Condensate Absorbing Dressing Conduit for Leak Prevention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical dressings and systems for reduced-pressure therapy are prone to leaks and blockages, which reduce efficiency and can lead to a complete loss of therapy, especially when fluid capacity is exceeded or condensate forms, and these issues are visually unappealing and problematic with limited power supplies.

Innovation Solution

A dressing system comprising a tissue interface, a base layer with apertures, an adhesive, a sealing member, wicking layers, and an absorbent layer, along with a conduit interface that is vapor permeable and liquid impermeable, designed to manage fluid extraction and reduce pressure effectively while preventing leaks and blockages.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the fluid capacity of the dressing or system is increased to handle larger amounts of fluid extracted from the tissue site, then the ability to manage fluid is improved, but the system becomes more prone to leaks and blockages when condensate forms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid capacityVSAvoidsusceptibility to leaks and blockages

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the condensate management function from the main absorbent dressing layers by introducing a separate conduit system with condensate ports. This allows condensate to be removed from the dressing system through the conduit while bulk fluid continues to be managed by the absorbent layers, preventing blockages and leaks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The conduit acts as an intermediary element between the dressing and the collection system. It provides a dedicated pathway for condensate removal that is separate from the bulk fluid absorption path, allowing the two functions to operate independently and preventing cross-contamination that causes blockages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If the dressing is designed to absorb and store large amounts of fluid, then fluid management capability is improved, but visual appeal deteriorates due to visible leaks and blockages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid storage capacityVSAvoidvisual appeal

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes condensate from the visible dressing area by routing it through the conduit system to external ports. This separates the condensate (which causes visual issues) from the absorbent dressing layers, allowing the dressing to maintain its aesthetic appearance while still providing high fluid storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the reduced pressure source operates continuously to maintain therapy, then therapy effectiveness is improved, but power consumption increases when leaks and blockages occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapy consistencyVSAvoidpower supply consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where condensate removal through the conduit system prevents blockages that would otherwise cause pressure variations. By continuously monitoring and removing condensate, the system maintains stable reduced pressure conditions without requiring increased power consumption to compensate for leaks or blockages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 system enhances fluid management, increases reliability and efficiency, improves visual appeal, and extends the usable life of the dressing by preventing leaks and blockages, even with limited power supplies, ensuring consistent therapy delivery.

Implementation Method 1

a first wicking layer and a second wicking layer may each be disposed in the enclosure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

an absorbent layer may be disposed between the first wicking layer and the second wicking layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 3

The conduit interface may comprise an absorbent material that is vapor permeable and liquid impermeable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapor permeability and liquid impermeability: Semipermeable Membrane

Implementation Method 4

The reduced-pressure source may be adapted to be coupled in fluid communication with the conduit interface to provide reduced pressure to the dressing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11964095B2Condensate absorbing and dissipating system

Publication Date: 2024.04.23 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

A dressing for treating a tissue site may include a base layer, a sealing member, a first and a second wicking layer, and an absorbent layer. The base layer may have a plurality of apertures and may be adapted to cover the tissue site. The sealing member and the base layer may define an enclosure. The first and the second wicking layer may each be disposed in the enclosure with the absorbent layer positioned between the first and the second wicking layer. A conduit comprised of an absorbent material that is vapor permeable and liquid impermeable may be in fluid communication with the dressing for providing reduced pressure to the dressing. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.