Adjustable Iris Sealing Member for Ostomy Bag Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ostomy appliances require frequent replacement of body side members due to limited standard sizes and aggressive exudate exposure, leading to skin irritation and discomfort, especially when adapting to unique stoma shapes and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A sealing member with a fixed base, resilient element, and adjustable mechanism that allows for diameter adjustment, using tension to fit various stoma sizes and shapes, reducing the need for multiple appliance sizes and minimizing exudate contact with the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a limited number of standard appliance sizes are used, then manufacturing and inventory are simplified, but the fit to unique stoma sizes and shapes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the diameter to be dynamically changed to match different stoma sizes. The resilient sealing element can be tensioned or relaxed through the adjustment mechanism, enabling a single appliance design to adapt to various stoma dimensions rather than requiring multiple fixed-size appliances.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the key parameter of sealing member diameter from fixed to variable. By incorporating an adjustment mechanism that modifies the diameter parameter, the appliance can be customized to fit different stoma sizes and shapes, resolving the contradiction between standardization and adaptability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the body side member is frequently replaced to prevent skin irritation from exudate exposure, then skin protection is improved, but user comfort and quality of life deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable sealing member enables users to self-customize the fit to their specific stoma, creating a more reliable seal that prevents exudate leakage. This improved seal integrity extends the usable duration of the body side member by maintaining effective protection against skin irritation throughout the wearing period.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hole edge is cut to adapt to stoma size and shape, then fit is improved, but the process becomes complicated by opaque covering materials
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the manual cutting process with a mechanical adjustment system. Instead of physically cutting the hole edge to adapt to stoma shape, users manipulate the adjustment mechanism which mechanically modifies the sealing member's diameter and shape, eliminating the need for visual observation and cutting operations.
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 adjustable sealing member provides a secure, customizable fit for different stoma sizes and shapes, reducing skin irritation and the frequency of appliance replacements, while maintaining a secure seal without constricting blood flow.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient sealing element (50) comprising an iris-like diaphragm with an inner boundary (501) and a fixed base member (20), wherein the resilient sealing element (50) is attachable to the fixed base member (20) in a relaxed state with an inner diameter (d2) larger than in a contracted state
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
An ostomy body side member with a sealing member is provided. The sealing member has a fixed base member defining an opening having a first diameter and a resilient sealing element comprising a stoma receiving orifice defining an inner boundary. The inner boundary of the stoma receiving orifice has a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter of the frame. The sealing member is also provided with at least one adjustment member coupled between the fixed base member and the resilient sealing element. Furthermore, an alignment member for adjusting the tension of the at least one adjustment member is provided thereby allowing the diametrical dimension of the stoma sealing orifice to be adjusted from a first diameter to a second diameter.