Transparent Polymer Sheet for Direct Wound Contour Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recording and transferring the image of wounds or openings in tissue to ostomy, fistula, or wound treatment appliances often result in mirror images, which are unusable, and are laborious and inaccurate, especially for asymmetric and irregular contours.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a transparent polymer sheet with a wound-facing surface and an adhesive-covered surface for tracing and transferring the contours directly to the appliance, avoiding mirror images by marking on the non-skin-facing surface and using a protective layer to prevent smudging, with a non-adhesive central portion for marking and adhesive edges for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transparent sheets are used for recording wound contours, then the recording process is simplified, but mirror images are produced which are unusable for appliance customization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by marking the wound contour on the front surface of the transparent sheet while the sheet is still attached to the wound, rather than marking on the back surface. This reverses the conventional approach and eliminates the mirror image problem, allowing direct transfer of the correct orientation contour to the appliance wafer.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard wafers are used for ostomy appliances, then manufacturing is simplified, but they do not meet the specific needs of individual patients with unique anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by recording the wound contour on the transparent sheet while it is still attached to the patient's body, before removing the sheet. This preliminary recording ensures the contour is captured in the correct orientation and can be directly transferred to the wafer, enabling customization without compromising manufacturing efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the aperture in the wafer is customized for each patient, then the anatomical fit is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by using the transparent sheet as a template that directly transfers the wound contour to the wafer. The sheet acts as a physical copy of the wound shape, allowing the contour to be transferred and the aperture cut without complex measurement and calculation processes, thus reducing manufacturing time while maintaining customization.
4Loss of information
If wound contours are recorded using conventional methods, then the process is documented, but the transfer of the image to the appliance is inaccurate and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the recording and transfer functions into a single integrated process. The transparent sheet serves both as the recording medium and as the transfer template, eliminating the need for separate documentation and transfer steps. This reduces labor and improves accuracy by maintaining the contour information in its original form throughout the process.
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 accurate and simplified transfer of wound contours to the appliance, ensuring a snug fit and reducing the risk of skin maceration, while improving precision and ease of use by allowing direct cutting based on the recorded contours without redrawing.
Implementation Method 1
the edge portion wherein the edge portion is provided with an adhesive layer
Data Source
AI summary
A device for recording and transferring the contours of a wound or opening in tissue of a human being to an adhesive wafer of a wound appliance is provided. The device includes a transparent polymer sheet having a first and a second surface, the first surface being non-adhesive and facing the wound or opening and the second surface having a central portion and an edge portion, with the edge portion being provided with an adhesive layer. The device is placed over the wound or opening and the contours are traced on the central portion of the device. The adhesive layer on the second surface is then adhered to the wafer so that the drawn image contacts the wafer and is directly imparted to the wafer.