Ostomy Pouch Pre-Filter System for Gas Venting and Clog Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy pouches face challenges in maintaining discreetness and convenience due to the need for increased volume, which can lead to sagging and bloating from gaseous accumulation, and existing venting systems are prone to clogging by liquid and solid output.
Innovation Solution
An ostomy pouch design with a pre-filter arrangement and a filter system that includes a vent and a protective panel with apertures to control the separation of gaseous, liquid, and solid components, preventing clogging and allowing for extended use without bloating, featuring a waisted section for sagging control and a filter chamber with an inlet and outlet system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the volume of the pouch is increased to extend wear time, then the duration of use is improved, but the pouch becomes less discreet and may sag
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch is divided into distinct functional sections: a filter chamber for gas separation, a waisted section for structural support, and a collection cavity. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall pouch compactness and discreetness.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter chamber is positioned to intercept and remove gaseous output before it can accumulate in the collection cavity. This preliminary action prevents bloating and maintains pouch shape, allowing extended wear time without compromising discreetness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a vent outlet is provided to release gas, then bloating is prevented, but liquid and solid output may clog the outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The filter chamber is designed with specific local properties: it has an inlet positioned to receive gaseous output and an outlet that feeds the vent. The chamber acts as a localized processing zone that separates gas from liquid/solid output, ensuring only gas reaches the vent outlet and preventing clogging.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter chamber serves as an intermediary structure between the collection cavity and the vent outlet. It mediates the flow of stomal output by allowing gas to pass through to the vent while retaining liquid and solid components, thus protecting the vent from clogging.
3Productivity
If the pouch volume is increased to hold more output, then the frequency of emptying is reduced, but the pouch may move from its original position
Solution Approach 1:
The waisted section features a curved, tapered design that transitions between the filter chamber and the collection cavity. This curvature provides structural rigidity and helps maintain pouch position on the body, preventing movement while still allowing adequate volume for extended wear.
4Reliability
If a filter system is added to prevent clogging, then vent reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter chamber combines multiple functions into a single structure: it acts as both a gas separation chamber and a flow directing conduit. By merging the filtration and venting functions into one integrated component, the design achieves reliable venting without excessive complexity.
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 solution effectively manages stomal output by preventing bloating and sagging, maintaining pouch integrity and convenience, while minimizing the risk of clogging and allowing for prolonged use without compromising discreetness.
Implementation Method 1
a pre-filter arrangement comprising a protective panel which defines a filter chamber about the vent, and into which stomal output may enter
Implementation Method 2
a microporous membrane that is hydrophobic and oleophobic
Implementation Method 3
a microporous membrane that is hydrophobic and oleophobic
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
The invention relates to an ostomy pouch (10). The pouch (10) includes an inner wall (18b) and an outer wall (20b) sealed about at least part of the periphery thereof to define a cavity for containing a stomal output. The cavity includes an upper section (12) and a lower section (14). A waisted section (13) is located between the upper section (12) and the lower section (14). A filter system is provided which includes a vent (30) in the outer wall of the pouch (10) for the release of gas from within the cavity to outside of the pouch (10); and a pre-filter arrangement comprising a protective panel (54) which defines a filter chamber (56) about the vent, and into which stomal output may enter, in use.