Ostomy Base Plate Electrode Sensing for Adhesive Leak Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ostomy appliances lack effective sensing mechanisms to detect adhesive performance and leaks, leading to potential adhesive failure, leakage, and skin damage.

Innovation Solution

A base plate for ostomy appliances equipped with an electrode assembly that includes sensors to monitor changes in electrical quantities, such as resistance, conductance, or capacitance, to detect adhesive performance and leaks, integrated with a flexible and elastic top film for improved user comfort and handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an electrode assembly with sensors is integrated into the base plate, then sensing capability to detect adhesive performance and leaks is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive performance monitoringVSAvoidbase plate structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode assembly is integrated directly into the base plate structure, merging the sensing function with the adhesive component. This combination allows the base plate to simultaneously provide mechanical support and sensing capabilities, detecting adhesive performance and leaks through electrical measurements without requiring separate monitoring devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate is designed to perform multiple functions: providing adhesive attachment, supporting the ostomy appliance, and monitoring adhesive performance through the electrode assembly. The electrodes can detect multiple parameters including adhesive integrity, moisture levels, and potential leaks, making the single component highly versatile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a top film layer is added to the base plate, then user comfort and handling are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser comfort and handlingVSAvoidbase plate structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A top film layer is incorporated into the base plate structure, providing a flexible and elastic surface that enhances user comfort and ease of handling. The thin film conforms to the skin and appliance contours while maintaining the structural integrity of the base plate, offering a soft interface between the rigid electronic components and the user's body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If real-time monitoring is implemented, then detection of adhesive failure and leaks is improved, but loss of time for appliance replacement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleak detectionVSAvoidappliance replacement timing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode assembly provides real-time feedback on adhesive performance by continuously monitoring electrical properties such as resistance and conductance. This feedback mechanism allows users to detect adhesive failure or leaks immediately, enabling timely appliance replacement before actual leakage occurs, thus preventing skin damage while optimizing replacement timing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution enables timely detection of adhesive failure and leaks, reducing the risk of leakage and skin damage by providing users with real-time monitoring and informed decision-making on appliance replacement.

Implementation Method 1

sensors to monitor changes in electrical quantities, such as resistance, conductance, or capacitance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

electrode assembly that includes sensors to monitor changes in electrical quantities, such as resistance, conductance, or capacitance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConduction (electrical): Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4093345B1Base plate for an ostomy appliance
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 COLOPLAST AS
  • EP4093345B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4093345B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4093345B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A base plate (10) for an ostomy appliance is disclosed. The base plate has a proximal surface and a distal surface. The base plate comprises a first adhesive layer (110) having a proximal side including a proximal surface (111) and a distal side including a distal surface (112), an electrode assembly (120) comprising one or more electrodes (120'), and a top film (100) having a proximal surface and a distal surface. The top film is arranged on the distal side of the first adhesive layer. The electrode assembly is arranged on the proximal surface of the top film. The distal surface of the top film is the distal surface of the base plate.