Rotatable Cap Outlet Valve for Ostomy Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy appliances face challenges in ease of use, particularly when connecting the outlet valve to additional appliances like drain bags, which can lead to difficulties in draining liquids efficiently and hygienically.
Innovation Solution
The proposed outlet valve for ostomy appliances features an axle with a curved lateral wall and a rotatable cap that moves the outlet element from a closed to an open configuration, allowing for controlled fluid drainage and easy attachment to additional appliances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the outlet valve uses a complex multi-position valve system with rotatable and linearly displaceable components, then the valve can be set in three positions (both valves open, stop valve closed/closing valve open, both valves closed), but the device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet valve is divided into two separate functional valves: a stop valve and a closing valve. Each valve operates independently with its own control mechanism, simplifying the overall system while maintaining the capability for multiple operational states (both open, stop closed/closing open, both closed). This segmentation allows each valve component to be simpler while achieving complex functional versatility through their combination.
2Device complexity
If the outlet valve uses a simple valve mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for different drainage configurations (direct disposal vs. drain bag attachment) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet valve is designed with universal functionality to support multiple drainage configurations. The valve mechanism can operate in conjunction with either direct disposal systems or drain bag attachments, providing adaptability across different use cases. The stop valve and closing valve combination allows the system to function as a complete drainage solution whether connected to a drain bag or disposed of directly, making the valve universally applicable.
3Ease of operation
If the ostomy appliance is designed for easy drainage connection to additional appliances, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional connection components
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet valve incorporates self-aligning and self-sealing features that automatically facilitate connection to drain bags or direct disposal systems. The valve design includes inherent guidance mechanisms that guide the user during attachment, and automatic sealing features that ensure proper connection without requiring complex manual alignment procedures. This self-service approach improves ease of operation while minimizing the need for additional complex connection components.
Data Source
AI summary
An outlet valve for an ostomy appliance comprises an axle defining a hollow bore for receiving a liquid output from the ostomy appliance. The axle comprises a curved lateral wall. An outlet element comprises a cap arranged concentrically with the axle and an outlet tube affixed to the cap. A valve opening is defined in the curved lateral wall. The cap is rotatable around the axle to move from a closed configuration in which the valve opening is not in liquid communication with the outlet tube to an open configuration in which the valve opening is in liquid communication with the outlet tube. The outlet valve further comprises an outlet element seal configured to provide: sealing between the cap and the axle around a circumference of the axle; and sealing between the valve opening and the intake opening when the outlet element is in the closed configuration.