Ostomy Adhesive Monitoring via Embedded Sensor Arrays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ostomy systems lack reliable methods for determining the nature, severity, and rapidness of moisture propagation in adhesive materials, leading to uncertainty in appliance failure and potential skin damage or leakage.
Innovation Solution
An ostomy system comprising a base plate with electrodes and a monitor device that collects data on adhesive layer performance, using sensor points and a processing scheme to determine the operating state of the adhesive, providing real-time information on erosion and leakage risk, and transmitting alerts for timely appliance replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ostomy appliances without monitoring are used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of detecting adhesive failure and moisture propagation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates monitoring functionality into the ostomy appliance before it is applied to the patient. Sensors are pre-installed in the adhesive layer to detect moisture propagation and adhesive failure from the outset, rather than requiring additional monitoring steps after application. This preliminary integration ensures reliable detection while maintaining relative simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary elements within the adhesive layer to detect moisture propagation and adhesive failure. These sensors act as mediators between the adhesive material and the monitoring system, enabling reliable detection of failure modes without requiring complex external monitoring equipment. The sensors translate physical/chemical changes in the adhesive into detectable signals.
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring of adhesive performance is implemented, then the reliability of detecting moisture propagation is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system operates periodically rather than continuously, taking measurements at scheduled intervals to detect moisture propagation and adhesive failure. This periodic operation reduces energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring while maintaining reliable detection capability. The system can adjust the measurement frequency based on detected conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors are integrated directly into the adhesive layer, allowing the adhesive material itself to participate in the monitoring process. The adhesive structure provides the medium for sensor placement and signal transmission, reducing the need for separate power and communication infrastructure. This self-integrating approach minimizes additional energy requirements.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are integrated into the adhesive layer, then the measurement precision of adhesive wear is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is divided into modular sensor units that can be independently manufactured and then integrated into the adhesive layer. Each sensor module is a discrete component with defined functionality, allowing for standardized manufacturing processes. This segmentation enables precise measurement while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors are designed to perform multiple functions: detecting moisture propagation, monitoring adhesive wear, and potentially tracking other appliance performance parameters. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed and simplifies the manufacturing process by using a single integrated sensor platform rather than multiple specialized sensors.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method is disclosed performed by an accessory device in connection with an ostomy appliance configured to be placed on a user having a stoma. The method includes capturing one or more images of the user's stoma, processing the images, including: identifying the stoma; and generating indicia representative of a cutting line for the ostomy appliance as a function of the identified stoma, wherein the cutting line defines a hole to be formed on the ostomy appliance. The method further includes providing a visual display including: an appliance representation; and the indicia on the appliance representation.