Ostomy Pouch Odor Sensing for Low-Pressure Leak Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pouches for ostomates suffer from low accuracy in detecting odor leakage due to insufficient pressure rise detection, leading to potential odor leaks through gaps between the face plate and the skin.
Innovation Solution
A notification system with a sensor device that includes an odor sensor and a radio communication interface, which detects odor leakage through Bluetooth communication to a notification device, providing accurate notifications to the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure detection is used to detect leakage, then leakage detection can be implemented, but detection accuracy is low when pressure rise is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function is segmented into two independent sensors: a pressure sensor for detecting pressure changes and an odor sensor for detecting gaseous matter. This segmentation allows each sensor to specialize in detecting different aspects of leakage, with the odor sensor specifically addressing the low-pressure detection weakness of the pressure sensor alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The notification system is designed to perform multiple detection functions using different sensor types. The system can detect both pressure changes and odor presence, making it universally applicable to various leakage scenarios regardless of pressure level, thereby resolving the reliability issue under low pressure conditions.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional pressure detection methods are used, then leakage detection is possible, but odor leakage through gaps cannot be detected when pressure rise is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The odor sensor acts as an intermediary detection mechanism that specifically targets gaseous matter leakage. Instead of relying solely on pressure changes, the odor sensor directly detects the presence of odorous gases escaping through gaps, providing specialized detection capability for this specific harmful factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameter from purely pressure-based to include odor concentration-based detection. By monitoring odor presence rather than just pressure, the system becomes sensitive to leakage events that involve gaseous matter escape even when pressure rise is minimal, thereby improving detection sensitivity for odor leakage.
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 detection accuracy of odor leakage, allowing users to take preventive measures before significant leakage occurs, reducing mental stress and labor in dealing with leaks.
Implementation Method 1
an odor sensor that detects odor leaking from the pouch
Implementation Method 2
a radio communication interface that communicates, with use of Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, the detection signal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A sensor device capable of detecting leakage from a pouch with a higher accuracy. An odor sensor (41) detects odor leaking from a pouch (3) attached to a stoma (21) of a user (2). A radio communication interface (42) notifies, via a notification device (5), the user (2) that odor is detected.