Zipper Path Design for Safe Hazmat Suit Doffing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in removing non-encapsulating hazmat suits safely after decontamination is the complex and potentially hazardous process of cutting through the hood to expose the face piece last, which is cumbersome and risks direct contact with hazardous materials.
Innovation Solution
A unique zipper path design for non-encapsulating hazmat suits, featuring vertically extending sections that curve around the neck, allowing for a minimal number of cuts to separate the suit bottom from the hood, enabling easy doffing while keeping the face piece on until the last step, with optional extensions and a protective overlap for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard cut out procedures are used to remove the hood, then the face piece can be exposed last, but the process becomes complicated and requires direct contact with hazardous materials
Solution Approach 1:
The zipper path is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, neck section) that are spatially separated and positioned at specific locations on the suit. This segmentation allows the zipper to be opened in a controlled sequence that isolates the face piece area from the body, enabling safe removal of the hood without direct contact with hazardous materials while maintaining protection until the final step.
Solution Approach 2:
The zipper path is pre-configured with specific geometric arrangements and positioning during suit manufacturing. The first and second sections are positioned to curve outwardly to the neck section, creating a predetermined pathway that facilitates easy and safe doffing without requiring complex manual manipulation or direct contact with contaminated areas during the removal process.
2Reliability
If the zipper path is designed to keep the face piece on until the end, then respiratory protection is maintained, but the doffing process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The zipper path incorporates curved sections where the first and second sections curve outwardly to connect with the neck section. This curvature creates a natural flow and reduces sharp angles that would make manual manipulation difficult, allowing the zipper to be opened smoothly while maintaining the face piece in place until the final step of doffing.
Solution Approach 2:
The zipper path transitions from vertical sections on the torso to a neck section that circles around the neck, adding a dimensional change that allows the zipper to be opened in a three-dimensional sequence. This dimensional transition enables the face piece to remain secured while the body portion of the suit can be separated, facilitating easy doffing without compromising respiratory protection.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple zipper path is used, then the suit is easier to manufacture, but the doffing process cannot maintain face piece security
Solution Approach 1:
The zipper path is segmented into distinct sections (first section, second section, neck section) that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity in manufacturing. The segmented design ensures face piece security by creating a multi-point attachment system that distributes the securing function across multiple locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The zipper path design serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides closure for the suit, maintains face piece security during doffing, and enables controlled separation of the suit body from the hood. The first and second sections on the torso combined with the neck section create a multi-functional system that achieves both manufacturing simplicity and face piece security without requiring complex additional components.
Data Source
AI summary
A zipper path for a non-encapsulating hazardous materials protection suit that has a first section extending generally vertically on the torso and a second section extending generally vertically on the torso, each section curving outwardly to a neck section that circles the suit neck. Segments of the first and second sections are less than the width of the neck section apart so that only a small number of snips from scissors is needed to sever the suit along a cut line that extends horizontally between the segments. One or both sections can extend down to a leg for ease in doffing the suit. Optionally, the zipper has a protective overlap. To doff the suit, the zipper is disengaged, the suit is cut with scissors at the cut line to separate the suit bottom from the hood, and the suit bottom is removed, followed by the hood.