Ostomy Base Plate Sensor for Leakage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ostomy systems lack effective methods for reliably determining the nature, severity, and rapidness of moisture propagation in adhesive materials, leading to uncertainty in appliance failure and potential severe leakage and skin damage.
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 patterns, providing real-time data on the ostomy appliance's operational state and alerting users to impending failures to prevent leakage and skin damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ostomy systems without sensors are used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of detecting adhesive failure and leakage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly detects moisture propagation in the adhesive layer before complete adhesive failure occurs. By monitoring the progression of moisture through the adhesive material, the system provides early warning of impending leakage, allowing users to replace the appliance proactively rather than reactively after failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor assembly with electrodes as an intermediary element between the adhesive layer and the user. This intermediary detects electrical changes caused by moisture propagation in the adhesive, translating invisible chemical/physical changes into detectable signals that indicate adhesive failure progression.
2Measurement precision
If sensor assembly with multiple electrodes is integrated into the base plate, then the measurement precision of moisture propagation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly is divided into multiple discrete electrodes arranged in specific patterns within the base plate. Each electrode or electrode pair can detect moisture at different locations and depths within the adhesive layer, providing spatially resolved measurement data that precisely maps moisture propagation patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or visual inspection methods with an electrical sensing system. Instead of mechanically probing or visually examining the adhesive layer, the system uses electrical measurements between electrodes to detect changes in electrical properties caused by moisture, enabling non-intrusive, continuous monitoring.
3Loss of time
If real-time monitoring of adhesive failure is implemented, then the loss of time for detecting leakage is reduced, but the use of energy by the monitoring device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitor device operates by periodically measuring electrical signals between electrodes rather than continuously monitoring. This periodic sampling approach provides timely detection of adhesive failure progression while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the sensing system dormant between measurement cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly passively detects moisture propagation through natural changes in electrical properties of the adhesive layer when exposed to moisture. The system does not require active heating, pumping, or other energy-intensive processes to generate detection signals - the moisture itself creates the detectable electrical change, enabling low-energy monitoring.
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 enables reliable determination of adhesive failure, allowing users to replace the ostomy appliance before severe leakage occurs, thereby preventing skin damage and ensuring continuous secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor assembly part... comprising a plurality of electrodes... The processor is configured to... obtain sensor data from the sensor assembly part... determine an operating state of the base plate
Data Source
AI summary
A sensing accessory for detecting leakage in an ostomy device includes a sensor region. The sensor region has a plurality of electrodes providing a plurality of sensors arranged around a stoma-receiving opening. Each of the plurality of electrodes is arranged at a different radial distance from the stoma-receiving opening. A connector is connected at a first end to the plurality of electrodes and extends to a second terminal end that is configured for electrical connection to an external monitor device.