SmartPPE

Target SDGs

Market Suggested Retail Price

$1,000.00

Target Users (Target Impact Group)

Distributors / Implementing Organizations

Implementing partners: Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève (HUG), University of Geneva (UniGe), and Centexbel.

Competitive Landscape

Direct competitors include Toray LIVMOA (PPE).

Manufacturing/Building Method

Standard and existing manufacturing processes will be used to minimize fabrication costs, especially for high volumes.

Intellectural Property Type

Select Type

User Provision Model

There is not yet a definite model as the business model is still under development. Following commercialization, the suit should be available for sale through the manufacturing company. ^{Interview with representative}

Distributions to Date Status

The first prototype was announced in April, 2016. As of early 2019, the product is still a prototype and not widely distributed.

Design Specifications

The SmartPPE consists of a single coverall, including the hood and a face visor. The product is intended be reusable to reduce waste.

Product Schematics

Technical Support

Support, including training, use, preventative maintenance instruction, recycling, and other logistics will be provided by the manufacturer.

Replacement Components

In the event of a major issue, the suit will be replaced.

Lifecycle

The lifecycle (number of uses, length of time) is unknown, however, the product is multi-use because it can be disinfected by being dipped in chlorine. When the equipment is damaged in any way, it can be either disinfected one last time and disposed of as any other waste, or treated as infectious waste.

Manufacturer Specified Performance Parameters

The SmartPPE seeks to simplify dressing and undressing procedures to speed up these steps and to reduce the risk of self-contamination, be effectively disinfected when dipped in chlorine, be better ventilated and cooler in hot climates, and safely protect the user.

Vetted Performance Status

This product is in the prototype stage as of early 2019. No known vetted performance exists.

Safety

The manufacturer specifies that users must complete a training to assist in compliance with all safety instructions. In addition, the product is being designed such that dressing, undressing, and disinfection is simplified. As the PPE is reusable, it must be thoroughly disinfected. All materials have to be resistant to Chlorine, and there should not remain any area unreached by a liquid solution when the PPE is dipped into it. When the equipment does not need to be reused, it can be either disinfected one last time and disposed of as any other waste, or treated as infectious waste.

Complementary Technical Systems

The PPE includes a ventilation system to provide the user with fresh air, prevent fogging, and keep the temperature inside the suit bearable. The current prototype uses a commercially available ventilation system, but a new ventilation system is under development to fulfill all the constraints of the targeted context and applications. This ventilation system includes batteries and filters. ^{Interview with representative}

Academic Research and References

Compliance with regulations

The current prototype has not been certified, but the final product will be. The final product will most likely follow European standards for protective equipment and ventilation systems. ^{Interview with representative}

Evaluation methods

Unknown