Ostomy Connector Structural Support for Occlusion-Resistant Waste Flow

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ostomy devices face challenges in maintaining efficient waste flow and preventing occlusion during manipulation, particularly when handling high liquid content waste, such as urostomy and ileostomy outputs, which can lead to blockages and leaks.

Innovation Solution

A connector system with a flexible conduit and a structural member, such as a filament or inwardly projecting elements, that maintains passage integrity by resisting deformation and occlusion, ensuring continuous waste flow to a secondary collection volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible conduit is used to connect the ostomy device to the secondary collection volume, then the device allows movement and flexibility, but the conduit may deform or occlude under pressure, bending, or twisting, leading to blockages

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidpassage integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two distinct components: a flexible conduit for adaptability and a separate structural member (filament or inwardly projecting elements) for maintaining passage integrity. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The structural member acts as an intermediary element within the conduit, mediating between the flexible conduit walls and the waste flow. It prevents the conduit walls from deforming or occluding the passage while allowing the conduit to remain flexible for movement and positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the conduit wall is made thicker to prevent deformation, then structural integrity improves, but the conduit becomes stiffer and less flexible for movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two distinct components: a flexible conduit for adaptability and a separate structural member (filament or inwardly projecting elements) for maintaining passage integrity. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The structural member is positioned locally within the conduit at strategic locations to provide reinforcement only where needed to prevent occlusion, while the rest of the conduit maintains its flexibility for movement and positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the conduit is made more rigid to maintain passage shape, then resistance to occlusion improves, but the conduit cannot bend or twist without causing blockages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to occlusionVSAvoidease of manipulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two distinct components: a flexible conduit for adaptability and a separate structural member (filament or inwardly projecting elements) for maintaining passage integrity. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The structural member is designed to be dynamic within the conduit, allowing it to move and adjust its position as the conduit bends or twists. This dynamic positioning enables the conduit to flex for ease of manipulation while the structural member continuously prevents occlusion by maintaining passage openness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4426243B1A connector for connecting to an ostomy appliance

Publication Date: 2025.08.27 SALTS HEALTHCARE LTD

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5~6B

AI summary

A connector 10 for connecting to an ostomy appliance 1 and an ostomy collection system including: a conduit 12 having an entrance and an exit connected by an internal passage 16 through which waste is permitted to flow, and wherein a structural member 14 extends along the passage 16.