Ostomy Pouch Filter Protection Against Clogging and Ballooning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy pouches face issues with filter clogging due to liquid, semisolid, or solid body waste, leading to pouch ballooning and discomfort for users.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage filter protection system comprising a prefilter and protective panel with anti-reflux valves, where the prefilter is shaped to direct drainage away from the filter and the panel includes microperforations and anti-reflux valves to prevent waste from obstructing gas flow and pouch inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter assembly is used to cover the gas outlet for odor filtering, then odor control is improved, but the filter assembly may be blocked by liquid, semisolid or solid body waste, restricting gas egress
Solution Approach 1:
The filter protection system is divided into multiple components: a prefilter layer that captures larger particles and a fine mesh filter that captures smaller particles. This segmentation allows each layer to handle different sizes of waste material, preventing clogging of the main filter assembly while maintaining odor control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A prefilter layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the collection cavity and the filter assembly. This prefilter captures body waste material before it reaches the filter assembly, acting as a mediator that protects the main filter from clogging while allowing gas to pass through to the filter for odor control.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pouch collects body waste in a closed system, then containment is improved, but gas pressure builds up causing pouch ballooning
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch structure incorporates a localized filter protection system at the gas outlet area, allowing the majority of the pouch to remain sealed for containment while providing a specific pathway for gas egress. The prefilter and fine mesh filter are positioned locally at the gas outlet to enable pressure relief without compromising overall containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter protection system provides dynamic gas egress capability, allowing the pouch to maintain containment under normal conditions while automatically allowing gas to escape when pressure builds up. The system transitions from a fully closed state to a controlled venting state based on pressure conditions, preventing pouch ballooning.
3Reliability
If a prefilter is added to protect the filter assembly, then filter clogging is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prefilter and fine mesh filter are combined into a single integrated filter protection assembly that attaches to the pouch. This merging of components provides comprehensive filter protection while minimizing the number of separate parts, making the system easier to manufacture and maintain compared to having completely separate filter components.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter protection assembly serves multiple functions: it protects the filter assembly from clogging, allows gas egress, and can be easily attached and removed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while providing comprehensive protection.
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 system effectively prevents filter clogging and pouch ballooning by ensuring efficient gas egress and waste drainage, enhancing user comfort and reducing anxiety related to pouch inflation.
Implementation Method 1
The prefilter may be attached to one of the body-side wall and distal wall, such that the pointed ends are oriented downwardly toward a lower portion of the collection cavity to facilitate draining of body waste captured in the prefilter.
Implementation Method 2
The at least one anti-reflux valve may be backed by a foam material configured to function as a spring-loaded backing to keep the anti-reflux valve closed when the ostomy pouch appliance is deflated.
Implementation Method 3
the ostomy pouch also includes a gas outlet covered by a filter assembly for odor filtering and egress of gas collected in the pouch
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An ostomy pouch appliance (10) includes a gas outlet (21) formed in one of the pouch walls for egress of gas collected in a pouch collection cavity, a filter assembly (22) attached to the pouch wall covering the gas outlet and a prefilter (24) configured to protect the filter assembly. The prefilter may have a crescent shaped body including pointed ends (28) configured to facilitate draining of body waste captured in the prefilter. The ostomy pouch appliance may also include a protective panel (20) configured to protect the filter assembly including at least one anti-reflux valve (130).