Ostomy Flange Alignment via Interlocking Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-piece mounting assemblies for ostomy pouches lack a convenient mechanism for proper alignment and secure attachment of the body flange and pouch, leading to potential misalignment and insecurity during use.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of diametrically arranged loops on the body flange and pouch, with one set having pockets and the other set designed to fit within, allows for interlocking and secure alignment, along with an adhesive interface for bonding, and optional use of an ostomy belt for added stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a two-piece mounting assembly is used without a locating mechanism, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the alignment between body flange and pouch becomes imprecise and insecure
Solution Approach 1:
The locating loops are nested within recesses formed in the body flange and pouch, creating an interlocking relationship that ensures precise alignment without adding external complexity. The loops fit into the recesses like nested dolls, providing automatic positioning when the components are assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly is divided into separate locatable features (loops and recesses) on each component, allowing independent manufacturing and assembly. This segmentation enables each part to be manufactured separately with standard tolerances while achieving precise overall alignment through the locating mechanism.
2Reliability
If the body flange and pouch are bonded directly without a locating mechanism, then the bonding process is simpler, but the components may shift or misalign during bonding and use
Solution Approach 1:
The locating loops and recesses are pre-formed on the body flange and pouch components before bonding. This preliminary action of creating the interlocking features ensures that when the components are brought together for bonding, they are automatically positioned correctly, preventing shift or misalignment during the bonding process and subsequent use.
3Ease of operation
If multiple pouches need to be changed without removing the body flange, then user convenience is improved, but the mounting assembly needs a mechanism for repeated attachment and detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The locating mechanism is designed to be dynamically reusable, allowing pouches to be attached and detached multiple times. The loops and recesses can accommodate repeated engagement and disengagement cycles, enabling users to change pouches conveniently without removing the entire body flange, while maintaining secure attachment during wear.
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
This solution ensures proper alignment and secure attachment of the body flange and pouch, facilitating easy replacement of pouches without removing the body flange, while providing additional security with the ostomy belt, enhancing user convenience and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a body flange piece which is adhesively bonded to the peristomal skin surfaces of an osteomate. A pouch is in turn adhesively bonded to the body flange piece.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A mounting assembly for an ostomy pouch. The assembly includes a body flange having an adhesive coating on one side adapted to be adhered to the peristomal skin surface of an osteomate. Diametrically opposed loops project from the edge of the flange and form pockets. Also included is an ostomy pouch having a stoma receiving opening surrounded by a stiffly flexible ring having diametrically opposed loops that cooperate with the pockets on the flange loops. An adhesive coating is provided on the flexible ring and there is a mechanical interlock between the ring and flange. When the loops on the flexible ring are aligned with the pockets on the flange the flange and ring may be adhesively interlocked to attach the pouch to the body flange.