Angular Electrode Assembly for Directional Ostomy Leakage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy appliances lack effective mechanisms for reliably detecting and classifying leakage, which can lead to skin damage and discomfort for users.
Innovation Solution
An electrode assembly integrated into the base plate of an ostomy appliance that includes a support layer with multiple electrodes arranged in specific angular and radial configurations to detect the presence and direction of fluid leakage, coupled with a monitor device for real-time monitoring and alerting users about the severity and timing of potential leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ostomy appliances are used without advanced sensing mechanisms, then the device complexity remains low, but the reliability of leakage detection is insufficient leading to skin damage and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is divided into multiple independent electrodes (first electrode, second electrode, third electrode, fourth electrode) arranged in specific angular positions around the stoma. Each electrode can independently detect leakage in its specific angular zone, allowing the system to achieve reliable 360-degree leakage detection through segmentation rather than using a single complex sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or electronic sensing mechanisms with a simpler electrical field-based detection system. The electrodes create electrical fields that interact with bodily fluids to detect leakage, substituting potential complex mechanical sensors with a more reliable and simpler electrical detection approach.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are arranged in complex configurations to achieve accurate leakage detection, then the measurement precision of leakage direction and severity improves, but the manufacturing precision requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrodes are arranged asymmetrically at specific angular positions (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) around the stoma rather than in a symmetric pattern. This asymmetric arrangement allows each electrode to monitor specific quadrants, enabling precise directional leakage detection while simplifying the manufacturing process through standardized angular positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from detecting only the presence of leakage to detecting the directional aspect by arranging electrodes in an angular configuration around the stoma. This adds a spatial dimension (angular position) to the detection capability, allowing the system to determine not just if leakage occurs but from which direction it originates, thereby improving measurement precision.
3Speed
If real-time monitoring with multiple electrodes is implemented, then the speed of leakage detection improves allowing timely replacement, but the energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring that would consume high energy, the electrode assembly employs periodic or event-triggered detection. The system can monitor electrical field changes at intervals or activate detection only when specific conditions are met, achieving timely leakage detection while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly utilizes the body's own electrical properties and fluid conductivity to detect leakage, requiring minimal external power input. The system leverages natural physiological signals and material properties to perform detection, reducing the energy burden on the battery and power management system.
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 rapid and accurate detection of leakage, allowing users to replace the appliance before severe leakage occurs, thereby reducing skin damage and discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode assembly integrated into the base plate of an ostomy appliance that includes a support layer with multiple electrodes arranged in specific angular and radial configurations to detect the presence and direction of fluid leakage
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrode assembly (204) for a base plate of an ostomy appliance is disclosed, the electrode assembly comprising: a support layer (214), the support layer having a stomal opening (18C) with a centre point; and a plurality of electrodes (216) including a first set of electrodes, the first set of electrodes comprising a first primary electrode (230), a first secondary electrode (232), a first tertiary electrode (412), and one or more first reference electrodes including a first primary reference electrode, wherein the plurality of electrodes is configured to detect presence of fluid in a first primary sensing zone (400), a first secondary sensing zone (402), and a first tertiary sensing zone (404), the first primary sensing zone arranged in a first primary angle space from the centre point of the support layer, the first secondary sensing zone arranged in a first secondary angle space from the centre point of the support layer, and the first tertiary sensing zone arranged in a first tertiary angle space from the centre point of the support layer.