Ostomy Sensor Layer for Leakage and Inflammation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ostomy patients face challenges with skin inflammation and leakage due to irritation and infection, as well as difficulty in detecting ostomy bag fill, which can lead to uncomfortable and embarrassing situations.
Innovation Solution
An ostomy system with integrated sensors, including temperature and capacitive sensors, to detect skin inflammation and bag fill, providing real-time alerts and data transmission to a user device for early intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If integrated sensors are added to the ostomy bag, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (capacitive sensors for fill detection, temperature sensors for inflammation detection, accelerometers for movement detection) into a single integrated sensor layer within the ostomy bag. This merging approach improves detection capability across multiple parameters while managing complexity through unified integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor layer is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: detecting bag fill level, monitoring skin temperature for inflammation, and tracking movement patterns. This multi-functionality approach allows a single integrated system to address multiple clinical needs, improving overall detection capability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are integrated into the ostomy bag, then monitoring capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor system into a separate sensor layer that can be independently manufactured and then integrated with the ostomy bag. This segmentation allows specialized sensor manufacturing processes to be developed independently, improving monitoring capability while managing manufacturing complexity through modular assembly rather than monolithic production.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor layer is designed as a nested structure where capacitive sensors, temperature sensors, and other components are integrated within layered constructions. This nesting approach allows multiple sensor types to be manufactured and assembled in a systematic manner, improving monitoring capability while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized layering processes.
3Loss of information
If real-time monitoring is implemented, then patient awareness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring where sensors take measurements at predetermined time intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action maintains patient awareness by providing regular updates on bag fill level and skin condition while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring, as the system can enter low-power states between measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the processor analyzes sensor data and only activates alerts or notifications when specific thresholds are exceeded or changes are detected. This feedback approach improves patient awareness by providing information when it is clinically relevant while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the system in low-power mode during stable conditions.
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 effectively detects skin irritation and bag fill, reducing the risk of leakage and inflammation, enhancing patient awareness and preventing complications through timely alerts and data monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
temperature sensors, arranged in a matrix circuit
Implementation Method 2
capacitive sensors, arranged in a pattern of lines at non-90 degree angles with respect to one another
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An ostomy bag can include one or more sensors for measuring one or more metrics. An ostomy wafer can also include one or more sensors for measuring one or more metrics. The sensors can be temperature sensors and/or capacitive sensors, for example, and the metrics can include bag fill, leakage, skin irritation, and phase of stoma output, among others.