Adaptive Undergarment for Ostomates with Segmented Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current garments for ostomates do not facilitate range of motion, thermoregulation, or provide a comfortable and discreet solution for managing ostomy bags, leading to skin irritation and limited activity.
Innovation Solution
A specially designed undergarment with an adaptive access point for ostomy appliances, made from insulative and heat-retentive materials like cotton, polyester, and spandex, which provides a barrier between the skin and ostomy equipment, allowing for greater flexibility and comfort while maintaining body temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional garment is worn by an ostomate, then the garment provides basic coverage, but it does not facilitate range of motion and limits activity
Solution Approach 1:
The garment is divided into functional segments: a main body portion and a separate access point opening. This segmentation allows the garment to maintain its structural integrity while providing a dedicated pathway for the ostomy appliance, enabling better range of motion without compromising coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point opening is designed to be dynamic and adaptable, allowing the ostomy appliance to be inserted and removed easily while maintaining garment integrity. The opening can accommodate different appliance sizes and configurations, providing flexibility for various ostomy needs.
2Temperature
If a traditional garment is worn by an ostomate, then the garment provides basic coverage, but it does not provide thermoregulation and causes skin irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The garment acts as an intermediary layer between the ostomy appliance and the skin. It provides a barrier that reduces direct contact and potential skin irritation, while also serving as a thermal insulation layer that maintains body temperature by trapping heat close to the body.
Solution Approach 2:
The garment is made from materials with specific thermal parameters - insulative properties that trap heat and maintain body temperature. The fabric composition and thickness are optimized to provide thermal regulation while maintaining comfort and reducing skin irritation.
3Ease of manufacture
If a traditional garment is worn by an ostomate, then the garment provides basic coverage, but it does not provide discreetness for ostomy management
Solution Approach 1:
The access point opening is extracted as a separate, dedicated feature from the main garment body. This allows the garment to maintain its appearance and provide discreet coverage while incorporating a functional opening for the ostomy appliance. The opening is positioned and sized to minimize visibility while maintaining accessibility.
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 undergarment enhances the ostomate's ability to perform daily activities by reducing skin irritation, maintaining body temperature, and providing a discreet solution for ostomy management, thereby improving both psychological and physiological well-being.
Implementation Method 1
made from insulative and heat-retentive materials like cotton, polyester, and spandex, which provides a barrier between the skin and ostomy equipment, allowing for greater flexibility and comfort while maintaining body temperature
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is “Adaptive Garment for Ostomate” (underwear, shirt, bodysuit, bathing suit) which is a facsimile of normal clothing providing access point(s) for the pass through of an ostomy bag/appliance in which said invention provides a barrier between the ostomy appliance and the skin along with the method of determination of garment access point(s). The embodiment of the invention results in the garment positioned between the body and the ostomy appliance, promoting personal wellbeing, privacy, modesty and euthermia and access to the stoma and the stoma appliance. The garment is worn over the shoulders and under the ostomy appliance to reduce irritation, help maintain body temperature and foster a sense of normalcy. The garment is preferably configured to attain maximum stretching in the vertical direction allowing for greater comfort and range of motion.