Segmented Neonatal Absorbency Pad for Trauma-Free Linen Changes

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for changing neonatal bed linens in NICUs are risky, as they require physical contact and relocation of fragile infants, potentially causing trauma, intraventricular hemorrhaging, and exposure to infection due to the lack of a safe and simple way to remove soiled absorbent blankets.

Innovation Solution

A planar neonatal pad with a contact layer, absorbency layer, and waterproof barrier layer, featuring a medial perforation for easy separation into panels, allowing for the removal of soiled layers without disturbing the infant, and a pull strip mechanism for secure attachment and separation, along with handle tabs for stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If current methods for changing neonatal bed linens are used, then soiled blankets can be removed, but physical contact and relocation of fragile infants is required, causing trauma and potential intraventricular hemorrhaging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of blanket removalVSAvoidinfant trauma and hemorrhaging risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent pad is divided into a first panel and a second panel that can be separated from each other. The first panel remains in the incubator to continue providing absorbency and protecting the infant, while the second panel is removed for replacement. This segmentation eliminates the need to relocate the infant, as only the soiled panel is removed while the infant remains securely positioned on the remaining panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-layer blanket system to a multi-panel absorbent pad system with different functional layers. The pad includes a liquid-permeable first panel, a liquid-impermeable second panel, and an absorbent core layer, creating a three-dimensional structure that provides both infant protection and easy panel separation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If current methods for changing neonatal bed linens are used, then soiled blankets can be removed, but the process is complex and requires multiple staff members, reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of blanket changeVSAvoidcomplexity of change process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent pad is divided into a first panel and a second panel that can be separated from each other. The first panel remains in the incubator to continue providing absorbency and protecting the infant, while the second panel is removed for replacement. This segmentation eliminates the need to relocate the infant, as only the soiled panel is removed while the infant remains securely positioned on the remaining panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second panel is designed to be easily extracted or removed from the incubator while the first panel remains in place. This extraction capability allows for quick replacement of soiled sections without disrupting the infant's position or requiring complex multi-step procedures, thereby improving productivity while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If current methods for changing neonatal bed linens are used, then soiled blankets can be removed, but there is risk of infection exposure due to lack of safe barrier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of soiled layer removalVSAvoidinfection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first panel serves as an intermediary barrier that remains in the incubator with the infant after the second panel is removed. This first panel continues to provide a protective barrier between the infant and any potential contaminants, while allowing the soiled second panel to be removed separately without direct exposure to the infant.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-layer blanket system to a multi-panel absorbent pad system with different functional layers. The pad includes a liquid-permeable first panel, a liquid-impermeable second panel, and an absorbent core layer, creating a three-dimensional structure that provides both infant protection and easy panel separation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If minimal stimulation protocol is followed to reduce handling, then infant trauma is reduced, but there is no simple way to change bed linens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfant trauma reductionVSAvoidsimplicity of linen change

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The absorbent pad is divided into a first panel and a second panel that can be separated from each other. The first panel remains in the incubator to continue providing absorbency and protecting the infant, while the second panel is removed for replacement. This segmentation eliminates the need to relocate the infant, as only the soiled panel is removed while the infant remains securely positioned on the remaining panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The absorbent pad is designed to be self-sufficient with the first panel remaining in the incubator to continue providing absorbency and protection after the second panel is removed. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain its protective function without requiring additional intervention or relocation of the infant, simplifying the linen change process while adhering to minimal stimulation protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 reduces physical contact and trauma, minimizes the risk of intraventricular hemorrhaging and infection, and allows for safe and efficient replacement of soiled pads without relocating the infant, enhancing the care of low birth weight and unstable newborns.

Implementation Method 1

An absorbency layer positioned to underlie the bottom side of the contact layer. The absorbency layer is generally coextensive with the contact layer to receive fluids passing through the contact layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

A waterproof barrier layer having a top side and a bottom side is positioned to underlie the absorbency layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWaterproof barrier: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS9023003B1Neonatal absorbency pad and related methods

Publication Date: 2015.05.05 BRACCI JENNIFER J

AI summary

The invention is directed to a planar pad manufactured from three layers, each layer made from materials of differing properties. A contact layer being safe for a neonatal infant's skin is the top layer. The middle layer is an absorption layer positioned immediately below the contact layer. The absorption layer is of a two-part construction having a first half and a corresponding second half which abuts the first half. The absorption layer is operable for dispersing and containing fluids within the pad. The bottom layer is a waterproof barrier layer which is posited directly below the absorbency layer, preferably constructed of flashspun high-density polyethylene, and is also a two part construction. An internal pull tab maintains the pad in a single assembly. Upon removing the pull tab, the pad assembly splits into two separate assembly halves.