Ostomy Sensor Patch Coupling for Reliable Leakage Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy appliances lack effective means for reliably detecting and classifying leakage, leading to potential skin damage and inconvenience for users.
Innovation Solution
An ostomy system with a base plate and sensor patch equipped with electrodes and adhesive layers that monitor moisture propagation, providing real-time data to determine the nature, severity, and rapidness of leakage, enabling timely replacement of the appliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing ostomy appliances are used without advanced sensing capabilities, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of leakage detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into multiple independent electrodes arranged in arrays across the base plate. Each electrode can independently detect moisture at its location, allowing the system to achieve high reliability through distributed sensing rather than relying on a single complex sensor. The electrodes are segmented into different zones (e.g., first, second, third electrodes) that can independently monitor different regions of the appliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The same electrode array serves multiple functions: detecting presence of leakage, classifying leakage type (e.g., liquid vs. solid waste), determining leakage severity, and monitoring the operational state of the adhesive layer. This multi-functionality improves reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity, as a single sensing system handles multiple detection tasks.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes and sensor components are added to improve leakage detection, then measurement precision increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is segmented into multiple sensing zones with individual electrodes positioned at specific locations. This segmentation allows precise localization of leakage and differentiation between various leakage conditions based on which electrodes are activated. The segmented approach enables high measurement precision by comparing signals across multiple discrete sensing points rather than using a single omnibus sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple identical electrodes are replicated across the base plate surface in standardized patterns. Rather than using a single complex sensor, the system uses simplified electrode copies distributed throughout the appliance. Each electrode performs the same basic function of detecting moisture, but their collective arrangement enables sophisticated leakage classification and localization, achieving high measurement precision through replication rather than complexity.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If real-time monitoring is implemented to detect leakage early, then the duration of effective appliance operation is extended, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system operates by periodically sampling signals from the electrode array rather than continuously processing data. The processor evaluates moisture levels at scheduled intervals, enabling early detection of leakage while minimizing energy consumption. This periodic sampling approach extends the effective operational duration of the appliance by maintaining monitoring capability without requiring constant power input.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array and processing system are designed to operate with minimal external power requirements, utilizing the inherent electrical properties of the materials and body contact to generate detection signals. The system monitors its own operational state and can detect leakage without requiring high energy input, thereby extending appliance duration while keeping energy consumption low.
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 and classifies leakage, reducing the risk of skin damage and inconvenience by allowing users to replace the appliance before severe leakage occurs, thus enhancing user comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The base plate and/or sensor patch may comprise a first adhesive layer... equipped with electrodes... that monitor moisture propagation
Data Source
AI summary
A monitor device for connecting to a sensor patch of an ostomy appliance includes a housing, electronic circuitry, a first interface for collecting sensor data from the sensor patch, and a tail portion having a proximal end and a distal end. The tail portion has an electrode extending from the proximal end of the tail portion to a first coupling element on the distal end. The monitor device is adapted to couple mechanically and electrically to the sensor patch of the ostomy appliance for relaying signals from the sensor patch to the monitor device.