Ostomy Base Plate Sensor Assembly for Leakage Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ostomy systems lack effective methods for reliably determining the nature and severity of moisture propagation in adhesive materials, leading to inadequate leakage detection and potential skin damage.

Innovation Solution

The ostomy system incorporates a base plate with integrated sensor assemblies and a monitor device that utilize electrodes and adhesive layers to detect moisture propagation patterns, providing real-time data on adhesive performance and alerting users to potential leakage risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If no sensor assembly is integrated into the base plate, then the device complexity is low, but the leakage detection capability is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleakage detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor assembly is integrated directly into the base plate structure, merging the sensing function with the existing base plate component. This integration allows the base plate to simultaneously serve as both a structural element and a sensing device, enabling leakage detection without requiring a completely separate complex system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support for the ostomy appliance and simultaneously acts as a sensing platform with integrated electrodes and moisture sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, addressing the complexity issue while improving detection capability.

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

2Ease of operation

If adhesive layers are used to attach the base plate, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision of moisture propagation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachmentVSAvoidmoisture propagation detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive layer is segmented into multiple regions with different properties: a first adhesive layer for initial attachment and a second adhesive layer for enhanced sealing. This segmentation allows different portions of the adhesive to serve different functions - some areas prioritize bonding while others are optimized for moisture detection, thereby maintaining both ease of attachment and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the adhesive layer have different characteristics tailored to specific functions. The first adhesive layer provides general attachment, while the second adhesive layer provides enhanced sealing and moisture barrier properties. This local differentiation ensures that moisture propagation can be detected accurately at critical interfaces while maintaining overall ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If real-time monitoring of adhesive performance is implemented, then the reliability of leakage detection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleakage detection reliabilityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor assembly automatically monitors adhesive performance and moisture propagation without requiring external intervention. The electrodes and moisture sensors continuously detect changes in the adhesive layer and stoma area, providing real-time data that triggers alerts when leakage is detected. This self-monitoring capability improves reliability while keeping the system relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors adhesive performance and provides feedback through alerts when moisture propagation or leakage is detected. This feedback mechanism enables timely user action to prevent skin damage, improving the reliability of the detection system without requiring complex additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Strength

If multiple adhesive layers are used, then the strength of bonding is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidadhesive layer positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adhesive system is segmented into a first adhesive layer and a second adhesive layer, each with specific functions. The first layer provides initial bonding, while the second layer enhances sealing and moisture barrier properties. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to a single complex adhesive layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the adhesive layers have different properties tailored to specific functions. The first adhesive layer is optimized for general bonding, while the second adhesive layer provides enhanced sealing. This local differentiation allows standard manufacturing processes to produce reliable bonding without requiring extremely tight tolerances across the entire adhesive structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This solution enables users to promptly replace ostomy appliances, reducing the risk of severe leakage and skin damage by accurately monitoring adhesive performance and providing timely replacement notifications.

Implementation Method 1

a first adhesive layer configured for attaching the base plate to a skin surface and/or additional seals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

utilize electrodes and adhesive layers to detect moisture propagation patterns

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity detection: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11529253B2Base plate for an ostomy appliance and a sensor assembly part for a base plate and a method for manufacturing a base plate and sensor assembly part
Publication Date: 2022.12.20 COLOPLAST AS
  • US11529253B2 patent drawing
  • US11529253B2 patent drawing
  • US11529253B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is a base plate for an ostomy appliance and a method for manufacturing a base plate. The base plate comprising: a top layer; a first adhesive layer; an electrode assembly comprising a plurality of electrodes, the electrode assembly having a first part and a second part, the first part comprising connection parts of the plurality of electrodes, the second part being arranged between the first adhesive layer and the top layer; and a monitor interface configured for connecting the base plate to a monitor device, the monitor interface comprising a plurality of terminals configured to form electrical connections with respective terminals of the monitor device. The top layer comprises a top layer opening configured to allow for connection between the plurality of electrodes of the electrode assembly and terminals of the monitor device.