Drainable Pouch Outlet Cover With Hidden Tab-and-Slot Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy pouches face challenges in securely and discreetly closing and securing the drainable pouch outlet to prevent leakage and odor, while ensuring easy drainage and cleanliness.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a cover with slots and tabs for folding and securing the outlet portion of the pouch, utilizing a closure member with fold lines and fastening strips to achieve a secure, hidden closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the outlet portion is folded up and secured with adhesive or adhesive-lined material, then the discharge opening is closed off, but the closure may not provide sufficient security against leakage and the adhesive may compromise cleanliness
Solution Approach 1:
A cover member is introduced as an intermediary component between the outlet portion and the external environment. The cover includes a closure member with fastening members that securely seal the discharge opening without requiring adhesive on the skin-contact surface, thereby maintaining both reliability and cleanliness
Solution Approach 2:
The closure system is divided into separate functional components: the outlet portion, the cover member, the closure member with fastening members, and the tab member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally - the fastening members provide secure sealing while the tab enables easy manipulation without contamination
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the outlet portion is folded up and secured, then the discharge opening is closed, but the closure may not provide sufficient discretion by hiding the outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The cover member is pre-positioned to cover the outlet portion when folded up, and the fastening members are pre-configured to automatically engage and secure the closure. This preliminary arrangement ensures discretion is maintained while keeping the outlet accessible when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The outlet portion is designed to be dynamically movable between open and closed positions. The tab member with release member allows easy transition between states, providing discretion when closed and accessibility when opened
3Reliability
If the outlet portion is folded up multiple times, then the closure becomes more secure and hidden, but the complexity of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening members are designed to automatically engage with each other when the outlet portion is folded up, securing the closure without requiring complex manual manipulation. The tab member with release member provides a simple self-service mechanism for opening and closing
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple folding actions are combined into a single integrated closure mechanism. The outlet portion is folded up once and secured by the fastening members, merging the security function with a simple single-action operation rather than requiring multiple separate folding steps
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the outlet portion is folded up and secured, then the discharge opening is sealed, but cleaning access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet portion and cover member are designed to be dynamically reversible between closed and open states. This allows the outlet to be sealed for odor prevention during use, then easily opened for cleaning access without permanent obstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The cover member can be temporarily removed or opened during cleaning operations, extracting the obstruction it provides during normal use. This allows direct access to the discharge opening for thorough cleaning while maintaining odor prevention during regular operation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4E
AI summary
A drainable pouch including an outlet closure and securement system is provided. The outlet closure and securement system include at least one tab and a cover including at least one slot. The drainable pouch is closed by folding up an outlet portion, wherein the folded up outlet portion is secured to and hidden behind the cover when the at least one tab is received in the at least one slot.