Absorbent Pad with Hook Coupler for Biofluid Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent pads are inadequate in efficiently managing biofluids, particularly in converting liquids to solids and providing effective temperature treatment while securing to a patient's surface, with limitations in absorbency and microbial inhibition.
Innovation Solution
The design includes an absorbent pad with a fluid-permeable liner and a fluid barrier, featuring a coupler with hooks for secure attachment, antimicrobial agents, and absorbent materials that can absorb up to 30 times its weight in water, allowing for heating or cooling of absorbed liquids and conversion of biofluids to a solid state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional absorbent pads are used, then basic fluid absorption is provided, but they fail to efficiently manage biofluids with limited absorbency capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent pad uses a composite structure combining a superabsorbent polymer layer for bulk fluid absorption with a hydrophilic porous polymer layer for capillary-driven fluid transport. This composite material system achieves both high absorbency capacity and efficient fluid management by leveraging the complementary properties of different materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophilic porous polymer layer utilizes capillary action through its porous structure to draw biofluids toward the superabsorbent polymer. The controlled porosity enables efficient fluid distribution throughout the absorbent pad, enhancing overall fluid management effectiveness.
2Device complexity
If conventional absorbent pads are used, then basic absorption is provided, but they cannot effectively convert liquids to solids
Solution Approach 1:
The superabsorbent polymer undergoes phase transition from a liquid state to a gel state upon absorbing biofluids. This gel formation effectively converts liquid biofluids into a semi-solid gel matrix, providing stable containment and preventing further fluid discharge while maintaining the pad's structural integrity.
3Temperature
If conventional absorbent pads are used, then basic fluid absorption is provided, but they lack effective temperature treatment capability
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent pad is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: absorbing biofluids, converting them to gel state, providing temperature control through the phase change properties of the superabsorbent polymer, and preventing microbial growth. This multi-functional design enables the single pad to serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
4Ease of operation
If conventional absorbent pads are used, then basic absorption is provided, but they cannot securely attach to patient surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent pad incorporates a self-adhering mechanism where the pad attaches automatically to the patient's body surface through adhesive properties, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations. This self-service attachment ensures secure positioning while simplifying the overall operation.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional absorbent pads are used, then basic absorption is provided, but they allow microbial growth
Solution Approach 1:
The pad utilizes the natural gel formation process of the superabsorbent polymer to create an environment hostile to microbial growth. The gel state not only contains the biofluid but also provides a barrier that prevents microbial penetration, converting a potential harm (fluid accumulation) into a beneficial protective gel matrix.
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 absorbent pad effectively absorbs and retains biofluids, maintains a dry surface, inhibits microbial growth, and can be used as both a compress and fluid management system, providing enhanced absorbency and temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophilic porous polymer that utilizes capillary action to draw liquid toward the superabsorbent polymer
Implementation Method 2
The absorbent material may be configured to assist in the conversion of biofluids from a liquid state to a solid state
Implementation Method 3
The absorbent material may be configured to assist in the conversion of biofluids from a liquid state to a solid state
Implementation Method 4
a superabsorbent polymer that absorbs and retains liquid in a liquid state
Implementation Method 5
a superabsorbent polymer that absorbs and retains liquid in a liquid state
Implementation Method 6
one of heating and cooling the predetermined quantity of liquid in the absorbent material to a desired temperature
Implementation Method 7
one of heating and cooling the predetermined quantity of liquid in the absorbent material to a desired temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbent pad. A first side of the absorbent pad is configured to abut a patient at a fluid discharging area or other location. Discharging fluid passes through a fluid-permeable liner of the absorbent pad into absorbent material. Liquid may be placed in the absorbent material prior to placing it on a patient and heated or cooled. An overwrap may be wrapped around the patient to hold the hot or cold compress in place while absorbing discharging fluid from the patient. A fluid barrier at a second side of the absorbent pad, parallel with the first side, prevents liquid from passing out of the absorbent pad at the second side. A coupler having hooks is disposed on the second side of the absorbent pad and is configured to engage with fibers of the overwrap in order to secure the absorbent pad in place with respect to the patient and overwrap.