Ostomy Appliance Viewing Port and Gas Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy appliances lack a convenient and hygienic means for users to visually monitor the stoma-receiving opening and manage gas escape, particularly in drainable and non-drainable ostomy systems, which can lead to discomfort and hygiene issues.
Innovation Solution
An ostomy appliance design featuring a second wall with a transparent upper portion for viewing the stoma-receiving opening and an integral gas filter assembly with separate flexible sheets for gas escape, allowing users to observe the stoma and manage waste gases effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the second wall is made opaque to maintain privacy and hygiene, then user comfort is improved, but the ability to visually monitor the stoma-receiving opening deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The second wall is designed with different transparency properties in different regions: the upper part is transparent to allow visual monitoring of the stoma, while the lower part remains opaque to maintain hygiene and privacy. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing both transparency where needed and opacity where required.
2Ease of operation
If a transparent viewing portion is added to the second wall, then visual monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second wall is segmented into two distinct parts: an upper transparent portion and a lower opaque portion. These segments are connected by a flexible hinge, allowing independent positioning. This segmentation enables the transparent viewing function without requiring complete transparency of the entire wall, thus limiting the increase in complexity to only the necessary viewing area.
3Ease of manufacture
If the transparent and opaque parts of the second wall are made as separate flexible sheets, then ease of positioning and manufacturing is improved, but connection reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible hinge connection between the transparent and opaque wall parts is designed to be self-adjusting and self-sealing. The hinge allows automatic positioning and maintains a reliable seal through its flexible nature, eliminating the need for complex external fastening mechanisms while ensuring connection reliability through the inherent properties of the flexible material.
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
Enhances user hygiene and comfort by providing a clear view of the stoma and efficient gas management, improving the overall functionality of both drainable and non-drainable ostomy appliances.
Implementation Method 1
the upper part of the second wall opposite the stoma-receiving opening is transparent to provide a viewing portion through which the stoma-receiving opening can be viewed
Implementation Method 2
a gas filter assembly (40) connected to the upper and lower parts of the second wall and forming an integral part thereof, the gas filter assembly defining a gas filter chamber containing a gas filter (30) which permits gas to escape from the waste collecting cavity to the exterior
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~8
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An ostomy appliance (10) having first (12) and second (14) walls connected to each other at or near their peripheries, the first wall having a stoma-receiving opening (16), and a waste collecting cavity defined between the first and second walls, wherein the second wall includes viewing portion (20) through which the stoma-receiving opening can be viewed.