Customizable Ostomy Barrier Ring with Flexible Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ostomy appliances with fixed convex barriers often fail to provide optimal support for varying stoma topographies, leading to inefficiencies in sealing and potential leakage, as they do not accommodate individual stoma features effectively.
Innovation Solution
A customizable convex ring insert with flexible tabs and a removable backfill material, allowing for adjustable rigidity and flexibility to match specific stoma shapes, using a biocompatible hydrocolloid material for enhanced sealing and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed convex barrier is used in conventional ostomy appliances, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot accommodate varying stoma topographies and provides insufficient adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier ring is segmented into multiple spaced-apart flexible tabs instead of being a continuous rigid structure. This segmentation allows each tab to independently flex and adapt to different stoma topographies while maintaining overall structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier ring incorporates flexible tabs that can dynamically adjust their position and shape based on the stoma topography. The flexibility of the tabs allows the device to adapt to varying degrees of convexity and recessed stomas, providing the needed adaptability without requiring multiple different device designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If convex inserts with fixed convexity are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the device cannot provide incremental adjustment for optimal convexity matching
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows users to adjust the convexity parameter by selectively filling spaces between specific tabs with backfill material. This enables incremental adjustment of the convexity degree to match different stoma topographies without requiring multiple pre-manufactured inserts with different fixed convexity levels, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining adjustability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If uniform rigid support is applied around the stoma, then structural stability is improved, but localized flexibility needed for sealing against peristomal surfaces is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier ring applies support and rigidity only to specific localized areas where backfill material is placed between certain tabs, rather than uniformly across the entire ring. This allows the filled regions to provide structural stability while the unfilled regions maintain flexibility for sealing against peristomal surfaces, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
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 adjustable localized support, reducing leakage and improving the adhesive seal by allowing users to tailor the convexity to their specific needs, enhancing the effectiveness of the ostomy appliance without compromising structural rigidity.
Implementation Method 1
The backfill material can be a soft, flexible/deformable ring comprised of a biocompatible hydrocolloid material which can be pressed into the internal cavity of the convex insert ring member. Upon application, the backfill material can bind around at least some of the plurality of spaced-apart flexible tabs.
Data Source
AI summary
An ostomy appliance that comprises a convex ring insert member. The insert member can have a curved body-side surface, an opposing pouch-side surface defining an internal cavity and an annular curved body portion between an outside flange and an engagement portion encircling a centrally-located input opening. The engagement portion can comprise a plurality of spaced-apart flexible tabs. The internal cavity can be defined by interior surfaces of the flexible tabs and the curved body portion. The flexible tabs can have flexibility to bend toward the internal cavity. A backfill material can be applied into the internal cavity along the interior surfaces of at least some of the flexible tabs. The backfill material can be removable from the ring insert. Upon application of the backfill material, the flexibility of some of the flexible tabs can be reduced to provide a localized rigid support segment along the engagement portion.