Elastic Skin Closure Tape for Secure Wound Care on Bendable Joints

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing skin closure systems lack flexibility and secure bonding for joints, leading to potential wound dehiscence and infection due to lack of joint articulation and inadequate coverage.

Innovation Solution

A flexible elastic tape with pressure-sensitive adhesive and polymerizable adhesive, featuring openings and a polymerization initiator, allows for secure bonding while enabling joint articulation by being stretchable along the main axis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rigid skin closure system is used to provide secure bonding and full coverage, then wound closure reliability is improved, but joint flexibility and articulation are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewound closure reliabilityVSAvoidjoint flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible tape material with elastic properties that can conform to moving joints while maintaining wound closure. The tape includes openings that allow it to stretch and flex with joint articulation, preventing wound dehiscence while accommodating joint movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the closure system by using a tape with specific elastic modulus and stretchability characteristics. The tape can stretch along the longitudinal axis to accommodate joint flexion while maintaining sufficient tension perpendicular to the wound edges to prevent dehiscence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible elastic tape is used to enable joint articulation, then joint flexibility is improved, but bonding security and wound closure reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint articulationVSAvoidbonding security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite closure system combining a flexible elastic tape with a polymerizable adhesive. The tape provides flexibility for joint movement, while the adhesive that polymerizes upon exposure to moisture or light provides strong bonding security to hold the wound edges together reliably.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dynamic bonding mechanism where the adhesive transitions from a liquid or gel state during application to a solid polymerized state after application. This allows the tape to be flexible during joint movement while providing strong, secure bonding once the adhesive sets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the tape is made stretchable along the main axis to provide flexibility, then joint bending capability is improved, but tensile strength and resistance to wound dehiscence deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint bending capabilityVSAvoidtensile strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the tape structure by incorporating openings (windows or perforations) along the longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows the tape to stretch and flex with joint movement while the segments between openings maintain structural integrity and tensile strength to prevent wound dehiscence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different properties to different parts of the tape: the material between openings provides tensile strength and structural support, while the openings provide flexibility and stretchability. The adhesive is applied locally at the wound site to provide targeted bonding strength where needed.

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 system effectively maintains wound closure while allowing joint flexibility, preventing dehiscence and providing full coverage, thus reducing infection risk.

Implementation Method 1

said tape having a pressure sensitive adhesive on at least a portion of the lower side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-sensitive adhesive: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

applying a polymerizable adhesive onto the upper side into the openings; Allowing the polymerizable adhesive to polymerize and bond to skin and to the device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolymerization: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 3

The system effectively maintains wound closure while allowing joint flexibility, preventing dehiscence and providing full coverage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3600189B1Skin closure systems and devices of improved flexibility and stretchability for bendable joints

Publication Date: 2026.02.18 ETHICON INC

Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2E
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A system or device for skin closure comprises an elastic flat flexible tape elongated along a longitudinal axis and having a lower side and an opposing upper side, said tape having a pressure sensitive adhesive on at least a portion of the lower side, said tape having a plurality of openings arranged side-by-side with spaces between said openings oriented across the longitudinal axis.