Ostomy Conductive Ink RFID Circuit for Automatic Leakage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy appliances lack effective and accurate methods for detecting leakage before it occurs, often requiring frequent visual or manual monitoring and may not provide timely notifications to the user.
Innovation Solution
An ostomy appliance equipped with a conductive ink circuit, including an RFID transponder and conductive ink that dissolves upon exposure to moisture, which changes its electrical state to detect leakage and trigger a notification system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If visual or manual monitoring is used to detect leakage, then the user can assess seal condition, but frequent monitoring is required and timely notification is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring through the RFID circuit and conductive ink that automatically detect leakage without requiring user intervention. The circuit self-activates when moisture contacts the conductive ink, eliminating the need for manual checking and providing immediate automatic notification to the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to the user through automatic notification when leakage is detected. The RFID circuit continuously monitors the seal condition and immediately alerts the user when moisture is detected, enabling timely response before leakage worsens.
2Extent of automation
If conductive ink circuit is used for leakage detection, then automatic and timely detection is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an electronic RFID circuit system that automatically detects leakage. The conductive ink serves as a passive sensor that changes electrical properties when exposed to moisture, eliminating the need for mechanical or manual checking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive ink changes its electrical conductivity parameter when exposed to moisture. This parameter change triggers the RFID circuit to detect and report leakage, providing automatic detection through a simple physical-chemical transformation rather than complex electronic sensing.
3Measurement precision
If existing leakage detection systems are used, then leakage can be detected, but accurate quantification of leakage extent is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID circuit is divided into multiple discrete segments or zones that can independently detect leakage. By monitoring which specific segments are activated, the system can determine the location and extent of leakage, providing both detection accuracy and quantitative information about the leakage scope.
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 provides automatic and timely detection of leakage, allowing users to address issues before fluid leaks into the external environment, with the ability to quantify the extent of leakage.
Implementation Method 1
The conductive ink is a dissolvable ink configured to dissolve in response to exposure to moisture
Data Source
AI summary
An ostomy appliance includes a substrate and at least one Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) circuit disposed on the substrate. The RFID circuit includes a RFID transponder having an antenna and a conductive ink connected in series with the antenna and the RFID transponder. The conductive ink is configured to dissolve in response to exposure to moisture. The RFID circuit is in a closed condition when the conductive ink extends continuously between the RFID transponder and the antenna. The RFID circuit is in an open condition when at least a portion of the conductive ink is dissolved.