Disposable Ostomy Cap with Pressure-Triggered Bag Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy systems require frequent bag changes and lack efficient mechanisms for waste containment and pressure sensing, leading to inconvenience and potential leakage.
Innovation Solution
A disposable ostomy cap with a deployable bag and pressure sensing mechanism that automatically deploys when intestinal pressure exceeds a threshold, allowing waste collection without opening the port and providing visual or auditory warnings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional ostomy bag is attached to the port, then waste content can be discharged continuously, but the bag requires frequent replacement and creates inconvenience for the user
Solution Approach 1:
The ostomy bag is nested within the cap structure, specifically housed in a cavity formed in the capsule body. This allows the bag to be stored compactly within the cap when not in use, and deployed when needed, eliminating the need for separate bag attachment and reducing replacement frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The ostomy bag is pre-positioned and stored within the cap during manufacturing. This preliminary placement allows the bag to be ready for immediate deployment when waste accumulation reaches threshold levels, eliminating the need for users to attach bags at the time of need and reducing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If a cap is used to seal the proximal opening, then waste content can be contained, but there is no mechanism to indicate when waste accumulation requires discharge
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure sensor is integrated into the cap to detect internal pressure levels caused by waste accumulation. The sensor provides feedback to a control unit, which then activates an output indicator (visual or auditory) to inform the user when waste discharge is needed, ensuring reliable containment while providing necessary status information.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical pressure indication system is replaced with electronic pressure sensing. Instead of using mechanical gauges or visual pressure indicators, the patent employs electronic pressure sensors and control units to detect and communicate pressure status, providing more reliable and user-friendly feedback.
3Reliability
If the cap extends significantly proximally from the port, then it may provide better sealing, but it reduces user comfort and increases device bulk
Solution Approach 1:
The cap dimensions are optimized to extend less than 1 cm proximally from the port, representing a specific parameter change in the design. This dimensional constraint is maintained while achieving effective sealing through the coupling mechanism and bag deployment system, reducing bulk without compromising sealing reliability.
4Ease of operation
If manual deployment of the bag is required, then the user has control, but it increases操作步骤 and reduces ease of use
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service through automatic bag deployment triggered by pressure threshold detection. When waste accumulation reaches predetermined levels, the control unit automatically activates the deployment mechanism, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining user control through the indicator system. Users can also manually deploy the bag when needed.
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
Enables convenient, leak-proof waste collection and pressure indication, reducing the need for frequent bag changes and enhancing user comfort and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor for detecting an internal pressure
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
It is proposed a disposable cap (300) comprising a cavity (106) comprising a proximal opening (108); a separately openable and closable cover (318) attached using a snap-lock mechanism; an ostomy bag (302) housed between the proximal opening (108) and the cover (318) in a bag cavity (306) formed in the cover (318); wherein the bag cavity (306) is externally located to the cavity (106) and is dimensioned for accommodating ostomy bag (302) folded inside.