Soft Conformable Suction Adapters to Reduce Pressure Ulcers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing negative pressure wound therapy systems often require multiple steps, are uncomfortable for patients, and can cause pressure ulcers due to hard connectors, leading to complications.
Innovation Solution
The use of fluidic connectors and suction adapters that are soft and conformable, allowing for faster application and improved patient comfort, while avoiding pressure ulcers, by using flexible drapes and conduits to deliver negative pressure to the wound site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hard connectors are used to connect the wound site to the source of negative pressure, then the structural integrity and sealing capability are improved, but patient comfort deteriorates and pressure ulcers are caused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible drape made of thin film material that conforms to the patient's body contours, replacing hard connectors with a soft, flexible sealing interface that maintains structural integrity while preventing pressure ulcers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and material properties of the connector from rigid to flexible, using materials with appropriate compliance and softness to eliminate pressure-related harmful effects while maintaining sealing capability
2Reliability
If multiple steps are used in the connection process, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the application time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple connection steps into a single integrated application process, where the flexible drape is applied in one continuous motion, integrating sealing and connection functions to reduce application time while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible drape is pre-formed with appropriate dimensions and sealing characteristics, allowing it to be applied as a single unit without requiring multiple adjustment steps, thereby reducing application complexity and time
3Object-affected harmful factors
If soft and conformable connectors are used, then patient comfort and safety are improved, but the structural strength and sealing capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible drape is constructed from thin film material that provides both softness for patient comfort and sufficient structural integrity for sealing, achieving a balance between comfort and sealing capability through material selection and design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite material structures that combine flexible and sealing properties, creating a multi-layer or composite construction that provides both patient comfort and adequate sealing strength simultaneously
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 provides a more efficient and comfortable wound treatment process with fewer steps, reducing the risk of complications and enhancing patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
a conduit configured to deliver negative pressure to the wound through an aperture in the drape and through the wound packing material to the wound
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a negative pressure appliance and methods of using the same in the treatment of wounds. Some embodiments are directed to improved fluidic connectors or suction adapters for connecting to a wound site, for example using softer, kink-free conformable suction adapters.