Ostomy Electrode Layout for Differentiating Output and Sweat
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy appliances lack effective means to reliably sense the presence and nature of liquid output, such as stomal output versus sweat, and to provide timely warnings of potential adhesive failure and leakage risks.
Innovation Solution
An ostomy system with a sensor assembly comprising three electrodes arranged at different radial distances from a stomal opening, a monitor device to determine electrical resistance values, and a method to differentiate between stomal output and sweat based on absolute differences and deviations from initial baselines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single electrode or simple sensor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and ability to differentiate liquid types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is segmented into multiple electrodes (first electrode, second electrode, third electrode) arranged at different radial distances from the stomal opening. Each electrode pair forms an independent sensor that can detect liquid presence and propagation direction, enabling precise liquid differentiation without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sensor assembly are assigned different functions: the first electrode pair detects liquid near the stomal opening, while the second electrode pair detects liquid at a greater radial distance. This local differentiation enables the system to distinguish between stomal output and external liquid based on spatial location
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are added to improve liquid detection accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly uses a universal electrode arrangement where the same three electrodes serve multiple functions: detecting liquid presence, determining liquid propagation direction, and identifying liquid source. This multi-functionality achieves high measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Reliability
If real-time monitoring is implemented, then the reliability of adhesive failure detection improves, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitor device continuously monitors the electrical resistance of the sensor assembly to detect adhesive failure, providing reliable real-time detection. The continuous monitoring enables timely warnings while the system is designed to operate efficiently with appropriate energy management
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 accurately detects and differentiates between stomal output and sweat, providing timely warnings of adhesive failure and leakage risks, optimizing ostomy appliance use and reducing skin damage.
Implementation Method 1
resistance of an adhesive layer may be measured across a first and a second electrode
Data Source
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AI summary
An ostomy system comprising a monitor device and an ostomy appliance is disclosed, the ostomy appliance comprising a sensor assembly comprising three or more electrodes including a first, second and third electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode form a primary sensor, and the first electrode and the third electrode form a secondary sensor. The monitor device is configured to determine a first value of an electrical quantity of the primary sensor, to determine a second value of the electrical quantity of the secondary sensor, and to determine an operating state of the ostomy appliance based on at least the absolute difference between the first value and the second value. Also disclosed is a corresponding method and a monitor device.