Ostomy Base Plate Moisture Sensing for Accurate Wear Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy appliances lack reliable methods to determine wear time accurately, leading to potential skin damage and leakage due to improper timing of appliance changes.
Innovation Solution
An ostomy system with a base plate and monitor device that utilizes sensors and electrodes to monitor moisture propagation in the adhesive layer, providing real-time data for determining the operating state and wear time of the appliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ostomy appliance wear time is determined without reliable sensing methods, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of wear time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual estimation and mechanical tracking methods with electronic sensing and digital monitoring systems. Sensors detect moisture propagation, adhesion changes, and other physiological parameters, while monitor devices process this data to automatically determine wear time, substituting mechanical/manual systems with electronic intelligence to achieve precise measurement without relying on complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The ostomy appliance system performs self-monitoring through integrated sensors that automatically detect changes in the adhesive layer, moisture levels, and appliance condition. The monitor device processes this self-generated data to determine when replacement is needed, enabling the system to service itself without external intervention for wear time assessment.
2Reliability
If ostomy appliance is changed too early, then reliability of skin protection is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The monitor device continuously receives data from sensors embedded in the adhesive layer and appliance components, providing real-time feedback on appliance condition, moisture levels, and adhesion integrity. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of replacement timing decisions, allowing users to extend wear time safely when conditions permit while maintaining skin protection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary monitoring and assessment of appliance condition through integrated sensors that detect early signs of degradation, moisture propagation, and adhesion loss. By identifying these conditions in advance, the system can predict optimal replacement timing before failure occurs, preventing both premature changes and late replacements.
3Loss of time
If ostomy appliance is changed too late, then loss of time is reduced, but object-affected harmful factors increase due to skin damage and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs preliminary detection of harmful conditions such as moisture propagation, adhesion loss, and appliance degradation before they lead to skin damage or leakage. By detecting these precursors in advance, the system can alert users to replace the appliance proactively, preventing harmful effects while maximizing safe wear time.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitor device implements preliminary anti-action by detecting early signs of appliance failure and alerting users before skin damage or leakage occurs. The system counteracts potential harmful effects by providing advance warning and guidance for timely replacement, preventing the actual occurrence of skin irritation, leakage, and associated complications.
4Measurement precision
If sensors and electrodes are integrated into the adhesive layer, then measurement precision of moisture propagation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adhesive function with sensing functionality by integrating electrodes, moisture sensors, and other detection elements directly into the adhesive layer structure. This consolidation allows the adhesive to simultaneously bond the appliance to the skin and monitor physiological and environmental conditions, achieving precise moisture propagation detection without adding separate complex sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive layer is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the bonding agent that attaches the appliance to the skin and as the sensing medium that detects moisture propagation, adhesion changes, and physiological signals. This universal design eliminates the need for separate sensor components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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
Enables timely replacement of ostomy appliances, reducing the risk of leakage and skin damage by ensuring the appliance is not changed too early or too late, thus enhancing user comfort and reducing material waste.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor unit comprising a first sensor... providing real-time data for determining the operating state and wear time
Implementation Method 2
a monitor device... that utilizes sensors and electrodes to monitor moisture propagation in the adhesive layer
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments for determining an ostomy appliance wear time based on sensor data are disclosed. In an embodiment, an accessory device for an ostomy system comprises a monitor device and an ostomy appliance. The ostomy appliance comprises a base plate. The accessory device comprises: a memory, a processor, and a monitor interface coupled to the processor and configured to communicate with the monitor device and obtain monitor data from the monitor device coupled to the ostomy appliance. The processor is configured to determine an operating state of the base plate, determine sensor data associated with the user, the user's activities, and/or the user's environment, and determine an actual wear time of the ostomy appliance based on the operating state and the sensor data.