Wound Cover Connecting Device with Penetrating Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wound covering connection devices are time-consuming to set up, require skill, and often result in a loose connection, with a risk of uneven suction or contact with the wound bed, causing discomfort and potentially disrupting healing.

Innovation Solution

A wound covering connection device featuring a base body with penetrating elements that create through openings in the cover, allowing for a simple and secure connection of a tube to the wound cover, enabling efficient suction or supply of fluids and gases without inserting parts under the cover.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a connecting element or suction head is inserted below the cover into the wound bed, then suction can be applied, but the device becomes large, requires more space, and risks contacting the wound bed causing patient discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction connection reliabilityVSAvoidpatient discomfort from wound bed contact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of inserting the suction head below the cover into the wound bed (conventional approach), the invention inverts the connection approach by attaching the connecting element to the outside of the cover. The suction is applied from the exterior side, eliminating the need for internal wound bed contact while maintaining effective suction capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element and suction mechanism are extracted from the wound bed interior and relocated to the exterior of the cover. This separation allows suction to be applied effectively without requiring physical insertion into the wound space, thereby eliminating the harmful contact with sensitive tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If conventional connecting elements are used, then suction can be applied, but creating the connection is time-consuming and requires a certain level of skill

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction connection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection setup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting element is designed with self-aligning and self-sealing features that allow automatic proper positioning and sealing when attached to the cover. The pointed penetrating elements automatically create puncture channels through the cover material without requiring manual intervention or specialized skills, enabling any operator to create a reliable connection quickly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting element is pre-configured with penetrating elements and sealing surfaces in optimal positions before use. When attached to the cover, these pre-positioned features automatically engage and create the necessary puncture channels and seals, eliminating the need for complex assembly steps or skilled manipulation during the connection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If conventional connecting elements are used, then suction can be applied, but there is often a risk that the connection is not tight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidconnection tightness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing surface of the connecting element is designed with a curved or dome-shaped geometry that conforms to the flexible cover material. This curved surface distributes sealing pressure evenly across the attachment area, creating a tight seal that maintains connection reliability even with simple attachment operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection reliability is enhanced by adding a sealing dimension through the curved sealing surface and penetrating elements that create both mechanical penetration and sealing contact. This multi-dimensional sealing approach (combining penetration depth, surface contact area, and radial compression) ensures tight connections without requiring complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Facilitates a quick, painless, and secure connection, reducing the risk of wound disturbance, allowing for even treatment over a larger area, and enabling the use of various wound closures with reduced patient discomfort and operational complexity.

Implementation Method 1

at least one penetrating element to create a through opening in the cover

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical penetration: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP2214750B1Wound cover connecting device

Publication Date: 2016.02.24 MEDELA HLDG AG

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AI summary

A wound cover connecting device for the sealing connection of a drainage tube and a wound cover covering a wound has a base body for the sealing contact on an outside of the cover. According to the invention, the device comprises at least one penetration element for producing a through-passage in the cover. Said device enables a simple, fast, and tight connection between the cover and the tube. In addition, it enables a treatment of the wound that is as uniform and has as large a surface as possible.