Ostomy Pouch Cover with Segmented Viewing Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy pouches and wound bags require caregivers to manually open a viewing slit for stoma inspection, which is inconvenient, especially for frequent monitoring or when applying a stoma baseplate, as it necessitates using both hands and disrupts other tasks.
Innovation Solution
A collecting device with a flexible material cover that includes a front part with a first panel section having a viewing window and a second panel section that can be reconfigured between a closed and open configuration, allowing the stoma opening to be revealed in a single operation by lifting the second panel section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a viewing slit is provided in the pouch cover, then the stoma can be inspected, but manual manipulation of multiple panel sections is required which is inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch cover is divided into multiple panel sections (first panel section with viewing window, second panel section, third panel section) that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows the viewing window to be accessed separately from the other panels, enabling quick stoma inspection without manipulating the entire pouch cover structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The viewing window is extracted as a distinct feature on the first panel section, separated from the second and third panel sections. This extraction allows the viewing window to be accessed independently through the opening between panel sections, eliminating the need to manually open or manipulate multiple panels to inspect the stoma.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pouch cover is made opaque to obscure contents, then wearer dignity and comfort are improved, but visibility of stoma is blocked requiring manual opening of viewing slit
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch cover employs different transparency qualities in different locations: the first panel section contains a viewing window with transparent or translucent portions to allow stoma visibility, while the second and third panel sections remain opaque to maintain comfort and dignity. This local differentiation of material properties enables simultaneous achievement of both visibility and privacy protection.
3Reliability
If both hands are required to open viewing slit, then proper access can be achieved, but other tasks cannot be performed simultaneously reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch cover is segmented into multiple independently accessible panel sections. The first panel section with the viewing window can be accessed independently from the second and third panel sections, allowing one-handed operation for stoma inspection while the other hand is free for concurrent tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch cover design incorporates dynamic accessibility where the opening between panel sections allows flexible, adaptive access to the viewing window. The panel sections can be independently manipulated or held in place, enabling dynamic adjustment during inspection without requiring both hands to be occupied with complex manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
An ostomy pouch or wound bag includes a fluid tight collecting bag for containing bodily fluid or waste matter. The collecting bag includes an opening for receiving bodily fluid or waste matter. A flexible material cover is provided that at least partially covers the collecting bag. The cover comprises a front part arranged on a first side of the collecting bag that in use faces forward away from the wearer. The front part of the cover includes a first panel section having a viewing window through which the opening is visible and a cover panel section that is reconfigurable between a closed configuration in which at least part of the cover panel section covers and obscures the viewing window and the opening is obscured, and an open configuration in which the viewing window is uncovered and the stoma opening is at least partially visible.