Ostomy Sensor Electrode Layout for Reliable Leakage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy appliances lack effective means to reliably detect and indicate leakage and moisture propagation, leading to potential skin damage and inefficient appliance replacement timing.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a planar electrode assembly featuring a main branch and subbranches, integrated into a base plate or sensor patch, that detects leakage and moisture patterns, providing real-time monitoring and alerting users to replace the appliance before severe leakage occurs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ostomy appliances are used without sensor assemblies, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of leakage detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is divided into multiple independent electrodes (first electrode, second electrode, third electrode) with distinct functions. Each electrode can be independently positioned and configured to detect different aspects of leakage and moisture propagation, thereby improving detection reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly serves multiple functions: detecting leakage presence, monitoring moisture propagation, and providing early warning signals. The same electrode assembly structure performs both leakage detection and moisture monitoring, reducing overall device complexity while enhancing reliability through multi-functional capability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If early leakage detection is implemented, then skin damage risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensing components
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly detects leakage at its earliest stages, providing advance warning before significant moisture propagation occurs. This preliminary detection allows users to take preventive action (replace the appliance) before skin damage can occur, reducing harmful effects while the relatively simple electrode design keeps complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly acts as an intermediary between the leakage source and the user, providing indirect detection through electrical impedance changes. This intermediary sensing mechanism reduces the need for complex direct monitoring systems while still enabling early leakage detection to prevent skin damage
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 the reliability of ostomy appliance use by reducing skin damage risk and ensuring timely replacement, thereby improving user comfort and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
the electrode assembly comprising at least a first electrode... configured to detect leakage and moisture propagation
Data Source
AI summary
Sensor assembly, for an ostomy appliance, comprising a support layer and a planar electrode assembly arranged on a surface of the support layer. The electrode assembly comprises at least a first electrode. The first electrode comprises a first main branch extending along a first main path and a first plurality of subbranches connected to the first main branch. Each of the subbranches are connected to the first main branch at respective connection points and extend in a direction at an angle relative to a tangent to the first main path at the respective connection point. Thereby is provided that a rupture of one of the subbranches does not compromise the functionality of the first electrode as such.