Removable Dressing Interface With Hinge Repositioning for NPWT

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing negative-pressure therapy systems lack efficient and versatile interfaces for connecting dressings to negative-pressure sources, limiting their effectiveness in wound care and tissue growth applications.

Innovation Solution

A dressing interface that allows for easy connection and detachment of negative-pressure sources to dressings, incorporating a flexible and adhesive design with a hinge mechanism for repositioning, and includes a manifold for fluid distribution and collection, enabling integrated negative-pressure therapy and instillation treatments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed and rigid connection interface is used between negative-pressure source and dressing, then structural stability is improved, but ease of repositioning and adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidrepositioning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection interface incorporates a hinge mechanism that enables dynamic movement between fixed and movable states. The hinge line allows the connection interface to be repositioned at different locations on the drape while maintaining a secure seal, thus providing both stability during therapy and adaptability for repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connection interface is divided into separate components including a first portion with adhesive regions and a second portion with the negative-pressure port. This segmentation allows independent movement and repositioning of the port relative to the drape while maintaining connection integrity through the hinge mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If a simple connection interface is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but fluid distribution functionality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface fabricationVSAvoidfluid distribution capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection interface merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides mechanical connection between the negative-pressure source and dressing, creates a fluid-tight seal through adhesive regions, enables repositioning via hinge mechanism, and distributes fluid through integrated manifolds with multiple ports. This consolidation maintains manufacturing simplicity while providing advanced functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection interface is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs connection, sealing, repositioning, and fluid distribution functions. The manifold structure with multiple ports allows the same interface to handle both negative-pressure delivery and instillation fluid distribution, making it universally applicable to various therapy configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a non-adhesive connection interface is used, then ease of removal is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval convenienceVSAvoidconnection seal integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection interface employs adhesive regions with different properties in different locations. The first adhesive region provides strong bonding to the drape for reliable sealing, while the second adhesive region with lower peel strength facilitates controlled removal. This localized differentiation of adhesive properties enables both reliable connection and easy removal without compromising seal integrity during therapy.

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

Enhances the effectiveness of negative-pressure therapy by facilitating seamless connection and repositioning of dressings, promoting tissue growth and wound healing through improved fluid management and pressure control.

Implementation Method 1

The coupling member includes a first adhesive region and a second adhesive region, wherein the second adhesive region has a second peel strength that is less than a first peel strength of the first adhesive region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP4385473B1Removable and replaceable dressing interface for a negative-pressure therapy system
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 SOLVENTUM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES CO
  • EP4385473B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4385473B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4385473B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A dressing interface for connecting a negative-pressure source to a dressing may have a coupling member comprising an aperture, a first adhesive region having a first region peel strength, and a second adhesive region having a second region peel strength less than the first region peel strength. The dressing interface may further have a flange coupled to the coupling member, and a conduit housing coupled to the flange and extending through the aperture in the contact layer.