Skeleton Support Structure for Negative-Pressure Dressing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current negative-pressure therapy systems for tissue treatment lack efficient support structures for dressings, leading to difficulties in application and increased waste due to folding issues, which can compromise the effectiveness and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a skeleton support structure integrated into the dressing assembly, comprising a semi-rigid or malleable framework that is removably coupled to the dressing, providing support during application and handling while maintaining a seal at the tissue site without weakening the adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible dressing is used for negative-pressure therapy, then the dressing can conform to the tissue site, but the dressing folds over during handling and application
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into a flange support portion and a projection support portion, with the projection portion further segmented into longitudinal and lateral supports. This segmentation allows each segment to provide targeted support at critical folding locations while maintaining overall flexibility for tissue conformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The dressing assembly combines a flexible dressing material with a semi-rigid support structure made of different material properties. This composite construction allows the dressing to maintain flexibility for conformability while the support structure provides rigidity to prevent folding during handling.
2Volume of moving object
If the dressing material is made thinner to reduce profile, then patient comfort improves, but the dressing becomes more prone to folding
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure extends into a third dimension with a projection portion that rises above the flange. This vertical dimension provides structural support to prevent folding while keeping the horizontal profile thin for patient comfort. The longitudinal and lateral supports create a three-dimensional framework that stabilizes the thin dressing material.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is strategically positioned at specific locations where folding is most likely to occur, rather than uniformly distributing support across the entire dressing. The longitudinal and lateral supports are placed at critical stress points to provide localized reinforcement where needed most.
3Reliability
If adhesive strength is increased to improve seal reliability, then the seal becomes more reliable, but removal of support structure becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed to be removably coupled to the dressing, allowing it to be extracted after the dressing is applied. The adhesive is applied only to the flange support portion, which remains on the dressing, while the projection support portion can be removed. This extraction principle allows the support to be taken out when no longer needed, solving the removal difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling between the support structure and dressing transitions from a static permanent bond to a dynamic removable connection. The adhesive provides initial bonding for application, but the design allows for controlled removal of the projection support portion after application, adapting the connection state based on the operational phase.
4Ease of operation
If a rigid support structure is added to prevent folding, then handling ease improves, but the dressing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into essential components (flange support and projection support with longitudinal and lateral elements) rather than adding a complete rigid framework. This segmentation provides the minimum necessary support to prevent folding while avoiding unnecessary structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after use, eliminating the need for complex removal mechanisms or reusable designs. This allows for a simpler, more effective support structure without the complexity of making it reusable or adjustable.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments may relate to dressings, covers, and/or drapes configured to provide negative-pressure therapy to a tissue site, such as an incision. In some embodiments, the drape or cover may have an external support layer configured to render the cover or drape self-supporting. In some embodiments, the support layer may comprise a skeleton support structure having a plurality of coupled supports. In some embodiments, the skeleton support structure may be non-planar, for example having abase portion configured to support the cover and a projection portion configured to extend over the manifold of the dressing at a height above the base portion. In some embodiments, the skeleton support structure may be removably coupled to an outer surface of the cover or drape, allowing removal after the dressing has been applied to the tissue site.