Integrated Wound Dressing Electronics with Translucent Film Enclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) systems face challenges in incorporating a negative pressure source and electronic components into wound dressings due to moisture issues and the cumbersome nature of remote pumps and tubing, making it difficult to position and hide these components comfortably on patients.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a negative pressure source and electronic components directly into the wound dressing, using a flexible film enclosure with translucent or transparent materials that allow light transmission for UV curing of adhesives and inspection, and a pump exhaust mechanism with a non-return valve and filter to maintain negative pressure and prevent fluid ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote negative pressure source is used, then the pump can be positioned away from the wound site, but the system becomes cumbersome and difficult to position and hide in patient clothing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the negative pressure source directly into the wound dressing structure, merging previously separate components (remote pump, tubing, and dressing) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for separate remote pumping equipment and tubing connections, making the system more compact and easier to position on patients while reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If electronic components are incorporated into the wound dressing, then the system becomes more integrated and convenient, but moisture from the wound makes it difficult to protect the electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible waterproof membrane or coating that seals around the electronic components within the wound dressing. This flexible barrier protects the electronics from wound moisture and exudate while allowing the dressing to maintain its flexibility and conformability to the wound site, thus preserving both protection and integration.
3Ease of manufacture
If a flexible film enclosure with translucent material is used, then light can travel through to reach adhesives for UV curing and inspection, but the material selection becomes more constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies translucent or transparent material specifically to the portions of the flexible film enclosure where UV light needs to pass through for adhesive curing and inspection. Other portions of the enclosure can use different materials optimized for their specific functions, such as higher barrier properties or flexibility. This localized approach to material selection allows UV accessibility where needed while maintaining overall design flexibility.
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 solution enables a more convenient, comfortable, and effective NPWT system by eliminating the need for remote pumps and tubing, allowing for easier positioning and reducing moisture-related issues, while ensuring the integrity and functionality of the wound dressing.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible film enclosure with translucent or transparent materials that allow light transmission for UV curing of adhesives and inspection
Implementation Method 2
negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) systems... placing a cover... and connecting a source of negative pressure (such as a vacuum pump) to the cover in a manner so that negative pressure is created and maintained under the cover
Implementation Method 3
simultaneously removing excess fluid, which may contain adverse cytokines and/or bacteria
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a wound treatment apparatus with electronic components integrated within a wound dressing. In some embodiments, a wound dressing apparatus can comprise a wound dressing. The wound dressing can comprise an absorbent material, an electronics unit comprising a negative pressure source, the electronics unit integrated within the wound dressing and at least partially encapsulated by a flexible film. The electronics unit can include translucent or transparent components that allow light to travel through to reach adhesives or coatings on the electronic components that would otherwise be obscured.