Adhesive Ostomy Pouch Filter for Welding-Free Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy bags require a welding step for attaching filters, leading to increased energy consumption, longer manufacturing times, and a larger footprint due to the use of a peripheral flange, which also generates waste.
Innovation Solution
An ostomy appliance with a filter secured exclusively by adhesive, comprising an adhesive layer, an adsorbent layer, and a gas permeable cover layer, where the cover layer and adhesive layer have matching outer profiles, allowing the filter to be attached without welding, reducing material usage and waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a welding step is used to attach the filter to the pouch, then the filter attachment is secure and reliable, but the manufacturing time increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/mechanical system) with an adhesive bonding system. The filter is attached to the pouch using an adhesive layer instead of welding, which eliminates the need for heat application and reduces manufacturing time while maintaining secure attachment. This substitution of bonding mechanisms directly resolves the contradiction between reliable attachment and manufacturing efficiency.
2Reliability
If a peripheral flange is provided on the filter, then the filter can be welded to the pouch, but the footprint of the filter increases and material waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the peripheral flange from the filter design. By eliminating this unnecessary structural element, the filter footprint is reduced and material waste is minimized. The flange was only needed for welding, so removing it while switching to adhesive bonding achieves both waste reduction and maintains attachment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a more economical filter design that uses minimal material. By eliminating the peripheral flange and using adhesive bonding instead of welding, the filter can be made from less material, reducing both cost and waste. This aligns with the principle of using simpler, more economical solutions that minimize resource consumption.
3Reliability
If a peripheral flange is provided on the filter, then the filter can be welded to the pouch, but the energy consumption during manufacture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process (which requires significant thermal energy) with adhesive bonding. The adhesive layer cures at lower temperatures or through ambient conditions, dramatically reducing energy consumption during the filter attachment process while maintaining reliable bonding. This energy-efficient bonding method eliminates the high energy demands of welding.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the adsorbent layer covers the entire adhesive layer, then the odor removal is maximized, but the gas permeable cover layer cannot be securely attached
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by having the adsorbent layer cover only the central portion of the adhesive layer, leaving the peripheral region exposed. This allows the gas permeable cover layer to be securely attached to the pouch through the adhesive at the edges, while the central adsorbent layer provides odor removal. Each region of the adhesive layer serves a different function, resolving the contradiction between odor removal and attachment security.
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 adhesive attachment method reduces manufacturing time and waste while maintaining effective gas venting and odor removal, improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of ostomy appliance production.
Implementation Method 1
The filter may comprise an adsorbent layer. The adsorbent layer may be arranged on the adhesive layer.
Implementation Method 2
The filter may comprise a gas permeable cover layer. The gas permeable cover layer may be secured to the adhesive layer such that the adsorbent layer is covered by the gas permeable cover layer.
Data Source
AI summary
A pouch having a vent aperture and a filter secured to the pouch with adhesive and covering the vent aperture. The filter includes an adhesive layer comprising the adhesive and an adsorbent layer on the adhesive layer. The filter also includes a gas permeable cover layer secured to the adhesive layer such that the adsorbent layer is covered by the gas permeable cover layer. The gas permeable cover layer has an outer profile and the adhesive layer has a corresponding outer profile which is in register with the outer profile of the gas permeable cover layer. The adsorbent layer is positioned on a first side of the adhesive layer so that a first portion of the first side of the adhesive layer is not covered by the adsorbent layer and the gas permeable cover layer is secured to the first portion of the first side of the adhesive layer.