Ostomy Coupling Assembly With Torque-Free Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy appliances with coupling assemblies transfer rotational torque to the body, causing discomfort and allow stomal output to enter the coupling interface, making cleaning difficult and affecting sealing integrity.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly with a locking ring that adjusts between locked and unlocked configurations without transferring rotational torque, featuring grips and a sealing arrangement to prevent stomal output from entering the interface, ensuring clean and effective coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotational locking ring is used to secure coupling members, then the coupling members are held together securely, but rotational movement transfers torque to the body causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rotational mechanical locking mechanism with a push-button actuated mechanism. The button presses a flexible diaphragm that radially expands the locking ring, eliminating rotational movement and torque transfer to the body while maintaining secure coupling through the expanded locking ring's engagement with the coupling members.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible diaphragm acts as an intermediary element between the button and the locking ring. When the button is pressed, it transmits force through the diaphragm to expand the locking ring radially, allowing secure locking without direct rotational contact that would transfer torque to the body.
2Reliability
If a mechanical locking ring is used to secure coupling members, then the coupling is reliable, but stomal output can enter the coupling interface making cleaning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the stomal output away from the coupling interface by positioning the output path below the coupling members. The coupling interface is elevated and separated from the stomal output stream, preventing contamination while maintaining secure coupling. This allows the interface to remain clean and accessible for easy cleaning.
3Ease of operation
If a locking ring with tabs is used for uncoupling, then separation is enabled, but rotational movement causes discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rotational tab-based uncoupling mechanism with a push-button system. Pressing the button expands the locking ring radially through the flexible diaphragm, creating enough clearance to release the coupling members without any rotational movement that would transfer torque to the body.
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
The solution enhances user comfort by preventing torque transfer and maintains cleanliness and sealing effectiveness, facilitating easy detachment and reattachment of appliance components.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible diaphragm which expands radially when compressed axially
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a coupling assembly (12) for an ostomy appliance (10) comprising a locking arrangement (60), a first coupling and a second coupling. The locking arrangement (60) comprises a locking ring (61) and first and second grips (70, 71) mounted to the locking ring (61). The locking ring (61) is mounted to first and/or second coupling, forms an inner circumference (62) and is adjustable between locked and unlocked configurations. In the locked configuration the locking ring (61) is for maintaining the first and second couplings (20, 40) in a coupled configuration and the inner circumference (62) is less than in the unlocked configuration. The first and second grips (70, 71) are positioned about the locking ring (61) to be moveable towards one another to increase the inner circumference (62) and adjust the locking ring (61) from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.