In-situ Foamed Silicone Wound Dressing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wound filling technologies face challenges in controlling the foaming process and ensuring precise fitting of foam dressings within wound cavities, particularly due to slow reaction rates and excess foam leakage during negative pressure wound therapy.

Innovation Solution

A multi-component system for producing silicone foam in situ, utilizing a first polyorganosiloxane with silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms and a second polyorganosiloxane with alkenyl- and/or alkynyl groups, along with a blowing agent that provides gas independently of the curing reaction, allowing for a faster and more controlled foaming process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If chemical foaming systems are used where gas is released through curing reaction, then foam structure can be formed, but the foaming process becomes slow and difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoam structure controlVSAvoidfoaming speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the gas generation function from the curing reaction by using a distinct blowing agent component. This segmentation allows independent control of foaming speed and curing rate, resolving the contradiction between foam structure control and foaming speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A blowing agent acts as an intermediary substance that provides gas for foam cell formation without being part of the curing reaction. This mediator enables fast foaming while maintaining structural control through separate mechanism action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If slow foaming process is used to achieve open-cell structure, then desirable foam structure is obtained, but unreacted components flow out from cavity site

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopen-cell foam structureVSAvoidmaterial leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By separating gas generation from curing, the invention enables rapid foam expansion that fills the cavity before material can leak, while still achieving the desired open-cell structure through controlled blowing agent decomposition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blowing agent is introduced into the mixture before application, so that gas generation occurs immediately upon contact with the wound cavity, filling it rapidly before any leakage can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Loss of substance

If fast foaming is used to prevent material leakage, then material loss is reduced, but foam structure control becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial leakageVSAvoidfoam structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The independent control mechanisms allow fast foaming through blowing agent action while curing reaction proceeds separately to establish proper foam structure, resolving the contradiction between speed and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If foam components are mixed in wound cavity, then in situ conformability is achieved, but excess foam rises over cavity edge and spreads laterally

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewound cavity conformabilityVSAvoidfoam boundary control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The rapid gas generation from the blowing agent creates immediate foam expansion that fills the cavity to its boundaries before lateral spreading can occur, maintaining precise boundary control while achieving conformability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach enables rapid stabilization of foam cell walls, improved control over foam size, and reduced leakage, facilitating better wound cavity filling and adherence during negative pressure wound therapy.

Implementation Method 1

a physical foaming process, wherein the gas required to form the foam structure is provided through the blowing agent independently of the curing reaction of the polyorganosiloxane components of the multi-component system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical foaming: Foam

Implementation Method 2

a second polyorganosiloxane, said second polyorganosiloxane comprising at least two alkenyl- and/or alkynyl groups, and at least one hydrosilylation catalyst

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrosilylation: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS10744225B2Foamed silicone in wound care

Publication Date: 2020.08.18 MOLNLYCKE HEALTH CARE AB

AI summary

A silicone foam is described that is produced in-situ at a wound site, e.g. in a wound cavity, through a multi-component system, based on a physical foaming process, wherein the gas required to form the foam structure is provided through a blowing agent independently of the curing reaction of polyorganosiloxane components of the multi-component system. Therefore, the blowing agent is provided as a distinct entity of the multi-component system that is, in particular, not the result of any chemical reaction taking place in the multi-component system. A device for producing the foam and the corresponding negative pressure wound therapy kit are also described.