Elastic Support Membrane Aperture Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ostomy patients face an increased risk of herniation due to the lack of effective elastic support membranes or bands that prevent leakage and provide adequate stabilization around the stoma area.
Innovation Solution
The method involves forming an aperture in an elastic support membrane and securing a stretch stabilizer with touch fastening elements around it, which reduces the membrane's stretchability only in the vicinity of the aperture, allowing adjacent regions to remain stretchable, thereby providing support and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire elastic membrane is made stretchable to ensure comfort and flexibility, then the wearability and comfort are improved, but the risk of herniation increases due to insufficient stabilization around the stoma area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different mechanical properties to different regions of the membrane: the first region containing the aperture is made substantially inextensible to prevent herniation, while the second adjacent region remains extensible to maintain comfort and flexibility. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing stability where needed while preserving wearability elsewhere.
2Reliability
If the membrane is made inelastic around the aperture to prevent herniation, then the stabilization and herniation risk reduction are improved, but the overall flexibility and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is divided into at least two distinct regions: a first region with aperture that is substantially inextensible for stabilization, and a second adjacent region that is extensible for flexibility. This segmentation allows each region to independently fulfill its specific function, resolving the contradiction between stabilization and flexibility.
3Reliability
If a stretch stabilizer is secured to the membrane around the aperture, then the herniation risk is reduced through localized stabilization, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture and the stretch stabilizer are combined as an integrated unit within the membrane structure. The stabilizer is secured directly to the membrane in a single assembly operation, creating a unified component that provides both the aperture function and the stabilization function simultaneously, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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
This configuration effectively reduces the risk of herniation by stabilizing the membrane around the stoma area while maintaining elasticity elsewhere, ensuring comfortable wear and secure attachment of ostomy pouches.
Implementation Method 1
a field of touch fastening elements that releasably engage with the fibrous surface of the membrane with the stretch stabilizer secured
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An ostomy belt has an elastic support membrane with a fibrous surface and an aperture for accessing a stoma. The aperture is formed by the user in a preferred location, and the area around the aperture is stabilized against stretch by applying a patch of relatively inelastic hook material to the fibrous surface about the aperture. An elastic membrane of an adhesive bandage is similarly stabilized about an opening in the bandage, by a hook patch that may have a flap for securing an IV tube.