Multi-layered fabric
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bed pads for treating decubitus ulcers face issues with fluid retention leading to blocked air circulation, difficulty in cleaning, and increased humidity, which hinder healing and cause discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered fabric with a permeable first layer, an impermeable second layer, and a third layer of interconnected fibers allowing vertical airflow, designed to collect and evaporate fluid while providing pressure relief and easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fluid absorptive materials (foam or hydrophilic treated fibres) are used to retain fluid within internal spaces, then fluid absorption capacity is improved, but humidity level adjacent to the skin increases and fluid may leak from the pad when placed under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The pad is divided into multiple functional layers: a fluid distribution layer with hydrophobic materials that prevent fluid absorption, an intermediate layer with capillary channels for fluid transport, and an absorptive layer that collects fluid away from the skin. This segmentation allows fluid to be moved through the pad structure without increasing humidity at the skin interface.
Solution Approach 2:
A hydrophobic intermediate layer with capillary channels acts as a mediator between the skin-contact layer and the absorptive layer. This intermediary structure transports fluid away from the skin through capillary action while maintaining a dry interface with the skin, preventing humidity buildup.
2Quantity of substance
If multi-layered material structures with densely packed internal spaces are used to absorb and retain exudates, then fluid retention is improved, but air flow from aerating the wound is blocked and cleaning difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different layers of the pad have different properties: the skin-contact layer is hydrophobic and non-absorptive to maintain dryness, the intermediate layer has open capillary channels for both air and fluid transport, and the absorptive layer has high absorption capacity. This local differentiation allows simultaneous fluid retention and air flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate layer uses porous materials with controlled capillary channel structures that allow air to pass through for wound aeration while directing fluid through capillary action to the absorptive layer. The porosity is engineered to differentiate between gas and liquid transport.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fluid absorptive materials are used to manage moisture, then moisture management is improved, but washing and drying difficulty increases due to fluid absorption rendering the material heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The pad separates moisture management functions across different layers: the hydrophobic skin-contact layer repels moisture and does not absorb fluid, the intermediate layer transports fluid through capillary channels, and only the absorptive layer at the bottom absorbs and retains fluid. This segmentation means most of the pad structure remains lightweight and easy to wash.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using absorptive materials at the skin-contact layer (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by using hydrophobic materials at the skin interface and placing absorptive materials at the opposite end of the fluid transport path. This inversion prevents fluid saturation of the bulk material, maintaining ease of washing and drying.
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 fabric effectively manages fluid and humidity, promoting airflow and evaporation to prevent bacterial growth, facilitating wound healing and reducing patient discomfort while being easy to clean and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
a third sublayer made of a permeable material, the third sublayer including a plurality of fibers interconnecting the first sublayer with the second sublayer for allowing an airflow between the first and second sublayers
Implementation Method 2
the first and second sublayers comprise bristles protruding from a first sublayer surface and a second sublayer surface for providing frictional engagement with the bristles of an adjacent sublayer
Implementation Method 3
The fabric effectively manages fluid and humidity, promoting airflow and evaporation to prevent bacterial growth
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
There is provided a multi-layered fabric including at least one first layer and at least one second layer made of impermeable material disposed in parallel and secured to the at least one first layer. The at least one first layer includes a first sublayer made of permeable material and a second sublayer made of permeable material, and a third sublayer located between the first and the second sublayers. The third sublayer includes a plurality of fibers interconnecting the first sublayer with the second sublayer for allowing an airflow between the first and second sublayers,