Portable Wound Dressing With Integrated Exudate Collection and Vacuum

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing TNP therapy systems are bulky, costly, and require complex apparatus that are not suitable for easy mobility outside a hospital environment, with issues in wound exudate collection and pump maintenance leading to contamination and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A wound dressing with integrated absorbent and pumping capabilities that collects and stores exudate, using a microporous membrane to separate gases and liquids, eliminating the need for a separate therapy unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate therapy unit with pump and canister is used for TNP therapy, then wound exudate collection and negative pressure generation are effective, but the system becomes bulky, costly, and unsuitable for mobility outside hospital environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewound exudate collection effectivenessVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pump, absorbent layer, and exudate collection canister into a single integrated wound dressing unit. The pump is positioned in fluid communication with the absorbent layer, which directly contacts the wound, while the canister is integrated into the same structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate therapy units, making the system portable and suitable for home use while maintaining effective exudate collection and negative pressure generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wound dressing is designed to perform multiple functions within a single device: it provides negative pressure therapy through the integrated pump, collects and stores exudate in the integrated canister, and maintains a sealed environment around the wound. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required separate hospital-based equipment, enabling patients to receive TNP therapy outside the hospital environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a separate therapy unit with waste canister is used, then exudate collection is effective, but the apparatus becomes heavy and requires specialist knowledge to operate and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexudate collectionVSAvoidoperation and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pump and canister are integrated into the wound dressing itself rather than being separate components. This integration simplifies the overall system, making it easier to operate as a single unit and reducing maintenance requirements. The compact integrated design eliminates complex connections and interfaces that would require specialist knowledge to manage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Stress or pressure

If a separate therapy unit is used for TNP therapy, then negative pressure can be applied effectively, but the apparatus is not adapted for easy mobility outside hospital environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenegative pressure applicationVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pump is integrated directly into the wound dressing, eliminating the need for a separate heavy therapy unit. This integration dramatically reduces the overall weight and size of the system, making it portable and suitable for use outside the hospital environment while maintaining effective negative pressure application to the wound.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Stress or pressure

If complex apparatus with separate pump and canister is used, then TNP therapy can be provided, but the system is costly and requires specialist knowledge

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenegative pressure therapyVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the pump, absorbent layer, and canister into a single wound dressing unit, dramatically simplifying the overall apparatus structure. This integrated design reduces the number of separate components and connections required, making the system less costly and easier to use while maintaining effective negative pressure therapy capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Provides a portable, cost-effective, and hygienic solution for wound healing by integrating exudate collection and negative pressure generation in a disposable dressing, reducing contamination risks and system complexity.

Implementation Method 1

using a microporous membrane to separate gases and liquids

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicroporous membrane separation: Semipermeable Membrane

Implementation Method 2

an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12491121B2Wound dressing

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 SMITH & NEPHEW PLC

AI summary

A method and apparatus are disclosed for dressing a wound. The apparatus comprises an absorbent layer for absorbing wound exudate, a liquid impermeable, gas permeable filter layer over the absorbent layer, a cover layer comprising at least one orifice and a first liquid and gas permeable transmission layer underlying the absorbent layer. The transmission layer is in fluid communication with the filter layer.