Retractable self-cleaning animal mat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current veterinary examination tables cause stress in animals due to low-friction surfaces, leading to patient discomfort and safety risks for staff, and inadequate disinfection methods, which can result in client anxiety and increased effort for veterinary staff.
Innovation Solution
A retractable, extended-use table cover device with a roller, non-silicone mat, enclosure, and winding mechanism that provides a slip-resistant, sterilizable surface for examination tables, allowing for easy disinfection and prolonged use without replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a low-friction stainless-steel examination table surface is used, then the table is easy to clean, but animal patients experience increased stress and may bite or scratch staff
Solution Approach 1:
The examination table surface is segmented into two functional layers: a permanent stainless-steel base table that provides ease of cleaning, and a removable mat cover that provides high friction for patient comfort. The mat can be separated from the base table, allowing each component to fulfill its optimal function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The mat cover is designed to be removable and replaceable, transforming the static table surface into a dynamic system where the surface properties can be changed between uses. This allows the friction characteristics to be optimized for patient comfort during examination while maintaining the underlying stainless-steel's cleaning advantages.
2Ease of operation
If manual spraying and wiping of disinfectant is used, then the process is simple, but disinfection effectiveness is compromised due to incomplete coverage and premature removal
Solution Approach 1:
The mat cover serves its own disinfection needs through its removable design. It can be taken off the table and subjected to thorough cleaning methods such as washing machine cycles or autoclaving, eliminating the need for manual spraying and wiping. The mat essentially cleans itself through standardized textile or medical instrument cleaning processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The mat cover is designed to be removed and cleaned in advance before the next patient examination. This preliminary cleaning action ensures that the entire surface receives adequate disinfection contact time and coverage, rather than attempting to disinfect the mat while it remains on the examination table.
3Reliability
If a removable mat cover is used, then disinfection effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mat cover is implemented as a flexible thin film or textile layer that can be easily removed and cleaned. This simple flexible structure achieves the disinfection goal without requiring complex mechanical systems, electronics, or intricate assemblies. The simplicity of the thin film approach minimizes device complexity while maximizing disinfection reliability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If silicone-based mats are used, then slip resistance is improved, but durability is reduced due to material degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The mat cover is constructed from composite materials that combine the slip-resistant properties needed for patient comfort with the durability required for extended use. By selecting appropriate material compositions, the mat achieves both high friction characteristics and resistance to degradation from repeated cleaning cycles and physical stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters of the mat cover, specifically selecting non-silicone materials with optimized friction coefficients and durability characteristics. By adjusting material composition and physical properties, the mat achieves the desired balance between slip resistance and longevity, extending its service life beyond that of silicone alternatives.
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations include an extended repeated-use table cover device. The device includes a roller, a non-silicone mat, an 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 enclosure defines an opening extending from the outer surface to a cavity defined by an inner surface of the enclosure. The roller is disposed within the cavity, and the mat is extendable through the opening. The cavity is fillable with a cleaning liquid. 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.