Siloxane Wound Dressing for Adaptable Geometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wound dressings are inflexible and cannot be adjusted to fit varying wound geometries, leading to potential contamination and increased adherence to the wound bed, which can hinder healing and increase the risk of maceration.

Innovation Solution

A wound dressing comprising a siloxane-containing polyurethane foam or siloxane-functionalized polyurethane foam wound contact layer and a hydrophilic foam layer, which can be adapted in size and shape using common cutting tools, reducing adherence and allowing for effective drainage of fibrin and inflammatory deposits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional wound dressings are used with standardized sizes, then manufacturing and application are simplified, but the dressings cannot be adapted to varying wound geometries leading to potential contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestandardized sizeVSAvoidadaptability to wound geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wound dressing is designed with a multi-layer structure where the hydrophilic foam layer can be dynamically adjusted in size and shape by the user to match the specific wound geometry. This dynamic adaptability allows the dressing to conform to various wound shapes while maintaining the simplicity of standardized manufacturing for the base structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The dressing utilizes a flexible hydrophilic foam layer that can be easily cut and shaped using common cutting tools. This flexible structure allows the dressing to adapt to different wound geometries while maintaining structural integrity and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional wound dressings are cut to fit wound geometry, then adaptability is improved, but the outer layer is damaged and SAP particles may leak contaminating the wound

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize adjustmentVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wound dressing employs a flexible hydrophilic foam outer layer that is designed to be cut and shaped without compromising its protective function. This layer acts as a containment barrier that remains intact even after cutting, preventing SAP particle leakage and wound contamination while allowing customization to fit various wound geometries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The dressing uses a composite structure with multiple layers including a hydrophilic foam layer that combines the benefits of flexibility for cutting with the protective function of containing SAP particles. This composite material approach ensures that the outer layer maintains its integrity and protective properties even after being cut to size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If silicone strips are applied locally to prevent adhesion, then adhesion control is achieved, but the adhesion is highly dependent on hydration level and limited to localized areas

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion controlVSAvoidcoverage area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrophilic foam layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides moisture management, acts as a barrier layer, and offers widespread adhesion control across the entire dressing surface. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for localized silicone strips and provides comprehensive adhesion control that is not limited by hydration levels or application area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If fluid-retaining pads with SAP are used, then fluid retention and debridement are improved, but the particles must be bound within a pad structure limiting flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedebridement effectVSAvoidpad structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dressing incorporates superabsorbent polymer particles distributed within the hydrophilic foam layer, providing localized fluid retention and debridement capabilities where needed. This approach maintains the effective debridement function while eliminating the need for a complex pre-formed pad structure, allowing greater flexibility and simplicity in the overall dressing design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 adaptable dressing minimizes adherence to the wound bed, reduces maceration risk, and maintains effective debridement capabilities, allowing for extended wear without trauma or odor issues, while maintaining antimicrobial properties.

Implementation Method 1

a wound contact layer which comprises a siloxane-containing polyurethane foam or a siloxane-functionalized polyurethane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSiloxane surface properties:

Implementation Method 2

a hydrophilic layer which comprises a hydrophilic foam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrophilic absorption: Hydrophile

Implementation Method 3

a hydrophilic layer which comprises a hydrophilic foam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 4

joining the layers preferably comprises bonding with an adhesive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 5

ultrasonic welding in a continuous lamination process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic welding: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 6

or a thermobonding process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermobonding: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3842075B1Siloxane-containing wound dressing

Publication Date: 2023.06.07 PAUL HARTMANN AG

Figure 1~3

AI summary

The invention relates to a wound dressing, which is preferably suitable for wound treatment in moist or wet environments. The wound dressing comprises (a) a wound contact layer comprising a siloxane-containing polyurethane foam, a siloxane-functionalized polyurethane, and (b) a hydrophilic layer comprising a hydrophilic foam. The wound dressing is preferably modifiable, i.e., adaptable to the wound.