Hernia Mesh Edge Fraying Prevention via Silicone Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implants for closing wounds or hernias risk causing tissue damage due to fraying of textile edges, leading to microcracks and inflammation when inserted into the body.
Innovation Solution
The implant features a closed outer edge, achieved by folding over the material's edge and optionally applying a silicone layer, ensuring a uniform and rounded structure that prevents fraying and minimizes tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the implant is made of textile material, then it provides flexibility and adaptability for wound closure, but the outer edges fray causing tissue damage and inflammation
Solution Approach 1:
A silicone layer is applied as an intermediary substance on the outer edges of the textile implant. This silicone coating acts as a protective mediator that prevents direct contact between the fraying textile fibers and the body tissue, thereby eliminating tissue damage and inflammation while preserving the textile's flexibility and adaptability for wound closure
Solution Approach 2:
The textile implant edges are covered with a thin silicone film that conforms to the flexible nature of the underlying textile material. This thin film protective layer prevents edge fraying and tissue damage while maintaining the overall flexibility and adaptability of the implant for various wound geometries
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the outer edge is folded over to create a closed edge, then tissue damage is prevented, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The textile material edges are folded over and secured in advance during the manufacturing process, creating a closed edge structure before the implant is sterilized and packaged. This preliminary action prevents edge fraying and tissue damage while establishing a simple, repeatable manufacturing step that does not significantly increase overall process complexity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a silicone layer is applied to the outer edge, then fraying is prevented and tissue safety is improved, but the manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The silicone layer is applied using a dip-coating or spray-coating process that controls the thickness and coverage parameters of the silicone application. By optimizing these parameters, the silicone can be applied in a single continuous step that prevents fraying and improves tissue safety without requiring multiple separate manufacturing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The implant combines two materials with complementary properties: the textile substrate provides flexibility and adaptability for wound closure, while the silicone coating provides edge protection and tissue safety. This composite structure integrates two functions into a single manufactured product, where the silicone layer is applied as part of the standard manufacturing process rather than as a separate added step
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 solution significantly reduces the risk of wound complications by preventing microcracks and ensuring safe insertion and integration with human tissue, while also allowing for cost-effective production and effective adaptation to hernia sites.
Implementation Method 1
it is also possible to provide the outer edge of the layer element with a silicone layer
Implementation Method 2
the material of the layered element is folded over in the area of the outer edge
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The implant (1) has a vertically extending middle bar (2) including a lower free outer edge (4), and two wing bars (3) including a free outer edge (5), where the bars are made of a textile material. The outer edges include a closed edge in a section, where fiber ends are not exposed at the closed edge. The lower free outer edge is provided with a silicone layer. The outer edges have a rounded cross section. The implant is folded from a net-like textile planar material. The bars have layers by folding the planar material, where the layers are fixed to each other by thermofixing and/or gluing. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional implant.