Sensor Patch for Ostomy Adhesive Moisture Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ostomy appliance adhesive failures lead to embarrassing and stigmatizing leakage incidents due to improper attachment, uneven skin surfaces, and moisture-related adhesive deterioration, with existing solutions failing to provide reliable and timely warnings for users and healthcare professionals.

Innovation Solution

A sensor patch designed for attachment to the base plate of an ostomy appliance, featuring a sensor assembly with electrodes and adhesive layers that can detect moisture propagation and adherence issues, allowing for electronic measurements to predict and prevent leakage by reducing the risk of incorrect application and enhancing user guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sensor patch is applied to monitor adhesive failure, then reliability of leakage detection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleakage detection reliabilityVSAvoidsensor patch complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor patch is integrated within the base plate structure, with the sensor assembly nested between the adhesive layer and the base plate body. This nesting approach allows the monitoring function to be embedded within the existing device without adding external components, thus improving reliability while minimizing complexity increase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor patch combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: moisture sensing, adhesion monitoring, and structural support. By merging the sensor assembly with the base plate and adhesive layers, the system achieves reliable leakage detection without requiring separate monitoring devices, thereby managing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If sensor patch application is made more detectable, then manufacturing precision can be improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor patch application precisionVSAvoidapplication detection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor patch incorporates visual indicators that change color or appearance based on application status and sensor functionality. This allows users to verify correct application and sensor operation through simple visual inspection, improving manufacturing precision verification without requiring complex electronic detection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor patch includes self-diagnostic features that automatically indicate whether the patch has been applied correctly and whether the sensors are functioning. The patch itself provides feedback about its own application status, eliminating the need for external verification equipment and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 sensor patch effectively reduces the risk of adhesive failure and leakage by providing real-time monitoring of adhesive performance and adherence, enabling timely interventions and improving the reliability of ostomy appliance attachment.

Implementation Method 1

the sensor patch comprises a first adhesive sensor layer (52) and a second adhesive sensor layer (54)... adapted for detection of moisture propagation in the adhesive material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMoisture detection: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3986343B1A stomal sensor patch
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 COLOPLAST AS
  • EP3986343B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3986343B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3986343B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a sensor patch and a method for manufacturing a sensor patch for attachment to an adhesive surface of a base plate for an ostomy appliance. The sensor patch having a first side and a second side. The sensor patch being adapted to form a stomal opening with a centre point, the stomal opening being configured to allow passage of output through the stomal opening and into an ostomy pouch attached to a base plate. The sensor patch comprises: a sensor assembly comprising a plurality of electrodes, a first adhesive sensor layer forming the first side of the sensor patch, and a second adhesive sensor layer forming the second side of the sensor patch.