Integrated Ostomy Connector Ring for Leak-Resistant Pouch Emptying

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ostomy pouch systems face challenges with leakage prevention, ease of use, and accidental disconnection, particularly when dealing with the forces exerted by waste in the pouch.

Innovation Solution

An emptying device assembly featuring a first and second film layer with a connector ring that includes an annular base and radially inwardly protruding flanges, which engage with the ostomy implant or its lid, providing a secure and stable attachment through engagement and support flanges, allowing easy attachment and removal while withstanding the weight of the pouch.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional toilet bowl cleaner is used, then the cleaner can remove some stains, but it requires the user to bend over and reach into the bowl, which is unpleasant and unsanitary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of cleaningVSAvoidsanitation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A robotic cleaner is introduced as an intermediary between the user and the toilet bowl interior. The robot autonomously navigates the bowl, positions itself, and applies cleaning solution without requiring the user to bend over or reach inside, thereby eliminating the sanitation hazard while maintaining cleaning effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning system performs self-positioning and self-application of cleaning solution. The robot autonomously determines its location within the bowl, orients itself correctly, and applies the cleaning agent without human intervention, making the process hygienic and convenient

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual cleaning of the toilet bowl is performed, then cleaning can be achieved, but it is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning speedVSAvoidtime for cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic cleaner operates continuously and autonomously, moving through the bowl, applying cleaning solution, and rinsing without interruption. This continuous automated operation eliminates the stop-start nature of manual cleaning, significantly reducing the time required while maintaining thorough cleaning coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical cleaning actions are replaced by an automated robotic system with motors, sensors, and controlled movement. The robot uses mechanical means to apply cleaning solution and remove stains automatically, eliminating the need for manual scrubbing and reducing cleaning time

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

3Reliability

If cleaning solution is applied manually, then stains can be treated, but the user must directly contact the cleaning solution and bowl interior, creating sanitation issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning effectivenessVSAvoidsanitation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system serves as an intermediary that handles all contact with the cleaning solution and bowl interior. The robot's automated application system delivers cleaning solution to stain areas without requiring the user to touch the solution or bowl interior, maintaining sanitation while ensuring effective cleaning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The robot performs self-application of cleaning solution to targeted areas. It autonomously identifies stain locations, positions itself, and applies the appropriate amount of cleaning solution without human contact, eliminating sanitation risks while maintaining cleaning reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4498996B1Emptying device for a stoma
Publication Date: 2026.05.06 OSTOMYCURE AS
  • EP4498996B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4498996B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4498996B1 patent drawingFigure 6A~6C

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an emptying device assembly for evacuation of a stoma, comprising: a first film layer and a second film layer, said first film layer and second film layer being attached along a peripheral part to form an emptying device, wherein the first film layer comprises a first hole; and an integrated connector ring comprising: an annular base defining a second hole concentric with the first hole, wherein the annular base is attached, to the emptying device assembly around the first hole; a plurality of radially inwardly protruding flanges, wherein at least a subset of the protruding flanges are adapted to engage with an outer circumferential groove of a cylindrical ostomy implant or a lid of an ostomy implant. The disclosure further relates to a method of manufacturing the emptying device assembly.