Ostomy Pouch Emptying Device with Flexible Tube and Filter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Emptying an ostomy pouch is a difficult and unpleasant task for ostomates and caregivers, lacking a simple and independent solution for efficient effluent disposal, especially for those with physical impairments and in public settings.

Innovation Solution

An ostomy pouch emptying device with a top chamber, central tube, and bottom chamber designed for easy placement in a toilet or receptacle, featuring a flexible tube for portability and optional wall-mounted or portable systems to facilitate independent disposal, including a kidney-shaped top end and disposable emesis bags with integrated rims for secure and sanitary emptying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid disposal system is used, then structural stability is improved, but portability and adaptability to different settings deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidportability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The disposal system is divided into separate components: a rigid disposal receptacle with overflow channel, a flexible collection bag, and a removable filter assembly. This segmentation allows the rigid structural elements to provide stability while the flexible components enable portability and adaptability to different settings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible collection bag is used within the rigid disposal receptacle to contain effluent. The flexibility of the bag allows the system to be portable and adaptable to various settings while the rigid receptacle provides structural stability during the emptying process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Device complexity

If manual emptying is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation and hygiene deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A filter assembly acts as an intermediary component between the effluent and the disposal environment. The filter can be easily removed and disposed of, simplifying the emptying process while maintaining hygiene by preventing direct contact with effluent and blocking contaminants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter assembly is designed as a disposable component that can be easily removed and discarded after use. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning procedures while maintaining hygiene, as the entire filter with trapped contaminants can be disposed of together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If a simple disposal system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability and hygiene deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidhygiene

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The overflow channel is extracted as a separate structural feature in the disposal receptacle, designed to automatically drain excess effluent. This simple geometric feature provides reliable overflow protection without adding complex mechanical components, maintaining both simplicity and hygiene.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter assembly serves as an intermediary that can be easily removed and disposed of, providing reliable hygiene protection while keeping the overall system simple. The filter traps contaminants and can be discarded with the effluent, preventing direct contact and maintaining sanitation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If effluent is disposed of in public restrooms, then independence and productivity are improved, but object-affected harmful factors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveindependenceVSAvoidodor and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filter assembly is designed as a disposable component that can be easily removed and discarded after use in public restrooms. This enables independent use by ostomates while minimizing harmful factors, as the filter traps contaminants and can be disposed of immediately, preventing odor and contamination spread.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter acts as an intermediary barrier between the effluent and the public restroom environment. It traps solid contaminants and reduces odor, allowing independent disposal in public settings while minimizing harmful effects on the surrounding environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20230225895A1Ostomy pouch emptying device and method of use

Publication Date: 2023.07.20 CATENATION ENTERPRISES LLC

AI summary

An ostomy pouch emptying device which has a receiver for receiving effluent from an ostomy pouch. The emptying device may accommodate disposable receptacles, such as emesis bags with integrated rims, or may directly interface with a receptacle such as a toilet bowl. The device can be used while standing or sitting, and may be secured to a wall or placed atop a lap of the user. An embodiment could also provide a portable system for disposing of the effluent from the ostomy pouch.