Ostomy Appliance Face Plate Belt Tab Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy appliances are often overly stiff and inflexible, which can compromise comfort and leak protection, and current securing mechanisms may detract from these issues.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece ostomy appliance design featuring a flexible barrier ring integrated with belt tabs directly attached to a face plate, rather than the pouch, providing improved flexibility and secure attachment without compromising the seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If belt tabs are attached to the pouch sidewall, then secure attachment is achieved, but flexibility and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the attachment system into two separate components: the pouch sidewall and the face plate. Belt tabs are attached only to the face plate, separating the waste-receiving function from the securing function. This segmentation allows the pouch to remain flexible while the face plate provides rigid attachment points for the belt tabs.
Solution Approach 2:
The face plate acts as an intermediary component between the pouch and the belt tabs. Instead of directly attaching belt tabs to the pouch sidewall, the face plate serves as a mediator that distributes mechanical stress and provides a stable base for tab attachment, thereby preserving pouch flexibility while ensuring secure belt attachment.
2Reliability
If a rigid barrier ring is used, then leak protection is improved, but flexibility and comfort are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional rigid polyethylene barrier ring with a flexible face plate made of thin film material. This flexible face plate maintains the barrier function by providing a leak-proof interface between the pouch and the patient's skin, while its flexibility allows it to conform to body contours and move with the patient, eliminating the stiffness problem of rigid rings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the barrier component by transitioning from rigid material (polyethylene ring) to flexible material (thin film face plate). This parameter change in material rigidity allows the barrier to maintain its protective function while adapting to dynamic body movements, thereby improving comfort without sacrificing leak protection.
3Device complexity
If belt tabs are integrated into the pouch structure, then device complexity is reduced, but pouch flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into distinct functional modules: the pouch body for waste collection and the separate face plate for attachment. Belt tabs are integrated only into the face plate module, not the pouch module. This segmentation reduces overall device complexity by allowing each module to be optimized independently for its specific function.
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 design enhances flexibility and comfort while maintaining effective leak protection and secure attachment, ensuring the integrity of the seal between the patient and the appliance.
Implementation Method 1
a second opposing side that includes an adhesive for securing the pouch to a patient
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A one-piece ostomy appliance adapted to be removably attached to a patient for receiving discharge from a stoma of the patient includes a pouch that defines a cavity. A first opening is defined by the pouch for receiving a stoma and communicating discharge from the stoma into the cavity. The ostomy appliance also includes a face plate having a first side secured to the pouch and a second opposing side that includes an adhesive for securing the pouch to a patient. A second opening is defined by the face plate and is generally aligned with the first opening. Further, the ostomy appliance includes one or more tabs for coupling a belt thereto, wherein the one or more tabs are coupled directly to the face plate.