Silicone-Coated Openwork Frame for Thin Absorbent Wound Dressing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adhesive absorbent dressings for chronic or acute wounds face challenges in being thin, breathable, and cohesive, while avoiding liquid leakage and maceration, and are difficult to manufacture due to complex material choices and arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A dressing comprising an absorbent nonwoven attached to a breathable impermeable support with an openwork frame coated in adhesive silicone gel, along with a non-absorbent veil and complementary nonwoven, which are fixed peripherally without direct attachment to the absorbent nonwoven, ensuring breathability and cohesion without using acrylic adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a very thick foam is used to increase absorption capacity, then the dressing becomes very absorbent, but the thickness increases and the dressing becomes less conformable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and composition parameters by using an air-laid nonwoven compress with superabsorbent particles instead of traditional foam material, achieving high absorption capacity in a thinner profile that remains conformable to wound surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining an air-laid nonwoven compress containing superabsorbent particles with a breathable waterproof support, achieving both high absorption capacity and thin conformable design through material composition rather than increased thickness
2Strength
If an acrylic adhesive is used to attach the compress to the support, then the compress is securely fixed, but the adhesive can damage fragile periwound skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the acrylic adhesive layer entirely from the dressing structure, replacing it with a silicone adhesive border that provides secure attachment without the harmful effects on fragile periwound skin
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the adhesive material parameter from acrylic to silicone, which has different chemical properties that are gentler on skin while maintaining adequate attachment strength for securing the dressing
3Strength
If the silicone adhesive covers the entire surface of the dressing, then the attachment is maximized, but the breathability and absorption capacity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies silicone adhesive only to the border or edge portions of the dressing rather than the entire surface, creating local adhesive zones that provide secure attachment while leaving the central absorbent areas exposed and functional
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the adhesive function from the absorbent function by placing adhesive only at the borders, separating the attachment role from the wound contact and absorption zones to maintain both secure fixation and high absorption capacity
4Length of stationary object
If a nonwoven compress is used to replace foam, then the dressing becomes thinner, but the compress may disintegrate and increase in volume requiring wrapping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite nonwoven structure combining cellulose fibers with superabsorbent particles and binders, achieving both thin profile and structural integrity that prevents disintegration during use while allowing controlled expansion during absorption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a breathable waterproof support film that encapsulates the thin nonwoven compress, providing structural containment and preventing disintegration while allowing the compress to expand during absorption without requiring additional wrapping
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 results in a very thin, flexible, and highly absorbent dressing that remains cohesive both dry and wet, with improved manufacturing ease and compatibility with fragile periwound skin, reducing the risk of liquid leakage and maceration.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent nonwoven (6), in which the absorbency is due to the presence of superabsorbent particles
Implementation Method 2
The absorbent nonwoven (6) is a material known to those skilled in the art, in particular a nonwoven comprising cellulose fibres and superabsorbent particles
Implementation Method 3
a protective support impermeable to fluids and permeable to water vapour... permeable to water vapor so as to prevent contact of the wound with liquids and bacteria
Implementation Method 4
a non-absorbent veil (5) and a complementary nonwoven (7) which are fixed to each other on their periphery by wrapping said absorbent nonwoven... the non-absorbent veil sticks to the adhesive silicone gel coated on said reinforcement
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to an absorbent dressing comprising an adhesive silicone-coated side strip, which is particularly suitable for use in the care of chronic wounds, such as ulcers or eschars, or acute wounds, such as burns. The absorbent dressing includes a breathable impermeable substrate (4) and an absorbent non-woven fabric (6). The substrate is formed by assembling a continuous film (4a) and an openwork reinforcement that is coated with an adhesive silicone gel (4b) without blocking the openings in the reinforcement. A non-absorbent web (5) is secured to a complementary non-woven fabric (7), such as to encase the above-mentioned absorbent non-woven fabric (6) without being secured at any point to the latter. The encased absorbent non-woven fabric is subsequently assembled to the substrate (4) along part of the said silicone-coated surface of the substrate.