Stoma Closure with Conformable Particle Sack for Motion-Resistant Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stoma closure devices fail to balance user friendliness, patient comfort, and high sealing performance, often leading to leakage and discomfort due to inadequate design for motion and sensitive stoma tissue.
Innovation Solution
A stoma closure with a conformable portion that can enter, fit against, or surround the stoma, featuring movable particles in a sack, a gel, or foam with flatus vent passages and surface features to aid flatus passage while preventing solid stool release, combined with a support system for retention and odor control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid sealing structure is used to ensure high sealing performance, then seal performance is improved, but patient comfort and ease of application deteriorate due to damage to sensitive stoma tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible conformable portion made of soft material that can adapt to the stoma's shape and motion. This flexible structure provides a reliable seal while being gentle on sensitive stoma tissue, eliminating the need for rigid sealing structures that would cause damage during application and use.
Solution Approach 2:
The conformable portion changes its physical parameters (shape, density, volume) in response to body motion and stoma characteristics. This dynamic adaptation allows the closure to maintain optimal sealing performance while accommodating patient movement and tissue sensitivity throughout the wear period.
2Ease of operation
If a conformable closure is used to improve patient comfort and ease of application, then ease of operation is improved, but sealing performance deteriorates due to inability to withstand body motion
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system incorporates dynamic elements including a conformable portion that adapts to stoma shape, a support structure that responds to body motion, and adjustable retention mechanisms. These dynamic components work together to maintain sealing performance while accommodating patient movement and comfort requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction combining a conformable portion (soft material), support structure (rigid or semi-rigid material), and retention mechanism. This composite design integrates the benefits of both flexible and rigid materials, achieving both ease of application and reliable sealing performance that withstands body motion.
3Ease of operation
If a simple closure design is used to improve ease of operation, then ease of operation is improved, but sealing performance and odor control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The closure is divided into distinct functional segments: a conformable portion for sealing, a support structure for retention and motion response, and an odor control mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity of application. The modular design enables easy assembly and adjustment without compromising sealing performance or odor control.
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 provides a reliable, comfortable seal that withstands body motion, minimizes leakage, and is easy to apply and use, while maintaining stoma tissue safety and odor management.
Implementation Method 1
The gel functions as an artificial stool around or through which flatus may pass under peristalsis of the intestine
Implementation Method 2
The foam may include and/or provide one or more flatus vent passages therethrough. Additionally, a surface portion of the foam includes a surface feature (e.g., a channel) to aid passage of flatus around the foam
Implementation Method 3
The sack has a porous configuration for allowing body waste to contact and/or enter the sack, while confining the particles captive within the sack
Data Source
AI summary
A stoma closure that includes a conformable portion for conforming to an individual's stoma. The conformable portion includes a sack containing particles. The conformable portion may include a gel that may be loose or be at least partly contained in a sack. The conformable portion may include foam. The conformable portion may be configured to permit venting of flatus, while obstructing the passage of liquid/solid stool.