Fluorescent Encapsulation Inspection in Flexible Wound Sensor Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wound dressings provide limited visualization or information of the condition of the wound site beneath the dressing, leading to premature dressing changes and inadequate monitoring of wound healing, and electronic components within dressings face challenges in ensuring proper coating application and biocompatibility.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a coating material that fluoresces under UV or visible light on flexible printed circuit boards and sensor sheets, allowing for inspection and monitoring of electronic components and wound characteristics, with methods to measure fluorescence intensity and display images for precise location and integrity verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transparent coatings or adhesives are used to protect electronic components, then biocompatibility is improved, but visualization of coating application quality becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a fluorescent material to the coating or adhesive layer that causes it to emit visible light when exposed to UV or blue light. This color change effect allows the coating application quality to be easily visualized while maintaining the transparency and biocompatibility of the protective layer. The fluorescent material enables inspection of coating completeness and uniformity without compromising the protective function.
2Measurement precision
If dressings are changed frequently to monitor wound conditions, then wound healing assessment is improved, but treatment time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors within the dressing that act as intermediaries to monitor wound conditions (such as pH, temperature, or other physiological parameters) and provide objective data about wound healing progress. This allows clinicians to assess wound status without频繁ly changing dressings, reducing treatment time while maintaining accurate monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical inspection method (visual examination requiring dressing removal) with sensor-based detection systems that can monitor wound conditions through the intact dressing, eliminating the need for frequent dressing changes and associated downtime.
3Productivity
If absorbent dressings are used to full capacity, then productivity is improved, but visualization of wound status becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors within the absorbent dressing that continuously monitor wound status parameters (such as exudate composition, pH, temperature) and transmit this information externally. This allows the dressing to remain in place at full absorbent capacity while clinicians receive real-time data about wound conditions through the sensor intermediary, eliminating the need to change dressings for inspection purposes.
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 real-time monitoring of wound conditions and electronic component integrity, ensuring appropriate coating application and biocompatibility, thereby improving wound healing assessment and dressing efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
the coating material comprises a material that will fluoresce when exposed to UV or visible light
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of methods of inspection and manufacture of flexible printed circuit boards and flexible sensor sheets, and apparatuses such as wound dressing components utilizing the same. The methods can comprise applying a coating material to a flexible printed circuit board, wherein the coating material comprises a material that will fluoresce when exposed to UV or visible light and the flexible printed circuit board comprises one or more electronic components. The coated flexible printed circuit board can be positioned under UV or visible light to cause the coating material to fluoresce.