Flexible Ostomy Pouch Coupling for Skin Comfort and Seal Integrity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ostomy belt systems with inflexible pouch coupling rings cause discomfort and seal weakness due to point contact with the skin, especially around recessed stomas, and require complex assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
An ostomy belt system with flexible coupling elements and pouch coupling rings that can bend or flex at predetermined locations, using materials with varying flexibility or reduced thickness to conform to the body's contour, and fasteners for easy engagement, eliminating the need for a separate pouch coupling ring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid pouch coupling ring is used to provide structural support, then the pouch maintains its shape and support, but it causes skin discomfort and seal weakness due to point contact with the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch coupling ring is replaced with a flexible coupling element made of elastomeric material that can bend and conform to the body's contour, eliminating point contact pressure on the skin while maintaining pouch support through the flexible structure's ability to adapt to movement and body shape changes
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the coupling element are changed from rigid to flexible by using elastomeric materials with varying degrees of flexibility, allowing the coupling element to provide support while adapting to the body's movement and contour, thereby preventing skin discomfort
2Strength
If a rigid pouch coupling ring is used to provide structural support, then the pouch maintains its shape, but the seal at the skin may weaken or break during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible coupling element moves with the changing contour of the abdomen during body movement, preventing the rigid pulling forces that would otherwise weaken or break the sealing adhesive bond between the pouch and skin
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling element is designed to be dynamic and adaptable, moving with the body's contour changes during movement rather than remaining fixed, which maintains seal integrity by preventing excessive stress on the adhesive bond
3Stability of the object's composition
If a pouch coupling ring is included to provide structural support, then the pouch is stable, but additional manufacturing steps such as heat sealing are required
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element is integrated directly into the pouch structure during the same manufacturing process, combining the pouch and coupling element into a single component that provides structural support without requiring separate assembly steps or additional heat sealing operations
4Reliability
If a pouch coupling ring with belt tabs is used, then the pouch can be secured to the belt, but it is difficult to engage the clasps or hooks with the belt tabs
Solution Approach 1:
The complex belt tab mechanism is removed and replaced with a simplified self-adhering fastening system where the flexible coupling element itself provides the connection mechanism, eliminating the difficulty of engaging clasps or hooks with belt tabs while maintaining secure pouch-belt connection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An ostomy belt system includes an ostomy belt having a strip of material and a belt coupling element, and an ostomy pouch having and outer wall defining an inner volume, and a pouch coupling section configured for releasable engagement with the belt coupling element. One or both of the belt coupling element and the pouch coupling section is configured to bend or flex at a predetermined location.