Hydrogel Wound Dressing With Apertured Screen Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wound dressings with continuous hydrogel layers have limited liquid absorption rates, leading to liquid pooling and leakage, and vacuum dressings compromise on the advantages of continuous hydrogel layers by introducing apertures or air-permeability.

Innovation Solution

A wound dressing with an air-impermeable backing sheet, an air-permeable screen layer, and a substantially air-impermeable hydrogel layer that creates a pressure differential to enhance liquid absorption, using a suction source to draw liquid through the hydrogel layer without directly applying reduced pressure to the wound surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a continuous hydrogel wound contacting layer is used, then adhesion to wound surface is low, but liquid absorption rate is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion to wound surfaceVSAvoidliquid absorption rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The dressing is divided into functionally distinct layers: a continuous hydrogel wound contacting layer for low adhesion and wound interaction, an apertured intermediate layer for rapid liquid transport, and a backing layer for structural support. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-layer continuous hydrogel structure to a multi-layer architecture with vertical differentiation. The apertured intermediate layer introduces a new dimensional approach to liquid transport, moving liquid rapidly from the wound surface through the hydrogel layer via capillary action in the apertures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If apertures are introduced in hydrogel layer, then liquid permeability is improved, but advantages of continuous hydrogel layer are impaired

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid permeabilityVSAvoidcontinuous layer benefits

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the dressing have different properties optimized for their specific functions. The hydrogel wound contacting layer maintains continuity for optimal wound interaction, while the intermediate layer has apertures for rapid liquid transport. Each layer's local structure matches its functional requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If vacuum is applied to wound surface, then wound healing is accelerated, but continuous hydrogel layer advantages are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewound healing rateVSAvoidcontinuous hydrogel layer performance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The apertured intermediate layer acts as a mediator between the continuous hydrogel wound contacting layer and the vacuum source. It allows vacuum pressure to be transmitted effectively to accelerate healing while preserving the integrity and continuous structure of the hydrogel layer that provides optimal wound interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The dressing is divided into functionally distinct layers: a continuous hydrogel wound contacting layer for low adhesion and wound interaction, an apertured intermediate layer for rapid liquid transport and vacuum transmission, and a backing layer for structural support. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 dressing absorbs liquid from exuding wounds faster than previous continuous hydrogel dressings, reducing leakage and maceration, while maintaining the benefits of a continuous hydrogel layer without the drawbacks of apertures or air-permeability.

Implementation Method 1

creates a pressure differential to enhance liquid absorption, using a suction source to draw liquid through the hydrogel layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The dressing absorbs liquid from exuding wounds faster than previous continuous hydrogel dressings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS8992509B2Hydrogel wound dressing for use with suction

Publication Date: 2015.03.31 KCI USA INC

AI summary

A wound dressing comprising: an air-impermeable backing sheet having an aperture for attachment of a suction element; an air-permeable screen layer on a wound facing side of the backing sheet; and a substantially air-impermeable hydrogel layer extending across a wound facing side of said screen layer and joined in substantially airtight fashion to a periphery of said backing sheet around said screen layer. Also provided is a wound treatment system comprising a wound dressing according to the invention and a source of suction in fluid communication with said aperture.