Water-Resistant Ostomy Connector for Accurate Leak Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ostomy devices are susceptible to leakage due to weakened seals, and existing leakage detection systems provide false alerts in wet environments, failing to accurately detect leaks.

Innovation Solution

A wearable ostomy leakage detection system with a water-resistant connector region and gaskets to prevent false moisture detection, featuring a wearable subsystem and sensing accessory with conductive members and gaskets to ensure a secure, water-tight seal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a leakage detection system uses conductive members to detect moisture, then leakage detection capability is improved, but false detection in wet environments occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleakage detection accuracyVSAvoidfalse detection in wet environments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A water-tight seal is introduced as an intermediary barrier between the conductive members and the external wet environment. The seal prevents water from reaching the conductive members during showering or swimming, thereby eliminating false detections while preserving legitimate leakage detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible water-tight seal in the form of a thin film or barrier is implemented at the connector region. This flexible seal allows the device to remain comfortable and adaptable to body movements while effectively blocking water from reaching the conductive members, preventing false moisture detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If a water-tight seal is added to prevent false detection, then detection accuracy in wet environments is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracy in wet environmentsVSAvoidconnector region structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The water-tight seal is merged with the existing connector region structure rather than being added as a separate complex assembly. The seal is integrated into the connector design, combining the sealing function with the electrical connection function in a unified structure that minimizes overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A thin-film water-tight seal is used instead of a bulky rigid barrier. This thin film provides effective water protection while occupying minimal space and adding minimal structural complexity to the connector region, maintaining device flexibility and comfort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 effectively detects ostomy effluent leakage, allowing users to intervene before leaks occur, maintaining skin health and reducing anxiety by providing accurate alerts in wet conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one gasket may be configured to provide a water-resistant connection at the connector region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater resistance: Hydrophobe

Implementation Method 2

The sensing accessory may be configured to detect moisture under a barrier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMoisture detection: Hygrometer

Data Source

PatentUS20260041578A1Water resistant connection for ostomy leakage detection system

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 HOLLISTER INCORPORAED

AI summary

An ostomy leakage detection system includes a wearable subsystem, a sensing accessory, a connector region, and at least one gasket. The wearable subsystem may include conductive members. The sensing accessory may be configured to detect moisture under a barrier. The connector region may extend from the sensing accessory and may be configured to connect the wearable subsystem to the sensing accessory. The least one gasket may be configured to provide a water-resistant connection at the connector region.