Self-Opening Bodily Fluid Barrier with Inflatable Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bodily fluid barriers are cumbersome to use, difficult to position and open single-handedly, and require extensive cleaning and downtime for contaminated equipment, posing risks of cross-contamination and infection.
Innovation Solution
A disposable, self-opening bodily fluid barrier with a rectangular impermeable sheet and inflatable chambers that automatically deploys from a folded state, featuring side and foot flaps for complete patient encasement, allowing rapid and single-person deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If large sheets or drapes are used as bodily fluid barriers, then coverage and containment capability are improved, but ease of operation and ease of positioning deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The large sheet is segmented into multiple functional zones: a central patient receiving area, lateral flaps for side coverage, and longitudinal flaps for end coverage. These segments can be independently positioned and secured, making the large barrier easier to handle and position while maintaining comprehensive coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier transitions from a two-dimensional flat sheet to a three-dimensional configured structure with folded flaps and secured sections. This dimensional transformation allows the large barrier to conform to the patient and equipment geometry, improving positioning ease while maintaining full coverage
2Area of stationary object
If large sheets or drapes are used as bodily fluid barriers, then coverage and containment capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is divided into standardized modular segments (central panel, lateral flaps, longitudinal flaps) that can be manufactured separately and assembled in a systematic manner, reducing overall structural complexity while achieving comprehensive coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier utilizes flexible sheet material that can be easily folded, shaped, and secured without requiring complex rigid structural components. This flexibility simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the ability to provide full coverage and containment
3Productivity
If equipment is used without a barrier, then operational efficiency is improved, but contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is designed as a disposable single-use item that can be quickly deployed and then discarded after one use. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning and sterilization procedures between uses, maintaining operational efficiency while providing complete contamination protection
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains bodily fluids, protects equipment from contamination, and can be quickly deployed and removed. This multi-functionality maintains operational efficiency by consolidating multiple protective functions into a single device
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
Enables quick, efficient containment of bodily fluids, reducing contamination risks and equipment downtime, with the ability to be reused after cleaning and re-deployment, facilitating rapid and effective containment of hazardous fluids.
Implementation Method 1
the device may be provided with a means for inflating chambers coextensive with the sheet of impermeable material so that it may be rapidly and automatically deployed from a folded and rolled condition
Data Source
AI summary
Shown is a disposable, self-opening bodily fluid barrier formed of a sheet of impermeable material. The device may include a main body panel, side panels, and a foot panel to fully wrap and encase an injured or diseased patient and contain any bodily fluids released from the patient. The device may also include fluid expansion chambers such that, when filled with a pressurized gas, will cause the device to fully open into position for use without assistance.