Stoma Template With Flexible Segments for Custom Ostomy Skin Barriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy skin barriers struggle to provide a precise and economical fit around varying stoma shapes and sizes, often being invasive or difficult to use, and lack the ability for multiple uses.
Innovation Solution
A stoma template with flexible segments and a sticky surface, allowing customization by peeling and folding to match individual stoma contours, which can be reused with a cover layer for hygiene and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single skin barrier design is used for all patients, then manufacturing and inventory costs are reduced, but the fit and seal effectiveness around varying stoma shapes and sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The template is divided into multiple flexible segments that can be independently adjusted. Each segment can be peeled back to a different extent, allowing the template to be customized to match various stoma shapes and sizes while starting from a standardized base design.
Solution Approach 2:
The template transitions from a static, fixed design to a dynamic, adjustable structure. The flexible segments can be peeled back during application to adapt the template's shape and size to individual patient needs, resolving the contradiction between standardized manufacturing and customized fit.
2Manufacturing precision
If custom measurement and fabrication processes are implemented, then the precision of skin barrier fit is improved, but the complexity and difficulty of use increases
Solution Approach 1:
The template is pre-configured with multiple flexible segments and adhesive surfaces in a standardized format. This preliminary preparation allows users to simply peel and apply the template without requiring complex measurement tools or fabrication processes, maintaining ease of use while achieving custom fit precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The template is designed as a disposable, pre-fabricated device that provides custom fit capabilities without requiring expensive equipment or complex procedures. Each template is individually prepared and discarded after single use, eliminating the need for sophisticated measurement and fabrication infrastructure.
3Manufacturing precision
If invasive procedures or complex devices are used to achieve precise skin barrier customization, then the accuracy of stoma matching is improved, but the invasiveness and difficulty of application worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The template creates a physical copy or impression of the stoma area through its flexible segments that conform to the stoma's shape. This non-invasive copying method achieves precise stoma matching without requiring invasive procedures, complex imaging equipment, or surgical interventions.
Solution Approach 2:
The template's flexible segments self-adjust to match the stoma contours through peeling and conforming actions performed by the user. This self-service mechanism achieves accurate stoma matching without requiring invasive procedures or complex external devices, reducing harm while maintaining precision.
4Ease of manufacture
If reusable templates are designed, then cost-effectiveness and sustainability are improved, but the risk of contamination and hygiene issues worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The template is designed as a disposable device that is inexpensive to manufacture and discard. This approach eliminates contamination risks associated with reusability while maintaining cost-effectiveness through low per-unit production costs and elimination of sterilization requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The template is designed for single use and then discarded, with the option to recover and recycle materials at the manufacturing level. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating patient-to-patient contamination risks while maintaining economic efficiency through controlled disposal and material recovery at the production stage.
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
Enables a precise, customizable, and cost-effective ostomy skin barrier fabrication suitable for multiple uses, ensuring a secure seal around the stoma.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of flexible segments can have a sticky surface along the first side of the body portion
Implementation Method 2
The peeled portion can be foldable over a respective unpeeled portion of the flexible segment and be adherable to the sticky surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A stoma template comprising a body portion having opposing inside and outside edges and opposing first and second sides. The inside edge can define an opening extending through the body portion between the first and second sides. The first side can have a plurality of flexible segments extending between the inside and outside edges. The plurality of flexible segments can be separated from one another by grooves and have a sticky surface along the first side of the body portion. At least a portion of a flexible segment can be peelable away from the opening to form a peeled portion. The peeled portion can be foldable over a respective unpeeled portion of the flexible segment and be adherable to the sticky surface. The inside edge of the body portion can be pulled back by the peeled portion and the opening can be expanded.