Segmented Stiffening Layer for Adhesive Film Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wound dressings with adhesive plastic films face challenges in application due to wrinkling, self-adhesion, and difficulty in removing the stiffening frame without disturbing the film, especially on uneven body parts, leading to increased risk of failure and leakage.

Innovation Solution

A device with a stiffening layer divided into two regions and equipped with grip handles allows for simultaneous removal in opposite directions, eliminating the risk of film lift and facilitating application on uneven surfaces by using a soft, flexible, and stretchable material like polymeric foam, which conforms to body shapes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a stiffening layer is used to facilitate handling of thin adhesive film, then the film becomes easier to handle and apply, but the stiffening layer must be removed after application which risks lifting and wrinkling the film

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling of thin adhesive filmVSAvoidrisk of film lift and wrinkle during removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The stiffening layer is divided into two separate regions (first and second regions) that can be removed independently in opposite directions. This segmentation allows each region to be pulled away without creating excessive stress on the film, thereby eliminating the risk of film lifting and wrinkling that occurs with traditional single-piece stiffening layers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of removing the stiffening layer in one direction around the periphery, the invention allows removal in two opposite directions simultaneously. By inverting the removal approach from circular/peripheral to linear/opposite-direction, the film is pulled away from the stiffening layer in a controlled manner that prevents lifting and wrinkling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Productivity

If a traditional stiffening frame is drawn all around the film periphery for removal, then complete removal is achieved, but the process is time consuming and creates uncontrolled removal that may disturb the applied film

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval timeVSAvoidcontrol of removal process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The stiffening layer is segmented into two regions with grip handles positioned on opposite sides. This allows the user to grasp and pull both regions simultaneously in opposite directions, achieving complete removal in a single swift motion rather than the time-consuming peripheral drawing method, while maintaining precise control over the removal process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Grip handles are pre-positioned on the stiffening layer in areas adjacent to the fictitious line, allowing the user to immediately grasp and remove the stiffening layer without needing to navigate around the periphery. This preliminary positioning of removal points accelerates the process and ensures controlled removal from the start

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If rigid stiffening materials like paper or plastic films are used, then structural support is provided, but the material cannot conform to uneven body parts creating folds and application failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestiffness of stiffening layerVSAvoidconformability to uneven body parts

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The stiffening layer is made from elastomeric material that changes its physical parameters - it provides stiffness when flat and unstretched for handling, but becomes flexible and conformable when stretched over uneven body parts. This parameter change allows the material to adapt to different body surfaces while maintaining its stiffening function during application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If thin adhesive plastic film is used without stiffening layer, then the film is flexible and conforms to body parts, but the film wrinkles and adheres to itself making it very difficult to handle and apply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and conformability of filmVSAvoidhandling difficulty of thin adhesive film

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The stiffening layer is divided into two regions that can be independently removed, allowing the thin adhesive film to remain flexible and conformable to body parts while the segmented stiffening layer provides temporary handling support that is easily and cleanly removed without disturbing the film

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2373269B1Device for facilitating application of a plastic film to skin

Publication Date: 2014.05.07 MOLNLYCKE HEALTH CARE AB

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AI summary

A device for facilitating application of a plastic film (1) to skin, said plastic film being a component in a wound dressing or other medical article, comprising a stiffening layer (2) removably attached to one side of said film. Two grip handles (6,7) are arranged on the stiffening layer (2), which is divided in two regions (21,22), arranged on opposite side of a fictitious line crossing over the film. A first one (6) of said grip handles (6,7) is fastened on one (21) of said regions (21,22) of the stiffening layer in at least parts (61,62) of an elongated area and the rest of said grip handle is free and extends from said elongated area over said one region (21) of the stiffening layer with its centre line (67) in a first direction towards one end of the film. The other grip handle (7) is arranged in the same way on the other (22) of said regions of the stiffening layer and extends in an opposite direction to the first grip handle.