Ostomy Pouch Viewing Window Elastomeric Stretch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy pouches lack a convenient and discreet option for users to view the stoma or stoma output while the pouch is secured, which is necessary for proper installation and inspection.
Innovation Solution
An ostomy pouch with a viewing option window, where a viewing window member made from an elastomeric material covers at least a portion of the distal wall, allowing the user to stretch and enlarge the viewing opening for inspection and then return to its original configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the pouch wall is made opaque for user discretion, then user privacy is protected, but the ability to view the stoma and interior of the pouch is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch wall incorporates a flexible window that can dynamically change from an opaque state (when relaxed) to a transparent state (when stretched). This dynamic property allows the same material to provide both privacy protection and viewing capability, resolving the contradiction between user discretion and inspection needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical properties of the window material are changed by altering its physical state - specifically, by changing the degree of stretching. When the material is stretched beyond a threshold, its optical properties transition from opaque to transparent, enabling viewing while maintaining privacy in the default state.
2Ease of operation
If a viewing window is added to the pouch, then the ability to inspect the stoma and pouch interior is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible window serves multiple functions: it maintains pouch integrity as a structural component, provides privacy when opaque, and enables viewing when transparent. By making this single component multi-functional, the design avoids adding separate dedicated viewing mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a thin flexible elastomeric material for the window allows it to be integrated into the pouch wall without significant structural modification. The material's flexibility enables it to conform to the pouch shape while providing the dynamic transparency feature, adding minimal complexity to the overall device structure.
3Ease of operation
If the viewing opening is made large for better inspection, then viewing capability is improved, but user discretion and privacy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The window's transparency is dynamically controlled by the user's stretching action. The user can temporarily enlarge the effective viewing area by stretching the material, then restore privacy by releasing the stretch. This dynamic control allows large viewing openings only when needed, resolving the contradiction between viewing quality and privacy.
Solution Approach 2:
The user controls the window's transparency state themselves through the stretching action. The material automatically transitions from opaque to transparent based on the applied force, and returns to opaque when the force is released. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional controls while maintaining both privacy and viewing quality on demand.
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 ostomy pouch provides users with a discreet and convenient means to view the stoma or stoma output without compromising the pouch's functionality in collecting body waste, enhancing user discretion and inspection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The viewing window member may be configured to be stretched to increase the size of the viewing opening for viewing an interior of the ostomy pouch and recover the first configuration when released
Data Source
AI summary
An ostomy pouch includes a viewing window member formed from an elastomeric material covering at least a portion of a distal pouch wall. The viewing window member includes a viewing opening. The viewing window member is configured to be stretched to increase the size of the viewing opening for viewing an interior of the ostomy pouch and recover its original configuration when released.