Segmented Polymer Gel Skin Protection Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skin protection devices face challenges in providing effective mechanical protection and adhesion over large areas, particularly for weakened skin, as traditional solutions can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and are prone to untimely removal, especially when the surface to be protected is large and poorly vascularized.
Innovation Solution
A skin protection device comprising a plate with a protective part made of cross-linked polymer gel for mechanical protection and an adhesive part with higher adhesive power, where the adhesive part is made of Epithélium 28 and the protective part is produced by polymerizing a mixture of dimethyl-vinyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane, trimethyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane, trimethylsiloxy-treated pyrogenic silica, and dimethyl-hydrogen-terminated co-polydimethylsiloxane-polymethyl-hydrogen-siloxane, ensuring strong adhesion without skin irritation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a relatively hard silicone gel plate is used to ensure load distribution function, then mechanical protection is improved, but adhesion to skin deteriorates and the plate cannot remain in place
Solution Approach 1:
The plate is divided into two distinct parts: a protective part made of hard silicone gel for mechanical protection and load distribution, and an adhesive part made of soft silicone gel for adhesion to the skin. This segmentation allows each part to have optimized properties for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the plate have different material properties: the protective part has high rigidity for mechanical protection, while the adhesive part has high softness and adhesion for skin contact. This local differentiation of material quality resolves the contradiction between mechanical strength and adhesion.
2Strength
If the plate thickness is increased to several millimeters to ensure sufficient load distribution, then mechanical protection is improved, but the plate edges may get caught and the plate is pulled off
Solution Approach 1:
The plate structure is segmented into a thick protective part for load distribution and thin adhesive parts for skin contact. The adhesive parts have minimal thickness (0.2-0.5mm) which prevents them from getting caught, while the protective part maintains sufficient thickness (several millimeters) for effective load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The thickness of different parts of the plate is locally optimized: the protective part has greater thickness for mechanical strength, while the adhesive parts have minimal thickness to avoid catching on objects during handling and application.
3Reliability
If traditional adhesives on polyurethane film are used to hold the plate, then adhesion is improved, but skin irritation and allergic reactions occur especially on weakened skin
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive material properties are changed from traditional polyurethane-based adhesives to silicone gel-based adhesive with different chemical composition and physical properties. This parameter change in material composition eliminates the harmful effects on weakened skin while maintaining adhesion functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive part is made of a composite silicone gel formulation that combines adhesion properties with skin compatibility. This composite material provides both the necessary adhesive strength and the gentleness required for use on weakened, poorly vascularized skin without causing irritation or allergic reactions.
4Area of stationary object
If the adhesive surface area is increased to cover large protected areas, then coverage is improved, but skin aggression increases when removing the film
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive material parameters are changed to create a softer, more compliant adhesive that can be applied over large areas without increasing skin aggression. The silicone gel formulation allows for large surface coverage while maintaining gentle removal characteristics suitable for weakened skin.
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 device effectively protects large areas of skin with enhanced adhesion, reducing the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions, while allowing easy removal and reuse, maintaining tissue microcirculation and preventing bedsores by distributing pressure and reducing friction.
Implementation Method 1
the polymer gel forming the adhesive part having an adhesive power greater than that forming the protective part to hold the plate on the area to be protected
Implementation Method 2
distributing pressure and reducing friction
Implementation Method 3
reducing friction
Data Source
AI summary
A device for protecting an area of skin of a human body includes a plate. The plate includes a first face covered by an external layer and a second face opposite the external layer. The second face is configured to be applied onto an area of skin to be protected. The plate also includes a protective part made of a polymer gel and at least one adhesive part made of a polymer gel. The protective part is configured to ensure mechanical protection of the area to be protected and the adhesive part is configured to come into contact with the skin. The adhesive part has an adhesive power greater than an adhesive power of the protective layer to hold the plate on the area to be protected.