Absorbent Pad With Cross-Linked Polymer Matrix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent pads used in medical procedures are inadequate for effectively cleaning medical devices and gloves due to limitations in absorbency, flexibility, and the risk of leaving behind lint or particulates, which can lead to infections.
Innovation Solution
Development of an absorbent pad with a cross-linked polymer matrix, impregnated with anticoagulants and antimicrobials, featuring a textured surface and reinforcement member, designed to absorb multiple times its dry weight in liquid and maintain flexibility, while preventing lint and particulate shedding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional absorbent pads are used for cleaning medical devices, then they can absorb some liquid, but they shed lint and particulates that can lead to infections
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent pad utilizes a porous polymer matrix structure that provides high absorbency while maintaining structural integrity. The controlled porosity allows liquid absorption through capillary action without compromising the matrix strength, thereby preventing lint and particulate shedding that could cause infections during medical procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a composite structure combining a polymer matrix with embedded reinforcement members. This composite design integrates the absorbency of the polymer material with the structural stability of the reinforcement, creating a pad that absorbs liquid effectively while maintaining enough rigidity to prevent disintegration and particulate release
2Quantity of substance
If absorbent pads are made highly absorbent, then they can remove more bodily fluids, but they may lose flexibility and become rigid
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent pad is designed as a thin, flexible structure that can conform to the surfaces of medical devices and gloves. The thin film design ensures adequate flexibility for handling and application while the polymer matrix composition maintains absorbency, allowing the pad to wrap around irregular surfaces during cleaning procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes the physical and chemical parameters of the polymer matrix, including cross-linking density, polymer concentration, and pore size distribution. These parameter adjustments enable the material to achieve high liquid absorption capacity (absorbing multiple times its dry weight) while maintaining sufficient flexibility for practical use in medical settings
3Ease of operation
If absorbent pads are made flexible and thin, then they can conform to medical devices, but they may lack structural strength and tear easily
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent pad incorporates a composite structure where a polymer matrix is combined with reinforcement members embedded within the matrix. This composite design provides the necessary structural strength and tensile integrity to prevent tearing during handling and use, while the overall thin design maintains flexibility and conformability to medical device surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The reinforcement members are strategically positioned within the polymer matrix at locations requiring additional strength, such as edges and high-stress areas. This localized reinforcement approach enhances structural integrity where needed while preserving flexibility in other regions, allowing the pad to conform to device surfaces without compromising durability
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 removes bodily fluids and contaminants from medical devices and gloves, reducing the risk of infection and improving procedural hygiene by being highly absorbent, flexible, and lint-free.
Implementation Method 1
The polymer matrix can absorb two or more times, four times, six times, or eight times its dry weight in liquid
Implementation Method 2
The polymer matrix can be configured to absorb two or more times its dry weight in liquid
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments disclosed herein relate to absorbent pads. The absorbent pads can be used as cleansing wipes, and can be used to clean various objects, including gloves, medical appliances, and elongate medical devices. The absorbent pads can include a polymer matrix and a reinforcement member. Methods of manufacturing the absorbent pads can include physically cross-linking a polymer solution or foam to form a cross-linked polymer matrix. One or more freeze-thaw cycles can be used to cross-link the polymer solution or foam.