Ostomy RFID Conductive Ink Circuit for Early Leakage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy appliances struggle with detecting leakage accurately and efficiently, often requiring frequent visual or manual monitoring and may not provide timely notifications of seal weakening or leakage.
Innovation Solution
An ostomy appliance equipped with a conductive ink circuit, including RFID transponders and antennas, that dissolves upon exposure to moisture, allowing for real-time detection of leakage and automatic notification through a wearable device or smartphone application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional visual or manual monitoring methods are used to detect leakage, then the system remains simple in structure, but the detection accuracy and timeliness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual monitoring with an automated electronic detection system using RFID technology. The conductive ink circuit automatically detects leakage through electrical conductivity changes when contacted by bodily fluids, eliminating the need for frequent manual checking and providing continuous monitoring without increasing overall system complexity significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes changes in electrical conductivity parameter of the conductive ink when it contacts moisture from leakage. The RFID system detects these parameter changes to determine leakage conditions, enabling accurate detection through simple physical property changes rather than complex sensing mechanisms.
2Reliability
If conductive ink circuit with RFID is used for leakage detection, then real-time detection accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive ink circuit is designed to be self-detecting through its inherent electrical properties. When leakage occurs, the conductive ink naturally changes conductivity, and the RFID system automatically detects this change without requiring additional active sensing components or complex processing, maintaining simplicity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential detection function from complex monitoring systems. By using the conductive ink's natural electrical properties and a simple RFID reader, it eliminates the need for complex sensor arrays, signal processing circuits, or power management systems while achieving reliable leakage detection.
3Loss of time
If frequent manual monitoring is performed to assess seal integrity, then no additional detection components are needed, but time is lost and user awareness is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive ink circuit is pre-positioned at the seal interface before use. When leakage occurs, the system immediately detects it through conductivity changes, providing advance warning before fluid reaches the external environment. This eliminates the time delay associated with manual monitoring and keeps users continuously informed without requiring their active participation.
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
Provides timely and accurate leakage detection, reducing the risk of external exposure by automatically alerting the user to the extent and location of leakage, enhancing user awareness and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The conductive ink is a dissolvable ink configured to dissolve in response to exposure to moisture
Implementation Method 2
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
Data Source
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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.