Ostomy Filter Channel Venting to Prevent Gas Blockage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ostomy appliances often experience expansion due to accumulated stomal output gas, leading to movement and potential leakage or detachment, and existing filters can become blocked, exacerbating the issue.
Innovation Solution
The ostomy appliance features a filter arrangement with a filter channel that includes bends to restrict the passage of solids and liquids, allowing stomal gas to vent effectively while preventing blockage, and includes a self-regulating valve mechanism to maintain gas flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If an outlet and filter are provided for stomal gas venting, then gas accumulation is reduced, but the outlet and filter may become blocked by solids or semi-liquid waste
Solution Approach 1:
The filter arrangement is divided into multiple functional zones: a hydrophobic filter layer for gas filtration, a protective element layer for mechanical protection against blockage, and a shield wall structure to direct flow. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to prevent blockage.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective element acts as an intermediary between the stomal output and the hydrophobic filter. It prevents direct contact between solids/semi-liquid waste and the filter media, while still allowing gas molecules to pass through. This intermediary layer protects the filter from blockage without compromising gas venting functionality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the ostomy appliance is made secure and comfortable, then fit stability is improved, but gas accumulation causes expansion and movement
Solution Approach 1:
The gas venting function is extracted from the main appliance body and implemented as a separate filter arrangement with dedicated gas pathways. This allows gas to be removed from the appliance volume without compromising the overall secure fit and structural integrity of the main appliance components.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield wall is positioned to create a three-dimensional flow path that directs gas laterally along the appliance wall towards the outlet, rather than allowing direct vertical accumulation. This spatial arrangement facilitates gas escape while maintaining appliance compactness and secure fit.
3Reliability
If a filter arrangement is added to prevent blockage, then gas venting reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter arrangement integrates multiple functions into a single compact structure: the hydrophobic filter layer performs gas filtration, the protective element provides mechanical protection, and the shield wall directs flow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high venting reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective element is nested within the filter arrangement structure, positioned between the stomal output and the hydrophobic filter layer. This nested configuration allows the protective element to be integrated into the existing filter structure without requiring additional external components, thus improving reliability while controlling complexity.
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 effectively vents stomal gas without allowing solids or liquids to reach the filter outlet, reducing appliance expansion and maintaining secure fit and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The filter arrangement may comprise a hydrophobic filter layer, a protective element and a shield wall
Implementation Method 2
a filter arrangement with a filter channel that includes bends to restrict the passage of solids and liquids
Data Source
AI summary
An ostomy appliance having an appliance wall of flexible sheet material forming a cavity for containing a stomal output. The wall has a stomal inlet for receiving the stomal output and a gas vent for allowing the stomal gas to migrate out of the cavity. A filter arrangement is mounted to the appliance wall and has a filter channel extending from a filter channel inlet to a filter channel outlet. The filter channel inlet is located in the cavity for receiving the stomal output from the cavity and the filter channel outlet is mounted in communication with the gas vent for allowing stomal gas to migrate out of the filter channel to the gas vent. A separation element extends along the filter channel for maintaining the filter channel in an open configuration along part of the filter channel for allowing stomal gas to pass therethrough.