Shape-Adjustable Wound Dressing for Irregular Surfaces

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current wound dressings are inadequate in applying and maintaining consistent pressure, especially on irregularly shaped surfaces, and fail to easily adjust shape or pressure distribution over time.

Innovation Solution

A dressing design comprising a first component with a first shape and a second component that can be released to change the shape, using adhesives and shape memory materials to apply pressure to the skin, allowing for adjustable pressure and shape manipulation before or after application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If a dressing is designed to apply pressure to a wound, then wound healing is assisted, but the dressing cannot easily adjust pressure distribution or maintain consistent pressure on irregularly shaped surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure application to woundVSAvoidadaptability to irregular surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The dressing incorporates a component that can change shape from a first configuration to a second configuration, allowing it to dynamically adapt to irregular wound surfaces and adjust pressure distribution. This dynamic transformation enables the dressing to maintain effective pressure on complex geometries that static dressings cannot accommodate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The dressing utilizes changes in physical parameters (such as temperature-responsive shape memory materials or pH-responsive materials) to trigger shape transformation. This allows the dressing to automatically adjust its shape and pressure distribution in response to physiological conditions, providing adaptive pressure therapy for irregular surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If a dressing is designed with fixed shape, then manufacturing is simplified, but it cannot conform to complex body surfaces or adjust shape after application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedressing fabricationVSAvoidshape adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dressing is divided into multiple components: a base layer and a shape-changing component that can be separately manufactured and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for manufacturing simplicity while the combined structure provides shape adaptability when assembled and activated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dressing is manufactured in a preliminary flat or simple configuration that is easy to package and apply, then undergoes shape transformation after application to the wound. This preliminary action approach simplifies manufacturing and packaging while enabling complex shape adaptation in use through triggers like body heat or moisture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Stability of the object's composition

If a dressing maintains constant pressure, then wound stability is improved, but it cannot increase pressure over time to assist healing or adapt to inflammation subsidence

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure consistencyVSAvoidpressure adjustment over time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The dressing is designed to undergo periodic or progressive shape changes over time, allowing pressure to be adjusted at different stages of wound healing. For example, the dressing may initially provide higher pressure to close the wound, then gradually transition to a different shape that maintains appropriate pressure as inflammation subsides and the wound heals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Area of stationary object

If a dressing is designed to cover irregular surfaces, then coverage is improved, but applying and sustaining pressure becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage area on bodyVSAvoidpressure application and sustenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables easy application to complex surfaces, adjustable pressure distribution, and effective wound closure or healing assistance by changing shape post-application, reducing packaging size and improving dressing functionality.

Implementation Method 1

the component at least in part being formed of a shape memory material wherein a change in temperature of the component due to contact with the skin causes the component to take the second shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

The means for attaching the surface to the skin of the patient can comprise an adhesive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS7834232B2Shape and pressure adjustable dressing

Publication Date: 2010.11.16 OMNITEK PARTNERS LLC

AI summary

A method for applying pressure to skin with a dressing. The method including adhering at least a portion of the dressing to the skin and changing the shape of the dressing after application of the dressing to the skin wherein the changed shape applies pressure to the skin. The changing can include releasing a member from the dressing to allow the dressing to change the shape of the dressing; deforming at least a portion of the dressing to change the shape of the dressing or allowing the dressing to heat to above a transition temperature at which the dressing changes shape.