Ostomy Anti-Reflux Component with Non-Linear Connection Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ostomy devices, particularly urostomy collecting bags, face issues with backflow and skin irritation due to harsh body fluids, which can lead to skin degradation and urinary system damage, and existing anti-reflux solutions are prone to wrinkling and failure under external forces.
Innovation Solution
A collecting bag design featuring an anti-reflux component with interior contoured sheets and non-linear connection zones that decouple from exterior bag walls, forming an interior pouch to prevent wrinkling and ensure secure urine containment, even under external pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an anti-reflux component is added to prevent backflow, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-reflux component is segmented into multiple functional zones including a non-linear connection zone, a securement zone, and an inlet zone. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function independently, improving the overall anti-reflux reliability while managing complexity through functional decomposition
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-reflux component is nested within the collecting bag structure, with the non-linear connection zone integrated into the bag wall. This nesting approach incorporates the anti-reflux function without adding a completely separate external device, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
2Reliability
If the anti-reflux component is securely attached to prevent wrinkling, then reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The non-linear connection zone is pre-formed with a specific curved geometry during manufacturing to anticipate and prevent wrinkling before the device is used. This preliminary shaping ensures the anti-reflux component maintains its integrity under external forces without requiring complex post-manufacturing adjustments or assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The connection zone is designed with non-linear curvature parameters that change along its length, creating a geometry that naturally resists wrinkling. By optimizing these geometric parameters during the manufacturing process, the patent achieves reliable anti-reflux performance while maintaining ease of manufacture through a single-step forming process
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the anti-reflux component prevents backflow effectively, then object-affected harmful factors are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anti-reflux component acts as an intermediary element between the collected urine and the stoma area. By positioning this component in the intermediate zone, it mediates the potential harmful backflow before it can reach the skin, thereby reducing skin irritation while incorporating only the necessary level of complexity for this specific protective function
Data Source
AI summary
An ostomy appliance has a waste collection container and an anti-reflux component disposed inside of the waste collection container. The anti-reflux component is connected to the top end portion of the waste collection container only above a center of an inlet opening for a stoma.