Microfiber Wound Care Item for Negative Pressure Therapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wound care articles for negative pressure therapy become stiff under applied pressure, causing discomfort and potential wound irritation, and require time-consuming customization to fit the wound shape.

Innovation Solution

A wound care article featuring an active element with microfibers that maintains softness under negative pressure, combined with a gas-tight wound covering and an absorption body with superabsorbent polymers to manage wound secretions, eliminating the need for precise cutting and enhancing comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional open-cell polymer foam is used for negative pressure therapy, then the wound care article provides structural support and absorption capacity, but the foam stiffens considerably under negative pressure causing patient discomfort and potential wound irritation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural supportVSAvoidpatient discomfort and wound irritation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from conventional open-cell polymer foam to microfiber material, which maintains softness and flexibility under negative pressure while providing sufficient structural support. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by selecting a material whose mechanical properties remain favorable under the applied negative pressure conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The wound care article uses a composite structure combining microfiber material with a film layer and adhesive components. The microfiber layer provides flexibility and comfort, while the composite structure as a whole maintains structural integrity and support under negative pressure, resolving the contradiction between softness and structural support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Quantity of substance

If conventional foam is used for negative pressure therapy, then the wound care article provides adequate absorption capacity, but it requires time-consuming cutting to size according to the wound shape before application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabsorption capacityVSAvoidapplication time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The microfiber material is pre-formed into a ready-to-use configuration that can be directly applied to the wound without requiring cutting or shaping. This preliminary preparation of the material in an appropriate form factor eliminates the time-consuming cutting step while maintaining adequate absorption capacity for wound secretions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material form from foam that requires cutting to microfiber material that can be directly applied. This parameter change in material form and structure allows the absorption capacity to be maintained while eliminating the time-consuming preparation step of cutting to size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides increased wearing comfort, reduces the risk of wound irritation, and streamlines the application process by maintaining softness and cushioning properties, while effectively managing wound secretions and promoting healing through controlled negative pressure.

Implementation Method 1

In negative pressure therapy for wound healing, application of negative pressure to the wound is intended to facilitate or accelerate wound closure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

A pump is used to generate a controlled, locally limited negative pressure in a wound, thereby accelerating the healing process in chronic wounds

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Vacuum

Implementation Method 3

wound secretion is sucked out, which cleans the wound, existing wound edema is reduced and blood circulation in the wound is promoted by the negative pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 4

an absorption body with superabsorbent polymers to manage wound secretions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP2593058B1Wound care item for treating a wound using negative pressure and containing microfibers
Publication Date: 2018.03.07 BSN MEDICAL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2593058B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2593058B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2593058B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a wound care item (100) for treating a wound using negative pressure, comprising: an active element (103) comprising microfibers, and a device (104) by means of which substances present in the wound (101) can be aspirated, and to the use of such a wound care item (100) in vacuum therapy for treating chronic wounds.