Samenvatting

The number of people suffering from chronic wounds is developing into a seriousmedical problem causing high burden on patients, healthcare system and the societyas a whole. Patients suffering from the diseases are severely impaired in theirquality of life and the treatment measures create high costs to the healthcare systemand society. To overcome this problem, the development of new therapy methodsis necessary.A prototype of an intelligent textile wound dressing system with integrated LEDs isbeing developed in order to accelerate the healing process of chronic wounds. Establishedjoining techniques are selected, which connect the multilayer structure ofthe wound dressing and multiple material compositions are tested to enable sufficientmechanical, thermal and optical properties of the overall system.Based on the VDI 2221 guideline, two experiments are carried out. First the mechanicalproperties of the joints are examined, in terms of drapability. The wounddressing contains two connections, a temporary one and a long-term connection.Sewing, adhesive bonding and hook and loop fasteners are applied and tested asconnection methods. A further experiment examines the influence of the materialcomposition on the mechanical, thermal and optical properties of the overall system.None of the tested material compositions as well as joints fulfil the mechanicalproperties of conventional wound dressings. The most sufficient drape of the jointis enabled by a continuous sewn zigzag stitch combined with a hook and loop fasteningin the edges of the layers. Based on optical tests, the light distribution andtransmittance of the overall system could be measured and evaluated. Both thedistribution and transmittance proved insufficient. The thermal tests showed a criticalheat development of the wound dressing after a short period of use. Weakpoints of thermal and optical measuring methods are identified and suggestions forimprovements are worked out.