Ostomy Appliance Snap-Fit Coupling with Elastic Locking Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy appliances with two-part couplings are difficult to handle, requiring significant force and technique to connect the collecting bag to the base plate, which can be painful and damaging to sensitive abdominal skin, and lack intuitive feedback for proper coupling.
Innovation Solution
A two-part ostomy appliance design featuring a male and female coupling system with angled sealing forces, enhanced flexibility through slits, and a snap-fit mechanism providing a secure and easy connection with a click response.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a two-part coupling system is used to allow separation of base plate and collecting bag, then the appliance can be changed more frequently and skin complications are reduced, but the coupling becomes difficult to handle and requires significant force to connect
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system employs dynamic elements including a resilient locking ring that can deform elastically to allow easy attachment and detachment. The locking ring's flexibility enables it to compress during connection and then spring back to lock the components together, transforming a static rigid connection into a dynamic easy-to-operate system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the coupling components by introducing a locking ring with specific elastic properties and geometric features (such as the locking portion and engagement surfaces). These parameter changes enable the coupling to transition from a difficult rigid connection to an easy-to-operate flexible connection that requires minimal force.
2Reliability
If significant force is applied to connect coupling parts, then a secure connection is achieved, but painful and damaging effects occur on sensitive abdominal skin
Solution Approach 1:
The locking ring serves as an intermediary element between the first and second coupling parts. It distributes the connection forces across multiple contact points and uses its elastic properties to achieve secure locking without requiring high compressive forces that would damage the skin. The intermediary locking mechanism transforms direct high-force compression into a distributed low-force engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring is designed as a flexible elastic component that can deform to accommodate the coupling parts and then spring back to create a secure connection. This flexible element achieves reliable locking through elastic recovery rather than rigid high-force compression, thereby protecting the sensitive abdominal skin from damage.
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then leakage risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking ring with locking portion, a first coupling part with engagement surface, and a second coupling part. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, with the locking ring providing sealing and locking, while the coupling parts provide structural support and alignment, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ring's elastic properties enable it to automatically lock the coupling parts together through its own elastic recovery force without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex fastening systems. The self-service elastic locking achieves reliable leakage prevention while maintaining device simplicity.
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 design allows for intuitive and secure coupling with minimal force, reducing skin damage and leakage risk, while maintaining a comfortable and reliable attachment.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing ring (55) adapted for sealing between the first coupling part (40) and the second coupling part (50)
Data Source
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AI summary
An ostomy appliance (10) An ostomy appliance (10) comprising a base plate (20) with a first coupling part (40), a collecting bag (30) with a second coupling part (50), the first coupling part and the second coupling part (50) being configured for cooperating with each other so as to provide a coupling between the collecting bag (30) and the base plate (20); the first coupling part (40) comprises a first coupling ring (41) comprising an axially extending first flange (42), the axially extending first flange (42) comprises an outer contact face (44) and a ring collar (45), the ring collar (45) is positioned on a distal part of the axially extending first flange; the second coupling part (50) comprises a second coupling ring (51) comprising an axially extending lock flange (53), the axially extending lock flange of the second coupling part (50) comprises an inner lock contact face (54); wherein the second coupling part (50) comprises a sealing ring (55) adapted for sealing between the first coupling part (40) and the second coupling part (50), and wherein the sealing ring (55) is adapted for being positioned at the distal surface on the ring collar (45) of the axially extending first flange (42) so as to provide a seal, and second coupling part (50) comprises a radially extending proximal locking flange (56), wherein the radially extending proximal locking flange (56) comprises two or more slits (58) in radial direction.