Double-Sided Ostomy Sensor for Accurate Effluent Leak Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Ostomy appliances are susceptible to effluent leakage due to weakening of the seal between the skin barrier material and the user's skin, making it difficult for users to detect and address the issue promptly.

Innovation Solution

A sensor device with a sensor layer and skin barrier layer, featuring a substrate with sensing electrodes and connecting traces, is attached to the ostomy appliance to detect changes in electrical resistance caused by effluent leakage, providing real-time alerts through a wearable control unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sensor device with multiple electrodes and connecting traces is integrated into the ostomy appliance, then leak detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleak detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device merges multiple functional elements (sensing electrodes, connecting traces, and adhesive layer) into a single integrated structure. The substrate integrates both the sensing electrodes on one side and connecting traces on the other side, creating a unified sensor device that reduces assembly complexity while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-layer sensor design to a double-sided substrate structure where sensing electrodes and connecting traces are positioned on opposite sides of the substrate. This dimensional separation allows independent optimization of sensing and connection functions while reducing interference between them

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the sensor device is made as a separate accessory that can be used with ostomy barrier or faceplate, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different ostomy appliancesVSAvoiduser application difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor device incorporates an adhesive layer that enables self-adhesion to the ostomy barrier or faceplate without requiring additional fastening mechanisms or complex attachment procedures. The device applies itself to the appliance surface, simplifying the user application process while maintaining versatility across different appliance types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 sensor device accurately detects and locates ostomy effluent leakage, enabling timely notification and alerting the user to seal weaknesses, thereby preventing external leakage.

Implementation Method 1

detect changes in electrical resistance caused by effluent leakage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance change: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP4185252B1Double-sided sensor device for ostomy leak detection system
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 HOLLISTER INCORPORAED
  • EP4185252B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4185252B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4185252B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A sensor device for detecting ostomy effluent leakage in an ostomy appliance includes a sensor layer and a skin barrier layer for attaching the sensor device to a user. The sensor layer includes a substrate, a plurality of sensing electrodes arranged on a proximal side of the substrate, a plurality of connecting traces arranged on a distal side of the substrate, and a plurality of connection points configured to electrically connect the sensor device to a control unit.