Branched Electrode Sensor Assembly for Ostomy Leak Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy appliances lack effective means to reliably detect and indicate leakage and moisture propagation, leading to potential skin damage and inefficient appliance usage.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a planar electrode assembly featuring a main branch and subbranches, integrated into a base plate or sensor patch, that detects leakage and moisture through electrical conductivity, providing real-time monitoring and alerting users to replace the appliance before severe leakage occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ostomy appliances are used without sensor assemblies, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of leakage detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is divided into multiple independent electrodes (first electrode, second electrode, third electrode) with distinct functions. Each electrode can be independently positioned and configured to detect different aspects of leakage and moisture propagation, allowing the system to achieve high detection reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects leakage presence, monitors moisture propagation, and provides early warning signals. This multi-functionality is achieved through the coordinated operation of multiple electrodes that can identify different stages of leakage events, reducing the need for separate detection systems and thereby managing complexity while improving reliability
2Measurement precision
If sensor assembly with multiple electrodes is implemented, then the measurement precision of leakage detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple specialized electrodes, each responsible for specific detection tasks. The first electrode detects initial leakage, the second electrode monitors moisture propagation, and the third electrode provides additional verification. This segmentation allows precise measurement of different leakage parameters while organizing complexity into manageable functional units
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly acts as an intermediary between the leakage event and the user notification system. It translates physical leakage and moisture phenomena into detectable electrical signals through the electrode array, enabling precise measurement while shielding the user from the complexity of the detection mechanism itself
3Loss of time
If real-time monitoring is provided through sensor assembly, then the loss of time for appliance replacement is reduced, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly performs periodic monitoring of leakage conditions through the electrode array, detecting changes at regular intervals rather than continuously. This periodic detection approach reduces energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring while still providing timely warnings that minimize the loss of time for appliance replacement by alerting users at appropriate intervals
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
Enhances the reliability of ostomy appliances by reducing the risk of skin damage and leakage by providing timely alerts, optimizing appliance usage and extending the time before replacement is necessary.
Implementation Method 1
detects leakage and moisture through electrical conductivity
Data Source
AI summary
Sensor assembly, for an ostomy appliance, comprising a support layer and a planar electrode assembly arranged on a surface of the support layer. The electrode assembly comprises at least a first electrode. The first electrode comprises a first main branch extending along a first main path and a first plurality of subbranches connected to the first main branch. Each of the subbranches are connected to the first main branch at respective connection points and extend in a direction at an angle relative to a tangent to the first main path at the respective connection point. Thereby is provided that a rupture of one of the subbranches does not compromise the functionality of the first electrode as such.