Flexible Ostomy Sensor Patch for Early Adhesive Failure Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Adhesive failure of ostomy devices leads to embarrassing and stigmatising leakage incidents due to stomal output entering between the base plate and the user's skin, exacerbated by uneven skin surfaces and moisture secretion, with existing solutions lacking reliable indicators for imminent failure.
Innovation Solution
A sensor patch attached to the base plate that includes electrodes for electronic moisture detection and adherence monitoring, allowing early detection of potential leakage and adhesive failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If hydrocolloid materials are included in adhesives to absorb moisture, then the adhesive capability and wear time are prolonged, but the adhesive eventually fails to support the force from the output collecting bag
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor patch performs preliminary detection of adhesive failure by monitoring moisture propagation and adherence conditions before complete failure occurs. This allows users to be alerted early and replace the appliance proactively, preventing leakage incidents that would occur after adhesive capability is fully lost.
2Reliability
If the base plate is attached to uneven skin surface or skin folds, then attachment is achieved, but leakage occurs due to stomal output entering between the base plate and skin
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor patch provides real-time feedback about the attachment condition by detecting moisture propagation patterns and adherence changes. This feedback system alerts users when leakage is beginning to occur due to improper attachment, allowing them to correct the issue before significant leakage happens.
3Device complexity
If adhesive failure detection is delayed until leakage occurs, then simple design is maintained, but embarrassing and stigmatizing leakage incidents happen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or optical detection systems with electrochemical sensors that measure moisture propagation and adherence conditions. This substitution provides reliable early detection of adhesive failure through electrical measurements, preventing leakage incidents without requiring complex mechanical structures.
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 reliable and timely alerts for adhesive failure, reducing the risk of sudden leakage incidents and enhancing user comfort by distributing mechanical stress evenly.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor patch comprises a distal side and a proximal side comprising at least one adhesive layer, a part of the distal side being adapted for attachment to the base plate and the proximal adhesive side adapted to adhere to the skin surface of a user
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor patch (10) for attachment to a base plate for an ostomy appliance, where the sensor patch comprises a distal side and a proximal side comprising at least one adhesive layer (15), a part of the distal side being adapted for attachment to the base plate and the proximal adhesive side being adapted to adhere to the skin surface of a user, where the sensor patch comprises two or more electrodes (12) and a monitor interface (13) for forming a connection to a monitor device, and where the sensor patch comprises a central portion and a neck portion, the electrodes extending from the central portion to the neck portion, the neck portion comprising a flexible element being adapted to allow the central portion and the neck portion to be flexibly movable relative to each other.