Ostomy Connector Structure to Prevent Conduit Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy appliance connectors face challenges in preventing occlusion and ensuring continuous waste flow, especially when subjected to pressure, bending, or twisting.
Innovation Solution
A connector comprising a conduit with an internal passage and a structural member, such as a filament, that extends along the passage to prevent occlusion. The structural member is designed to resist deformation and maintain the flow path even under compressive forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple conduit is used for waste flow, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of continuous waste flow is compromised due to potential occlusion under pressure or bending
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by incorporating a structural member (filament or spanning formation) only in specific regions of the conduit where occlusion risk is highest, rather than making the entire conduit rigid. This localized reinforcement maintains waste flow reliability while minimizing impact on flexibility and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is formed as a composite structure with a conduit and an integrated structural member, creating a hybrid design that combines the flexibility of the conduit with the occlusion-preventing properties of the structural member. This composite approach resolves the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
2Reliability
If a structural member is added to prevent occlusion, then the reliability of waste flow is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the conduit and structural member into a single integrated component formed by co-extrusion, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps. This combining approach improves occlusion prevention while simplifying manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The co-extrusion process allows the structural member to be formed simultaneously with the conduit in a single manufacturing operation, making the manufacturing process self-sufficient and reducing the need for additional manufacturing steps or equipment.
3Ease of operation
If the conduit is made flexible for comfort, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of waste flow deteriorates due to kinking or occlusion under bending
Solution Approach 1:
The structural member is positioned locally within the conduit to provide occlusion prevention only where needed, allowing the rest of the conduit to remain flexible for ease of operation. This localized approach maintains both flexibility and flow reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural member is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing it to move or deform with the flexible conduit during bending or kinking, thereby maintaining waste flow continuity while preserving conduit flexibility for comfort and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A connector 10 for connecting to an ostomy appliance 1 including: a conduit 12 having an entrance and an exit connected by an internal passage 16 through which waste from an ostomy appliance 1 is permitted to flow. and a structural member 14 including a filament, which extends along the passage 16, and a spanning formation 30 that extends radially across an increased width