Repair Patch with Dual Adhesion for Healthcare Surface Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Healthcare devices with damaged surfaces pose a risk of infection transmission due to difficulty in cleaning and disinfection, leading to hospital-acquired infections, and existing repair solutions are either costly, messy, or ineffective in maintaining a cleanable surface.
Innovation Solution
A repair device comprising a pre-mask with removable adhesive, a repair patch with permanent adhesive, and a release liner, where the adhesion values are optimized to ensure secure bonding without residue or microbial growth, allowing for easy application and cleaning while preventing peeling or lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If ready-mix glue is applied to repair damaged surfaces, then the surface can be repaired, but the solution is messy, leaves the surface temporarily out of service, and may create toxic fumes or be toxic through direct contact
Solution Approach 1:
The repair system is divided into separate components: a repair patch with permanent adhesive on one side and a pre-mask with removable adhesive on the other. This segmentation allows the toxic permanent adhesive to be enclosed within the patch structure, eliminating direct contact and fume exposure during application, while the removable adhesive provides safe handling during the repair process.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-mask with removable adhesive serves as an intermediary between the user and the permanent adhesive. It provides a safe interface for handling and application, allowing the user to work with non-toxic material while the permanent adhesive remains enclosed, thus eliminating toxicity and mess concerns during the repair process.
2Ease of repair
If duct, surgical or other types of tape are applied to the damaged portion of the surface, then the surface can be repaired, but the edges of the tape tend to breakdown after extended use or following the application of liquids or body fluids, creating an additional potential reservoir for infectious agents
Solution Approach 1:
The repair patch is constructed as a composite structure with a durable repair film material and permanent adhesive bonded together. This composite construction provides edge integrity that resists breakdown from extended use and liquid exposure, eliminating the reservoir problem for infectious agents while maintaining reliable repair functionality.
3Productivity
If healthcare devices with damaged surfaces are left in use instead of being replaced, then cost and device downtime are reduced, but the likelihood of tear or other surface damage occurring after replacement is high and infection risk remains
Solution Approach 1:
The repair patch is designed as a disposable, single-use component that is applied to damaged surfaces and then discarded after use or when the underlying surface is replaced. This allows rapid repair of infected or damaged devices without costly replacement, maintaining device availability while eliminating infection risk through proper disposal of the contaminated patch.
4Strength
If a repair patch with permanent adhesive is applied directly to the damaged surface, then secure bonding is achieved, but the application process is difficult and may result in improper placement or contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patch is segmented into two functional sides: one with permanent adhesive for strong bonding to the surface, and another with removable adhesive for easy handling and placement. This segmentation allows the user to easily position and apply the patch without direct contact with the permanent adhesive, improving application ease while maintaining strong bond strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-mask with removable adhesive acts as an intermediary that facilitates easy handling and precise placement of the patch during application. It allows the user to manipulate and position the patch without direct contact with the permanent adhesive, then is removed after placement, leaving the permanent adhesive to provide secure bonding.
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 repair device effectively maintains a cleanable and disinfectable surface on healthcare devices, reducing the risk of infection transmission by providing a durable, non-toxic, and easy-to-apply solution that withstands standard cleaning protocols.
Implementation Method 1
permanent adhesive interposed between the repair patch and the release liner; wherein the adhesion value of the removable adhesive with respect to the repair patch is lower than the adhesion value of the permanent adhesive with respect to the repair surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides for a repair device useful in the repair of surfaces, particularly in a healthcare environment. An exemplary form of the present comprises a repair patch, a pre-mask and release liner; the repair patch interposed between the pre-mask and release liner; the removable adhesive interposed between the pre-mask and repair patch; and the permanent adhesive interposed between the repair patch and the release liner; wherein the adhesion value of the removable adhesive is lower than that of the permanent adhesive.