Drainable Ostomy Pouch Discreet Chute Concealment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drainable ostomy pouches do not effectively conceal the drain chute when closed, which can be aesthetically undesirable for some users.
Innovation Solution
A drainable ostomy pouch design featuring first and second flaps on opposite faces of the pouch, with a convex curved profile, and a distributed peelable mechanical engagement fastener for securely closing the drain chute portion, allowing it to be folded discreetly and resembling a non-drainable pouch shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the drain chute is made foldable to enable closing, then the ability to conceal the drain chute is improved, but the structural complexity and potential rigidity at the closure area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch is divided into distinct functional zones: a collection portion and a drain chute portion that can be independently folded and closed. The flaps are separate elements that can be independently positioned to cover the drain chute when closed, allowing the drain chute to be segmented from the main collection body for discrete concealment without complicating the entire pouch structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the entire pouch rigid or complex to achieve a neat closed appearance, the invention uses flexible flaps that can be folded over the closed drain chute. This inverts the approach by using a simple flexible covering element rather than a rigid structural solution, maintaining simplicity while achieving the desired concealed shape.
2Shape
If flaps are added to conceal the drain chute when closed, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flaps are integrated into the pouch structure as continuous pieces of material rather than separate components. The first flap is formed from the front wall material and the second flap from the rear wall material, merging the concealing function with the existing pouch walls. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing steps to attach discrete flap components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flaps serve multiple functions: they form part of the pouch structure, provide the concealing cover when the drain chute is closed, and can be fastened to secure the closed configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying manufacturing while achieving the aesthetic concealment goal.
3Reliability
If a fastening system is implemented to secure the flaps closed, then the reliability of the closed configuration is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is designed to be simple and self-serviceable by the user. The distributed peelable mechanical engagement fastener allows the user to easily secure the flaps by peeling and pressing actions without requiring complex tools or mechanisms. This self-service approach maintains reliability while avoiding complex automated or multi-component fastening systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical fastening systems (such as multiple snaps, zippers, or buckles) with a distributed peelable mechanical engagement fastener that operates on a simple peel-and-stick principle. This substitution maintains the reliability of securing the closed configuration while dramatically reducing the mechanical complexity of the fastening system.
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 enables more discreet concealment of the drain chute in its closed configuration and maintains a convex rounded shape, improving user aesthetics and comfort by avoiding bulk and rigidity at the closure area.
Implementation Method 1
a distributed peelable mechanical engagement fastener for securely closing the drain chute portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2a
Figure 3
AI summary
A drainable ostomy pouch includes a collection portion and a drain chute portion extending from the collection portion and having a discharge opening for permitting emptying of contents from the pouch. The drain chute is foldable between an open condition in which the drain chute portion is extended from the collection portion, and a closed condition in which the drain chute portion is folded towards the collection portion. At least one flap retains the folded drain chute portion.