3D Adhesive Support Devices for Medical Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adhesive medical devices are primarily flat and two-dimensional, limiting their use in creating three-dimensional structures, which are necessary for advanced medical and non-medical applications, and current manufacturing methods are costly and time-consuming for producing such 3D structures.
Innovation Solution
Development of adhesive support devices with three-dimensional configurations using rigid or semi-rigid materials and biocompatible adhesives, fabricated through methods like web converting and stamping, enabling the creation of complex shapes and structures that can be securely attached to the skin for various therapeutic and non-therapeutic purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional web converting methods are used to manufacture adhesive devices, then production efficiency is maintained, but the devices remain flat and two-dimensional, limiting functional versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms traditional two-dimensional flat adhesive devices into three-dimensional structures by adding vertical dimension through molded components such as raised platforms, recessed cavities, and layered configurations. This enables new functional applications including wound bed access, device stabilization, and controlled drug delivery while maintaining web converting manufacturing efficiency.
2Shape
If three-dimensional structures are separately placed and positioned during manufacturing, then complex shapes can be achieved, but production time increases and manufacturing costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates three-dimensional structure formation directly into the web converting process by co-molding adhesive-backed components with functional 3D structures in a single continuous operation. This eliminates separate placement and positioning steps, achieving complex shapes without sacrificing production speed or increasing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-forms three-dimensional structures within the adhesive device layers during the web converting process itself, rather than adding them later. This preliminary formation of 3D features ensures they are already in place before final assembly, eliminating time-consuming post-processing steps.
3Shape
If three-dimensional structures are separately placed and positioned during manufacturing, then complex shapes can be achieved, but manufacturing complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple manufacturing operations into a single web converting process, integrating 3D structure formation, adhesive application, and component assembly into one continuous operation. This merging reduces the number of separate manufacturing steps and lowers overall process complexity.
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
These devices provide enhanced functionality and versatility, allowing for new medical and non-medical applications, such as wound care, stabilization of medical devices, and cosmetic uses, while reducing manufacturing costs and increasing production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive material is attached
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are support devices, which may include medical support devices. In particular, three-dimensional medical (and non-medical) devices from a single layer of material, typically by stamping or pressing (including cold pressing) a sheet of the material to form rigid and complex 3D shapes capable of use for a variety of medical and non-medical purposes. These support devices typically also include an adhesive material allowing the device to be attached to a subject's skin and/or mounted on a surface (e.g., wall, etc.). In particular, described herein are methods of manufacturing, assembling, and using adhesive support devices.