Ostomy Pouch Top View Member for Stoma Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy pouches make it inconvenient for users to visually inspect the stoma during application due to indirect viewing methods, which can lead to improper positioning and delayed detection of issues like leakage or skin irritation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a top view member with two layers of film, at least one being transparent, sealed between the pouch walls on the upper portion, allowing for direct visual inspection while maintaining discretion and potentially serving as a flatus gas filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the pouch uses opaque materials for discretion, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but visual inspection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch is divided into opaque side walls for discretion and a separate transparent top view member for inspection. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function - the opaque walls maintain aesthetic appearance while the transparent top section enables direct visual inspection of the stoma and peristomal area.
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch structure transitions from uniform opacity to localized transparency. The top view member made of transparent flexible film is positioned specifically at the upper section where inspection is needed, while the rest of the pouch maintains opaque beige material for discretion. This local quality change enables both functions to coexist.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the pouch uses transparent side walls for inspection, then visual inspection capability is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than making the entire pouch transparent, the design segments the transparent function into a separate top view member. This allows the main pouch body to remain opaque for aesthetic purposes while the inspection function is provided by the transparent film section at the top.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection capability is moved from the lateral dimension (side walls) to the vertical dimension (top view). The transparent top view member allows downward viewing of the stoma, providing a different dimensional approach to inspection that avoids the aesthetic compromise of transparent side walls.
3Ease of manufacture
If mirrors are used for indirect viewing, then discretion is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection function is extracted from the external mirror tool and integrated directly into the pouch structure as a transparent top view member. This eliminates the need for separate mirrors or assistants, allowing the user to directly view the stoma through the transparent film while maintaining discretion through the opaque side walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch design enables self-inspection by the user through the transparent top view member, eliminating the need for external assistance or complex mirror positioning. The user can directly observe the stoma and peristomal area through the transparent film, making the inspection process simple and independent.
4Ease of manufacture
If beige opaque materials are used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but detection precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch transitions from uniform opacity to localized transparency at the top view member. This allows the beige opaque material to maintain aesthetic appearance on the sides while the transparent flexible film at the top provides clear visual access to the stoma and peristomal area for early detection of leakage, skin irritation, or barrier erosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The pouch is segmented into opaque aesthetic portions and a transparent inspection portion. The transparent top view member is specifically positioned to allow viewing of the peristomal area, enabling early detection of issues while the rest of the pouch maintains its aesthetic beige appearance.
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The present disclosure concerns an ostomy pouch comprising a first pouch wall (1) and a second pouch wall (2) joined together along a peripheral seal (3) to form a cavity for accommodating waste material; and said pouch having an upper and a lower portion; an inlet provided in the first pouch wall for receiving waste into the pouch; said inlet opening being provided in the upper portion; wherein the pouch further comprises a top view member (7) comprising two layers of transparent flexible film (71, 72) is provided on an upper section of said upper portion between said first and second pouch walls and sealed to either the first or the second wall by peripheral seals (3a, 3b), wherein said top view member is provided with a lowermost edge (73).