Ostomy Coupling With Independent Lugs and Bracing Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ostomy couplings face challenges in providing a secure and easy-to-use connection with low connection force, especially when adapted for controlled evacuation devices, where the existing mechanical interference fastening systems can be complex and prone to accidental disengagement.
Innovation Solution
The ostomy coupling design features a body-side and appliance-side coupling member with independently flexing lugs and a non-rotatable bracing member that can move axially between bracing and non-bracing positions, providing a secure engagement with a low connection force and preventing accidental disengagement, suitable for both conventional and controlled evacuation devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a mechanical interference fastening system is used to provide secure engagement, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity increases and the connection force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system is divided into separate body-side and appliance-side coupling members, each with independent lugs that can flex and engage separately. This segmentation allows for a simpler overall structure while maintaining secure engagement through multiple distributed connection points rather than a single complex fastening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The lugs are designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing them to deform during engagement and then spring back to provide locking force. This dynamic behavior enables secure engagement with lower connection forces and simplifies the coupling process compared to rigid mechanical fasteners that require precise alignment and higher assembly forces.
2Strength
If a mechanical interference fastening system is used to provide secure engagement, then the connection strength is improved, but the force required for connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible lugs deform elastically during engagement, allowing the coupling members to come together with low force. Once engaged, the lugs spring back to their original shape, creating a secure interference fit that maintains strong connection without requiring high assembly forces. This dynamic elastic deformation resolves the contradiction between strong engagement and low connection force.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the lugs are selected to exhibit appropriate flexibility, allowing them to deform under low connection forces and then maintain a strong engaged state. The physical parameters of the lugs (thickness, material modulus, geometry) are optimized to provide sufficient flexibility for easy engagement while maintaining adequate stiffness to provide secure engagement strength.
3Reliability
If conventional mechanical fastening is used, then secure connection is achieved, but the risk of accidental disengagement increases due to complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling system uses multiple distributed lugs instead of a single complex fastening mechanism. This segmentation provides redundancy - if one lug were to fail or disengage, the other lugs maintain the connection. The simple geometry of each individual lug reduces the risk of mechanical failure while the multiplicity of lugs enhances overall connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible lugs automatically self-adjust during engagement and disengagement without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex control systems. The elastic deformation of the lugs provides automatic positioning and locking, eliminating the need for separate locking components that would increase complexity and potential failure points.
4Reliability
If the bracing member is made non-rotatable to provide consistent bracing, then the engagement reliability is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracing member is designed with rotational freedom during the coupling process, allowing users to easily align and engage the coupling members without worrying about precise rotational orientation. Once engaged, the bracing member naturally settles into a position where it provides the necessary bracing effect. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation while ensuring reliable engagement through the flexible lug mechanism that compensates for rotational variations.
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
This design allows for a secure, easy-to-use ostomy coupling that requires a low connection force, minimizes the risk of accidental disengagement, and is adaptable for controlled evacuation devices, ensuring reliable attachment and detachment of ostomy appliances.
Implementation Method 1
The lugs flex independently of each other
Implementation Method 2
a bracing member for engaging the lugs to obstruct flexing of the lugs
Data Source
AI summary
An ostomy coupling including a body-side coupling member, an appliance-side coupling member including plural fastener lugs, and a bracing member. The lugs flex independently of each other to provide plural independent latching fastenings. The bracing member is moved between a bracing position in which the bracing member locks the lugs by resisting flexing movement, and a non-bracing or dismounted position in which the lugs are free to flex. The ostomy coupling is used with an ostomy pouch or with a controlled evacuation device.