Self-securing Garment with Shape-Memory Coil Bands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional medical gowns require time and assistance to secure, especially in emergency situations, leading to potential contamination and hindered movement or vision due to unsecured garments.
Innovation Solution
A self-securing medical gown design featuring elongated bands made of shape-memory material with coiled ends that unwind and contract to securely fasten around the body, allowing quick and safe donning without assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional closure methods (ties, buttons, hooks) are used, then the gown can be secured, but it requires time and/or assistance to close the back of the gown
Solution Approach 1:
The gown closure system is designed to be self-operating without requiring assistance. The elastic band with coil ends allows the wearer to independently secure the gown by pulling the ends forward and releasing them, eliminating the need for another person to help close the back closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic band is pre-formed with coil ends that are ready to be pulled and released. This preliminary configuration allows for rapid donning and closing of the gown without requiring complex manipulation or assembly during the securing process.
2Productivity
If the gown is left unsecured to save time, then donning is rapid, but the gown falls down hindering movement and sight
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic band automatically secures the gown to the wearer's body through its inherent elasticity and the mechanical action of the coil ends. Once the coil ends are pulled forward and released, the elastic band self-adjusts to secure the gown firmly, eliminating the need for continuous adjustment or external assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic band utilizes changes in elastic tension and coil configuration to achieve securement. When the coil ends are pulled forward and released, the elastic band transitions from a relaxed state to a tensioned state, automatically securing the gown to the wearer's body.
3Ease of operation
If elastic bands are used to secure the gown, then closure is achieved, but the bands may be bulky or elongated making them difficult to package or store
Solution Approach 1:
The coil ends of the elastic band are designed to nest within each other when not in use. This nested configuration significantly reduces the volume occupied by the elastic band, making it compact and easy to package within the gown without adding excessive bulk.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic band is formed into a curved or coiled configuration that allows it to compact efficiently. The curved geometry enables the band to fold and store in a minimal space while maintaining its functional length when deployed for securing the gown.
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 rapid and secure closure of the gown, preventing contamination and ensuring unobstructed movement and vision during emergencies, while being compact and easy to store.
Implementation Method 1
Attached to the outside of the garment is at least one elongated band of shape-memory material having ends that are formed into flexible coils. Upon release, the shape-memory material causes the coil to contract, thus embracing the body and holding the garment between the body and the uncoiled band.
Data Source
AI summary
The application is directed to self-securing garments designed to be donned quickly and safely secured to the body in a matter of seconds. Described are garments having an opening in the back terminating at two opposite edges. Attached to the outside of the garment is at least one flexible elongated band at least partially comprised of a shape-memory material. The ends of the band are formed into dual, oppositely wound coils. To use, the wearer puts on the garment as usual and, grasping a flexible coil in each hand, pulls them so that they unwind and elongate while simultaneously wrapping them around the sides of the body. Upon release, the shape-memory material causes the coil to contract, thus embracing the body and holding the garment between the body and the uncoiled band. The garment can have one or more coiled bands, such as at the waist, chest, or neck, to secure the garment closely to the body quickly and without assistance.