Viscoelastomeric Floor Mat Overlay for Pathogen Removal and Reuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current floor mats are ineffective in removing pathogens and contaminants from foot soles, as they are limited to dust removal and require frequent replacement when saturated, lacking antipathogenic properties and reusable, washable features.
Innovation Solution
A thermoset viscoelastomeric overlay with antipathogenic, cohesive, and adhesive properties is integrated into the floor mat, allowing it to effectively trap and release contaminants, and be restored through washing or sterilization for repeated use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive floor mats are used to remove dust particles from shoe soles, then dust removal effectiveness is improved, but the mats become saturated and require frequent replacement, increasing cost and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from conventional adhesive to viscoelastomeric material, which provides both initial adhesiveness for dust pickup and eventual cohesive failure for clean release. This parameter change enables the mat to be washed and reused multiple times, extending service life from single-use to reusable while maintaining dust removal effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a recovery mechanism by enabling the floor mat to be washed and reused after saturation. The viscoelastomeric material allows contaminants to be removed through washing, recovering the mat's decontaminating function and eliminating the need for frequent disposal and replacement
2Reliability
If conventional adhesive floor mats are used, then dust particles can be removed, but pathogens and contaminants remain on foot soles, creating hygiene risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material properties from conventional adhesive to viscoelastomeric material with specific properties (stickiness, cohesiveness, flexibility) that enable effective pathogen removal. The material's ability to conform to shoe sole contours and maintain adhesive contact improves pathogen capture effectiveness, reducing hygiene risks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of pathogen transmission into benefit by using the viscoelastomeric material's adhesive properties to trap and remove pathogens from shoe soles. The material's contamination saturation provides visual indication of when cleaning is needed, transforming a hygiene risk into a monitorable safety feature
3Reliability
If stacked adhesive floor mats are used for dust collection, then dust saturation can be managed, but the mats are expensive and require frequent restocking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements recovery by enabling washing and reuse of the floor mat after dust saturation. The viscoelastomeric material maintains its adhesive and cohesive properties through washing, allowing the mat to be restored and reused multiple times, eliminating the need for frequent restocking and reducing operational costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service through the washable nature of the viscoelastomeric material. The mat can be cleaned by conventional washing methods without requiring specialized processing or replacement, allowing facilities to maintain their own floor mats and reduce dependency on external restocking
4Ease of operation
If bristled and rubberized floor mats are used, then foot traffic is managed, but contaminants are merely brushed aside without effective elimination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface parameter from rigid bristles to flexible viscoelastomeric material that can conform to shoe sole contours. This flexibility enables the material to make intimate contact with the sole surface, effectively capturing contaminants in crevices and providing reliable contaminant elimination while maintaining ease of foot traffic
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 viscoelastomeric overlay provides a hygienic solution by effectively removing pathogens and contaminants, maintaining decontamination efficacy until saturation, and allowing for cost-effective reuse through conventional cleaning methods.
Implementation Method 1
an exposed surface region comprising a viscoelastomeric thermoset reaction product overlay adapted to adhesively remove contaminants from feet of footed people and/or animals placed thereupon
Implementation Method 2
cohesive release from the paws, hoofs, feet, and soles of people and/or animals subjected to its cleansing use
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides floor mats possessing antipathogenic, cohesive, viscoelastomeric and adhesive attributes for removing foot and/or sole borne contaminants. A thermoset reaction product derived from a reaction media of a carefully balanced ratio of isocyanate prepolymer, polyether diols and triols, and organic plasticizers effectively provides a floor mat overlay for adhesively retaining and preventing the spreading of foot or sole borne pathogens and other contaminants.