Ostomy Base Plate Sensor Assembly for Leakage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ostomy systems lack effective methods for reliably detecting and classifying leakage and monitoring the operational status of ostomy appliances, leading to potential skin damage and inefficient replacement timing.
Innovation Solution
An ostomy system comprising a base plate with integrated sensor assembly and a monitor device that uses electrodes and adhesive layers to detect moisture propagation, allowing for real-time monitoring of adhesive layer erosion and leakage, and transmitting alerts for timely appliance replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no sensor assembly is integrated into the base plate, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of leakage detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is integrated directly into the base plate structure, merging the monitoring function with the existing ostomy appliance. The electrode assembly is embedded within the base plate layers, combining multiple functions (adhesion, containment, and sensing) into a unified structure rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The base plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the adhesive interface to the skin, the containment structure for ostomy output, and the housing for the leakage detection sensor assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate monitoring devices while maintaining detection reliability.
2Measurement precision
If simple moisture detection is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of leakage severity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is divided into multiple discrete electrodes (first electrode, second electrode, third electrode) arranged in specific patterns. This segmentation allows the system to detect not only the presence of moisture but also its location, extent, and progression, enabling precise classification of leakage severity through differential measurement between multiple sensor points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical or capacitive moisture sensors with an electrical resistance-based detection system. By measuring electrical resistance between multiple electrodes, the system achieves precise quantification of moisture levels and leakage severity, substituting electrical measurement for simpler but less accurate mechanical sensing.
3Reliability
If real-time monitoring is implemented, then the reliability of usage time assessment is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system performs resistance measurements at periodic intervals rather than continuously, balancing the need for reliable usage time assessment with energy conservation. The processor evaluates resistance values at scheduled times to determine adhesive layer erosion progress and remaining usage time, reducing power consumption while maintaining assessment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing electrical connections and circuitry of the ostomy appliance to power the sensor assembly, drawing minimal energy from the appliance's existing power sources. The sensor assembly leverages the appliance's own electrical infrastructure rather than requiring separate power sources, reducing overall energy demand.
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 reliable detection of leakage severity and remaining usage time, reducing skin damage and improving user safety by enabling timely replacement of ostomy appliances.
Implementation Method 1
the monitor device is configured to measure one or more resistances between the plurality of electrodes, and detect the leakage of output, such as one or more indications of the leakage of output, based on the measured one or more resistances
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed is an ostomy system configured to detect a leakage of output between abase plate and/or a sensor assembly part of the ostomy system and a surface of a subject and a method of detecting the leakage of output. The ostomy system including the base plate and/or the sensor assembly part and a monitor device, the base plate and/or the sensor assembly part comprising (i) a first adhesive layer having a distal surface, a proximal surface, and a first plurality of openings, and (ii) an electrode assembly comprising a plurality of electrodes and a masking element between the plurality of electrodes and the first adhesive layer, the masking element having a second plurality of openings aligned with the first plurality of openings of the first adhesive layer, each of the aligned first and second plurality of openings exposes a portion of one of the plurality of electrodes to define one of a plurality of sensor points, the monitor device electrically coupled to the plurality of electrodes of the base plate and/or the sensor assembly part.