Retractable self-cleaning mat

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current veterinary examination tables cause stress in animals due to their slippery surfaces, leading to potential biting and scratching, and are difficult to disinfect effectively, posing challenges for both animal and human safety and staff efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A retractable, extended-use table cover device featuring a roller, non-silicone mat, enclosure, and winding mechanism that provides a slip-resistant and sterilizable surface, capable of being reused for at least three months without replacement, with options for UV-C disinfection and easy mounting to tables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a low-friction stainless-steel surface is used for examination tables, then cleaning and disinfection become easier, but animal stress increases and patient stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of cleaningVSAvoidanimal stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The examination table surface is segmented into two distinct layers: a removable mat layer with high-friction surface for patient contact, and a underlying stainless-steel table for structural support and easy cleaning. This segmentation allows each layer to fulfill its optimal function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mat is designed to be removable and replaceable, transforming the static table surface into a dynamic system where the surface properties can be changed based on needs. The mat can be quickly removed for table cleaning and replaced with a fresh mat, combining the benefits of easy disinfection with consistent patient comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If manual spraying and wiping of disinfectant is used, then the process is simple and quick, but disinfection effectiveness decreases due to incomplete coverage and premature removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfection speedVSAvoiddisinfection effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mat is designed to be easily removable by staff without requiring complex disassembly. The mat itself serves as the disinfection target, allowing for complete immersion in disinfectant solution. The design enables the mat to receive thorough disinfection treatment independently of the table structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The mat can be removed before table cleaning begins, allowing disinfectant to be applied to both the mat and table surface in sequence. This preliminary separation ensures that the mat receives adequate disinfection contact time without interfering with table cleaning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a removable mat system is implemented, then disinfection effectiveness improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisinfection effectivenessVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mat is designed as a relatively inexpensive, replaceable component that can be easily discarded and replaced. This approach simplifies the overall system by making the mat a consumable item rather than a permanent fixture, reducing the need for complex integrated disinfection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The mat utilizes a flexible, thin-film structure that can be easily handled, removed, and replaced. This simple geometric form factor reduces manufacturing complexity and makes the mat easy to store and replace without requiring complex mounting or attachment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Stability of the object's composition

If staff use significant force to prevent patient slippage, then patient stability improves, but staff effort increases and access to patient becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient stabilityVSAvoidstaff effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mat provides localized high-friction properties specifically at the patient contact surface, while the underlying table maintains its smooth, easy-to-clean properties. This localized quality enhancement addresses the slippage problem only where needed, without requiring modification of the entire table structure or increased staff effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11246433B2Retractable self-cleaning mat

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 AUTOMAT PARTNERS LLC

AI summary

Various implementations include an extended repeated-use table cover device. The device includes a roller, a non-silicone mat, a disinfecting enclosure, a table mount, and a winding mechanism. An outer surface of the roller is coupled to a first mat end such that rotation of the roller about a roller axis causes the mat to wind around the outer surface of the roller. An outer surface of the disinfecting enclosure defines an opening extending from the outer surface to a cavity defined by an inner surface of the disinfecting enclosure. The roller is disposed within the cavity, and the mat is extendable through the opening. The winding mechanism is for rotating the roller from an extended position to a retracted position. The mat is durable enough to be used for at least three months under expected standard use without needing to be replaced.