Microporous Polyolefin Web for Infection Control Gowns
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current protective clothing for healthcare workers, such as gowns, often lack effective protection against microscopic organisms like bacteria and viruses due to large pore sizes in materials, and existing solutions like ePTFE membranes are costly and difficult to handle.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, hydrophobic, microporous polyolefin-based web with 30-70% porosity and median pore sizes less than 0.25 um, which is breathable and repels body fluids, providing enhanced protection while maintaining ease of use and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If non-woven materials are used to manufacture disposable protective gowns, then ease of disposal and cost-effectiveness are improved, but fiber diameter and pore size are relatively large providing less protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by using a microporous polyolefin-based web with controlled pore sizes less than 0.25 micrometers. This porous structure allows the material to be breathable and comfortable while effectively blocking bacteria and viruses, resolving the contradiction between ease of disposal and protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pore size parameter to less than 0.25 micrometers and controls porosity at 30-70%, transforming the material properties to achieve both breathability and effective filtration of microscopic organisms, thereby improving protection while maintaining ease of use.
2Use of energy by moving object
If ePTFE membranes are used to provide porosity, then breathability is improved, but cost and difficulty of handling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition from ePTFE to polyolefin-based web and adjusts pore size parameters to less than 0.25 micrometers with 30-70% porosity, achieving breathability while improving ease of handling and reducing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses disposable polyolefin-based web instead of expensive ePTFE membranes, creating a cost-effective single-use protective gown that maintains breathability and protection without the handling difficulties of ePTFE.
3Use of energy by moving object
If polymer material is perforated to supply breathability, then air flow is improved, but pore size becomes macroscopic cannot protect from microscopic organisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a microporous polyolefin-based web with controlled pore sizes less than 0.25 micrometers, creating a porous structure that allows air flow while blocking microscopic organisms, thus resolving the contradiction between breathability and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pore size parameter from macroscopic to microporous (less than 0.25 micrometers) and controls porosity at 30-70%, enabling the material to simultaneously provide air flow and protection against bacteria and viruses.
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 solution effectively excludes most bacteria and viruses, offering improved protection and comfort for healthcare workers while being easy to manufacture and use, with methods for sealing and cutting the web to form gowns that are easy to put on and take off.
Implementation Method 1
The hydrophobic nature of the web helps it to repel body fluids
Implementation Method 2
the controlled pore size excludes most bacteria and viruses
Implementation Method 3
The high porosity promotes excellent breathability
Data Source
AI summary
Infection control or protective clothing articles, such as gowns, to be worn by healthcare workers in a medical environment, for example a hospital or assisted living facility are disclosed. The articles are formed of a hydrophobic, breathable, poly-olefin-based web with a controlled pore size less than or about equal to the size of most bacterial or viral particles. The articles can also be made from composites including the polyolefin-based web. Methods of manufacturing the articles are also disclosed.