Ostomy Base Plate Moisture Sensing for Leakage Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy appliances lack effective methods for reliably detecting and classifying leakage, which can lead to skin damage and discomfort for ostomates due to inadequate monitoring of moisture propagation in the adhesive material.
Innovation Solution
An ostomy system with a base plate and sensor assembly that includes electrodes and adhesive layers to monitor moisture propagation, providing real-time data on the nature, severity, and rapidness of leakage, allowing users to replace the appliance before severe leakage occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ostomy appliances are used without moisture monitoring, then the device structure remains simple, but leakage cannot be detected reliably leading to skin damage
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is divided into multiple sensing zones with different electrode pairs arranged in specific patterns. Each zone monitors a particular region, allowing comprehensive leakage detection across the entire adhesive interface between the base plate and skin surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical leakage detection methods with electrical resistance measurements. Electrode pairs measure changes in electrical resistance caused by moisture accumulation, providing reliable leakage detection without mechanical complexity.
2Measurement precision
If electrodes are added to monitor moisture, then leakage detection capability improves, but the adhesive layer becomes more complex and may affect skin comfort
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer serves multiple functions: it provides skin adhesion, acts as a sensing medium for moisture detection, and facilitates electrical contact between electrode pairs. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects leakage by monitoring changes in electrical resistance parameters of the adhesive layer. As moisture accumulates, the electrical resistance changes, providing precise measurement of leakage severity without requiring complex structural modifications.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensing zones are implemented, then leakage classification accuracy improves, but the number of electrodes and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring area is segmented into multiple sensing zones, each with dedicated electrode pairs. This segmentation enables precise localization and classification of leakage by comparing resistance changes across different zones, improving measurement precision without requiring excessive electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a practical number of sensing zones that provides sufficient classification accuracy for clinical needs without over-engineering. The electrode configuration is optimized to achieve adequate measurement precision while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
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 system enables reliable determination of leakage severity and remaining time before skin damage, reducing the risk of leakage and improving user comfort by facilitating timely replacement of the ostomy appliance.
Implementation Method 1
a monitor device and a plurality of electrodes. The monitor device is electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes of the base plate and/or sensor assembly part. A method is also disclosed comprising the steps of: measuring one or more resistances in the one or more sensing zones via the plurality of electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
An ostomy system configured to detect moisture content in a base plate or a sensor assembly part of the ostomy system, the ostomy system comprising the base plate and/or a sensor assembly part and a monitor device. The base plate or the sensor assembly part includes a first adhesive layer, a plurality of electrodes, and one or more sensing zones each covering one of one or more regions of the first adhesive layer, each of the one or more sensing zones including at least two of the plurality of electrodes. The monitor device is electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes of the base plate or the sensor assembly part and configured to measure one or more resistances in the one or more sensing zones between the plurality of electrodes, each of the one or more resistances measured by two of the plurality of electrodes at one of the one or more sensing zones, and determine moisture content of the first adhesive layer at each of the one or more sensing zones based on the measured one or more resistances.