Absorbent Repositioning Pad for Bed Sore Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

In healthcare settings, patients with incontinence issues and those who are bedridden often face challenges with skin moisture, bed sores, and the need for frequent repositioning, which can be complicated by the risk of skin irritation and pressure ulcers.

Innovation Solution

The development of an absorbent repositioning pad that is reusable and designed to absorb moisture, reduce skin friction, and facilitate easy repositioning of patients, while also preventing liquid leakage and promoting air circulation to maintain skin health.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If absorbent articles such as incontinent briefs and underpads are used to manage incontinence, then liquid absorption and containment are improved, but the risk of bed sores and skin irritation increases due to moisture exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid absorption capacityVSAvoidskin irritation and bed sores

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent article is divided into multiple functional layers: a liquid-permeable topsheet for absorption, a breathable backsheet for containment, and an intermediate layer for moisture management. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function optimally while working together to protect skin health.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs porous and breathable materials in the topsheet and backsheet that allow air circulation while managing liquid absorption. These porous structures enable moisture vapor transmission and air flow, preventing skin maceration and reducing the risk of bed sores while maintaining effective incontinence management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Reliability

If bedridden patients are repositioned frequently to prevent bed sores, then skin health is improved, but friction and shear forces during repositioning exacerbate bed sore risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebed sore preventionVSAvoidfriction and shear forces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent article serves as an intermediary layer between the patient's skin and the support surface. Its low-friction surfaces facilitate smooth repositioning movements, reducing shear forces and friction during patient handling while maintaining skin protection and moisture management functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the surface friction parameters of the absorbent article by using specific materials and surface treatments that create low-friction interfaces. This parameter change enables easier patient repositioning while maintaining the article's absorbent and protective functions, thereby reducing mechanical stress on the skin during repositioning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If traditional absorbent underpads are used, then incontinence management is improved, but patient repositioning becomes difficult due to high friction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid containmentVSAvoidpatient repositioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent article features different surface properties in different locations: the top surface has high absorbency and skin-friendly characteristics for liquid management, while the bottom surface has low-friction properties to facilitate smooth repositioning. This local differentiation of material qualities allows the single article to simultaneously excel at both incontinence management and ease of patient handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 repositioning pad effectively manages incontinence by keeping the skin dry, reduces the risk of bed sores through improved repositioning capabilities, and maintains skin health by allowing air circulation and minimizing skin friction.

Implementation Method 1

The absorbent repositioning pad effectively manages incontinence by keeping the skin dry

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

maintains skin health by allowing air circulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS12329704B2Absorbent repositioning pad and method

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 MEDLINE INDUSTRIES

AI summary

An absorbent repositioning pad includes an upper layer including a liquid permeable material, and a lower layer having relatively lower friction surface than the upper layer. The absorbent repositioning pad further includes a first intermediate layer between the upper and lower layers and including an absorbent material, and a second intermediate layer between the first intermediate layer and the lower layer and including a liquid impermeable material.