Updated on February 6, 2024

·

Created on August 21, 2016

SmartPPE

Upcoming Update

A reusable single-piece full-body protective suit with incorporated ventilation. Courtesy of WHO Compendium 2021

Developed By
  1. SmartPPE
Content Partners
Unknown

Author

Product Description

SmartPPE is a reusable single-piece full-body protective suit. The product is made from a water-proof material and includes an integrated ventilation system powered by a rechargeable battery. This product is still a prototype as of 2020.

This product was selected for inclusion in WHO’s 2021 Compendium of Innovative Health Technologies for Low‐Resource Settings.

Target SDGs

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

Market Suggested Retail Price

$1,000.00

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.

Available size(s)

One size fits all

Consumables

None

Indispensable equipment for function (Y / N)

None

Maintenance or calibration required by user at time of use? (Y/N)

The product is disinfected after each use

Material(s) used in product

The textile used for the current prototype is a polyamide fabric with a PU coating, though this will change for the final product as a new textile is under development. Similarly, the material of the current face shield is polycarbonate, but this might change in the future. Interview with representative

Power supply type: Continuous, Recharging only (V, time required, battery life), Other

None

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

Chen, D. and Lawo, M., 2017, Smart Textiles and Smart Personnel Protective Equipment, Smart Textiles, pp. 333-357.

Cao, H., 2012, Smart Technology for Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing, Smart Textiles for Protection. R.A. Chapman, ed., Woodhead Publishing Limited, Cambridge, UK, pp. 229-241.

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

Leave a Reply

Explore similar solutions

Agriculture

February 6, 2024

Toray LIVMOA (PPE)

Read Solution

Implemented by

Toray Industries Inc.

Agriculture

March 8, 2024

Jute Cellulose-based PPE

Read Solution

Agriculture

March 8, 2024

BluMask

Read Solution

Implemented by

Recyclablu

Agriculture

February 26, 2024

Envo​®​ Mask

Read Solution

Implemented by

Envo mask

Agriculture

February 16, 2024

Cathy Sip Clip I.V Cannulas

Read Solution

Implemented by

Hindustan Syringes & Medical Devices (HMD)

Agriculture

February 16, 2024

Eniware Portable Sterilizer PS-25

Read Solution

Implemented by

Eniware

Agriculture

February 21, 2024

EsVendo Sanitary Vending Machine

Read Solution

Implemented by

Esther Mwangi, EsVendo

Agriculture

February 5, 2024

Interceptor

Read Solution

Implemented by

BASF

Agriculture

February 20, 2024

Sterilux Steribox and Control Station

Read Solution

Implemented by

Sterilux

All Solutions

Contribute to E4C's Library of Breakthrough Sustainable Development Technology Solutions

Suggest A Solution

Get more information about Solutions Library and its features.

Learn More

Have thoughts on how we can improve?

Give Us Feedback

Join a global community of changemakers.

Become A Member