Drainable Ostomy Pouch Pocket Closure Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy pouch designs face challenges with complexity, cost, and user preference due to the use of flaps for secondary retention, which can be uncomfortable and increase manufacturing costs, while designs without flaps lack a secondary retainer and expose the drain, making them vulnerable to accidental release.
Innovation Solution
A drainable ostomy pouch with a pocket that receives the drain chute in its closed configuration, featuring an evertable pocket wall that obstructs the drain from opening, providing a secure closure without the need for flaps or additional fasteners, and allowing the pouch to be self-draining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flaps with fasteners are provided for secondary retention of the drain chute, then reliability of closure is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the flap component from the closure system, extracting the problematic element that caused complexity and manufacturing difficulties while maintaining closure reliability through the pocket-based retention mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The pocket structure provides automatic retention of the rolled drain chute through its geometric configuration and interaction with the pouch wall, eliminating the need for additional fastening components and making the system self-sufficient
2Reliability
If flaps with fasteners are provided for secondary retention, then closure security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to mandatory deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static flap-based retention mechanism to a dynamic pocket structure that adapts to the rolled drain chute, allowing flexible retention without mandatory user intervention and improving operational comfort
3Device complexity
If the drain chute is left exposed in closed configuration, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to accidental release
Solution Approach 1:
The rolled drain chute is nested within the pocket structure formed by the pouch wall, providing protective enclosure and preventing accidental release while maintaining a simple overall device configuration without additional components
4Reliability
If flaps are provided for secondary retention, then closure reliability is improved, but material thickness and rigidity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flap component that added unnecessary material thickness and rigidity, replacing it with a pocket structure that achieves the same retention function using the existing pouch wall material
Data Source
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AI summary
A drainable ostomy pouch includes a collection portion and a drain chute extending from the collection portion 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 is extended from the collection portion, and a closed condition in which the drain chute is folded towards the collection portion; and a pocket for receiving at least a portion of the drain chute when the drain chute is in its closed condition.