Ostomy Bag Adhesive Bonding for Flexible Disposal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ostomy bags with mechanical coupling rings are stiff and uncomfortable to wear, making them less flexible and difficult to separate and replace, especially for users with impaired dexterity, and require additional steps for disposal, potentially exposing users to fecal waste.

Innovation Solution

A process for manufacturing an ostomy bag assembly with a polymeric backing film, bioadhesive flange, and removable protective layer, where the outer bag is detachably bonded to a first attachment zone and the inner bag is secured to a second attachment zone using a pressure-sensitive adhesive, with an annular bonding element formed from multilayer polymeric material, allowing for easy peeling and disposal without reattachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If mechanical coupling rings are used to connect inner and outer bags to adhesive flange, then secure attachment is achieved, but the appliance becomes stiffer and less flexible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidflexibility and comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical coupling rings with adhesive bonding to connect the inner and outer bags to the adhesive flange. This substitution eliminates the rigid mechanical structure that caused stiffness, allowing the bags to remain flexible and comfortable while maintaining secure attachment through adhesive forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bonding mechanism from mechanical (rigid) to chemical/adhesive (flexible). By using adhesive bonding instead of mechanical coupling rings, the physical parameters of the connection are altered to provide both strength and flexibility, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If mechanical coupling rings are used for connection, then secure attachment is achieved, but separation and replacement become difficult especially for users with impaired dexterity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidease of separation and replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical coupling rings with adhesive bonding, which allows for easier separation. Adhesive bonds can be peeled apart with simple manual effort, making replacement accessible to users with impaired dexterity, while still providing secure attachment during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the attachment system into distinct adhesive bonding zones, allowing the inner and outer bags to be independently attached and separated from the adhesive flange. This segmentation enables easy removal and replacement without complex mechanical operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If mechanical coupling rings are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but additional removal steps are required prior to disposal increasing complexity and exposure risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoiddisposal process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical coupling rings with adhesive bonding, which eliminates the need for separate mechanical removal steps. The adhesive-bonded bags can be directly peeled off and disposed of, simplifying the disposal process and reducing user exposure to fecal waste.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the attachment and detachment functions into a single adhesive bonding system. The same adhesive mechanism that provides secure attachment also enables simple removal, eliminating the need for separate mechanical coupling and decoupling steps in the disposal process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution provides a comfortable, flexible ostomy bag assembly that is easy to separate and dispose of, reducing the risk of exposure to fecal waste and simplifying the disposal process, while maintaining secure attachment and waterproofing.

Implementation Method 1

the first ethylene vinyl acetate layer is bonded to the polymeric backing film of the flange by means of the coating of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer adhesive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the inner bag is secured to a second attachment zone on the polymeric backing film of the flange by means of a pressure sensitive adhesive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensitive adhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

RF welding is then carried out to secure the outer bag to an outer surface of the annular bonding element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRF welding: Welding

Data Source

PatentEP2476398B1Ostomy bag
Publication Date: 2015.04.29 WELLAND MEDICAL
  • EP2476398B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2476398B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2476398B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A process for manufacturing an ostomy bag assembly comprising outer and inner bags secured to one side of a flange; wherein: the flange comprises a polymeric backing film, a layer of bioadhesive for securing the ostomy bag assembly to the body of a patient, and a removable protective layer covering the layer of bioadhesive; the flange has means defining an orifice to enable bodily waste to be received by the inner bag; the outer bag is detachably bonded to a first attachment zone on the polymeric backing film of the flange; the inner bag is secured to a second attachment zone on the polymeric backing film of the flange by means of a pressure sensitive adhesive; the first attachment zone surrounds the second attachment zone and is non-overlapping therewith; the second attachment zone surrounds the means defining the orifice.