the patch without directly affecting the barrier material of the gown, as the patch absorbs or isolates the thermal, ultrasonic, or mechanical energy from the attachment process.
4Strength
If mechanical coupling such as stapling is used to attach the tie to the front of the gown, then the tie can be secured, but this damages the gown and effects the barrier properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patch serves as a sacrificial intermediary that absorbs the mechanical damage from stapling or other penetrating attachment methods. The staples are embedded in the patch rather than the gown, preserving the gown's barrier properties while still providing secure mechanical attachment for the tie.
Data Source
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AI summary
A patch having a notch therein and a tie coupled thereto is used to provide a closure for a garment, such as a gown. The notch is formed along an edge of the patch, and the tie is coupled to the patch such that it is positioned to extend across and beyond the notch. The notch acts to disperse tension on the patch when tension is applied to the tie. A gown having a notched patch is also disclosed.