Tracheostoma Plaster Sealing with Annular Bead
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tracheostoma plasters are complex to produce and require equipment for applying adhesive tape to a rigid flange, which is not ideal for irregular skin areas around a retracted tracheostoma.
Innovation Solution
A tracheostoma plaster with an annular ridge on the proximal side and an adhesive tape on the distal side, featuring a soft, pressure-sensitive bead that provides closer contact with the skin and easy application, and a receptacle for tracheostoma aids like speaking valves or artificial noses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid flange is used in the tracheostoma plaster, then the plaster can provide sufficient sealing against irregular skin areas, but the production process becomes complex and requires specialized equipment for applying adhesive tape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and material properties of the flange by using a thermoplastic material that can be molded in a softened state and then hardened. This allows the flange to be produced as an integrated component without requiring subsequent adhesive tape application equipment, thereby simplifying production while maintaining the sealing effect through the material's inherent properties and geometric design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the flange structure with the adhesive functionality by integrating the adhesive layer directly onto the flange surface during the molding process. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate adhesive application equipment and reduces production complexity while ensuring reliable sealing and adhesion in one integrated structure
2Ease of manufacture
If a soft polymer flange is used, then the production process is simplified, but the flange cannot provide sufficient sealing against irregular skin areas when the tracheostoma is deeply retracted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the thermoplastic material's ability to change physical parameters (softness/hardness) with temperature. During molding, the material is softened for easy shaping, then hardened to provide the necessary rigidity for sealing. This parameter change allows the flange to be easily manufactured while still achieving reliable sealing against irregular skin surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the flange with a specifically contoured geometry featuring curved surfaces that adapt to the irregular shape of the skin area around the retracted tracheostoma. This geometric adaptation, combined with the thermoplastic material properties, enables the flange to conform to irregular surfaces and provide effective sealing while maintaining production simplicity
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 design offers improved application and production simplicity, providing a secure and comfortable fit for tracheostomy patients by enhancing the sealing effect and reducing irritation around the tracheostoma.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive tape (16) arranged on the distal side (14) with a receptacle (36) for a tracheostoma aid, namely a speaking valve with a moisture and heat exchanger, or alternatively an artificial nose
Implementation Method 2
a soft, pressure-sensitive bead that provides closer contact with the skin
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
To solve the problem of providing a tracheostoma plaster that has a good sealing effect in the area of skin directly bordering a tracheostoma, a tracheostoma plaster (10) is proposed, having a proximal and a distal side (12, 14), having an adhesive strip (16) arranged on the distal side, having a receptacle (36) for a tracheostoma aid and having an annular bead (20), which is arranged on the proximal side of the plaster on a portion of the same, wherein the receptacle is surrounded by the annular bead.