Ostomy Filter Protection via Crescent Prefilter and Anti-Reflux Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ostomy pouches often experience clogging due to liquid, semisolid, or solid body waste blocking the filter assembly, leading to pouch ballooning and discomfort for users.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage filter protection system comprising a prefilter and a protective panel with anti-reflux valves, where the prefilter is crescent-shaped with pointed ends to facilitate drainage and the panel includes perforations and slits to allow gas flow while preventing waste from reaching the filter assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter assembly is used to cover the gas outlet for odor filtering, then gas egress is enabled, but liquid or solid body waste may block the filter assembly, causing pouch ballooning
Solution Approach 1:
A prefilter made of foam material is introduced as an intermediary component between the collection cavity and the filter assembly. This prefilter captures liquid and semisolid body waste before it can reach and block the filter assembly, while still allowing gas to pass through to the filter for odor filtering and egress.
Solution Approach 2:
The filtering function is segmented into two distinct stages: a prefilter for capturing liquid and semisolid waste, and a filter assembly for odor filtering and gas egress. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively without interfering with the other.
2Reliability
If the prefilter is positioned to capture body waste, then filter clogging is reduced, but gas flow may be restricted if the prefilter blocks the gas outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The prefilter is designed with non-uniform thickness, being thinner at the gas outlet area and thicker at the collection cavity end. This local quality variation allows gas to flow freely through the thin region near the outlet while the thicker region provides enhanced waste capture capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The prefilter extends into the collection cavity along the longitudinal axis, creating a three-dimensional filtration zone. This dimensional extension allows the prefilter to capture waste throughout the cavity volume while maintaining an open pathway for gas to reach the filter assembly.
3Reliability
If a protective panel is added to cover the filter assembly, then filter protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective panel combines multiple functions into a single component: it acts as a physical barrier protecting the filter assembly from waste, provides structural support to the pouch, and includes anti-reflux valves to prevent waste from flowing back toward the filter. This merging reduces the need for separate protective components.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective panel serves multiple purposes simultaneously: filter protection, structural reinforcement, and anti-reflux functionality. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate components for each 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 system effectively prevents filter clogging, reducing pouch ballooning and enhancing user comfort by ensuring efficient gas egress and waste drainage.
Implementation Method 1
a prefilter configured to protect the filter assembly... The prefilter may be formed from a foam material
Implementation Method 2
The at least one anti-reflux valve may be configured to open as the ostomy pouch appliance inflates to allow body waste captured between the protective panel and the pouch wall to drain down into the collection cavity
Implementation Method 3
The at least one anti-reflux valve may be configured to close as the ostomy pouch appliance deflates to prevent body waste collected in the collection cavity from flowing up toward the filter assembly
Implementation Method 4
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 5
a gas outlet formed in an upper portion of one of the body-side wall and distal wall for egress of gas collected in the collection cavity
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).