Adjustable Waterproof Wound Shield With Normal Force Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a simple, convenient, and inexpensive waterproof wound covering that effectively seals an ostomy pouch from moisture, allowing users to shower or bathe without exposing the stoma to air or water, while being comfortable and adjustable to accommodate various user sizes.
Innovation Solution
A waterproof shield constructed from sturdy, reusable materials like polycarbonate or thermoplastic elastomer, featuring an elevated top surface and adjustable retention mechanisms such as straps or belts, which create a normal force to ensure a secure seal against the user's body, combined with a seal element to prevent moisture ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a waterproof covering is used to protect the ostomy pouch, then the pouch is protected from moisture, but the covering may not seal effectively against the user's skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible waterproof shield made from materials such as plastic or other waterproof materials that can conform to the contours of the user's body. This flexible shell design allows the shield to adapt to individual body shapes while maintaining its waterproof barrier, effectively sealing against the skin without compromising moisture protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes adhesive elements with varying adhesive properties to enhance sealing effectiveness. The adhesive can be adjusted in terms of stickiness and bonding strength to ensure reliable attachment to different skin types and surfaces, thereby improving the seal effectiveness while maintaining the waterproof covering function.
2Reliability
If a waterproof covering is designed to seal effectively, then the seal against skin is reliable, but the covering becomes difficult to adjust to different user sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable retention mechanisms such as straps or belts that can be dynamically adjusted to accommodate different user sizes and body contours. These retention elements allow the shield to be customized for each user, maintaining reliable sealing while providing adaptability to various anatomical variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The shield is designed as a modular system with separate components including the waterproof covering, adhesive elements, and retention mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the adhesive provides sealing, while the adjustable straps provide size adaptation, resolving the contradiction between reliable sealing and user-size adjustability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a waterproof covering is made to be adjustable and comfortable, then it fits various users, but it becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the shield as a universal product that can serve multiple users of different sizes through simple adjustment mechanisms. The retention straps and adhesive elements are designed to work together in a straightforward manner, providing adjustability without requiring complex mechanical systems, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
4Ease of manufacture
If a waterproof covering is designed to be simple and inexpensive, then it is cost-effective, but it may not provide reliable sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent presents the shield as a potentially disposable or single-use product that can be manufactured simply and inexpensively. By accepting that the shield may be discarded after limited use, the design can prioritize manufacturing simplicity and cost-effectiveness while still providing reliable sealing through the combination of waterproof material and adhesive elements, without investing in complex reusable mechanisms.
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 shield effectively prevents moisture exposure to the wound area, is comfortable to wear, and can be easily adjusted to fit different users, providing a reliable and cost-effective solution for protecting ostomy pouches during bathing.
Implementation Method 1
retention mechanisms such as straps or belts, which create a normal force to ensure a secure seal against the user's body
Implementation Method 2
A waterproof shield constructed from sturdy, reusable materials like polycarbonate or thermoplastic elastomer
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for protecting a wound. The apparatus includes a waterproof shield element to cover a wound area of a user's body, where the elevated top surface of the shield element is elevated away from the user's body. A retention mechanism selectively retains the shield element against the user's body, utilizing the elevated top surface to create a normal force between the shield element and the user's body to thereby form an effective seal between the shield element and the user's body.