Ostomy Tool Calibration Using Stoma Image Reference Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ostomy appliances lack reliable methods for determining the nature, severity, and rapidness of moisture propagation in the adhesive material, leading to potential leakage and skin damage without adequate warning to users.
Innovation Solution
An ostomy system with a base plate and monitor device that utilizes electrodes and adhesive layers to detect moisture propagation, providing real-time data on adhesive performance and potential leakage risks, allowing for timely replacement of the appliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ostomy appliances are used without monitoring systems, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of detecting moisture propagation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates electrodes and monitoring circuitry into the ostomy appliance base plate before use. These components are pre-positioned to detect moisture propagation at critical locations (adhesive interface, stoma opening) before leakage occurs, enabling early warning and timely replacement of the appliance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrodes as intermediary sensing elements that detect moisture propagation indirectly through electrical resistance changes. The electrodes act as mediators between the moisture environment and the monitoring system, converting physical moisture presence into measurable electrical signals without direct contact with waste or skin
2Reliability
If real-time moisture monitoring is implemented, then the reliability of leakage detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring function into multiple independent electrodes positioned at different locations (central electrode, peripheral electrodes) within the base plate. Each electrode independently monitors specific zones, allowing the system to detect and localize moisture propagation patterns without requiring a single complex sensing unit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical leakage detection mechanisms (such as physical sensors requiring direct contact with waste or elaborate mechanical switches) with electrical resistance-based detection. This substitution simplifies the monitoring system by using inherent electrical properties of moisture-affected materials rather than complex mechanical sensing arrangements
3Manufacturing precision
If calibration data is captured using accessory devices, then the manufacturing precision of hole cutting and placement is improved, but the ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates calibration features (reference markings, alignment guides, predetermined hole locations) directly into the base plate manufacturing process. These features are pre-established during base plate production, enabling subsequent accessory devices to perform precise cutting and placement operations without requiring complex real-time calibration procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses calibration data captured by accessory devices to create digital templates or patterns that can be repeatedly applied for cutting holes and positioning components. Once calibration is performed once, the resulting data serves as a reusable template for multiple base plates, reducing the need for repeated manual calibration and improving manufacturing consistency
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
Enables reliable determination of adhesive performance, reducing the risk of leakage and skin damage by providing users with timely information on the remaining lifespan of the ostomy appliance.
Implementation Method 1
obtain first parameter data from the first electrode pair, the second parameter data from the second electrode pair, and the third parameter data from the third electrode pair, wherein the first parameter data, the second parameter data, and the third parameter data are each respectively indicative of a resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating an accessory device to capture calibration data. The method can include capturing an image of a portion of a user's body that includes the user's stoma and at least two reference locations, and storing distance scale information representative of a distance between the two reference locations. The method further includes processing the captured image, including: identifying the reference locations, identifying the stoma, and generating calibration data representative of one or more stoma parameters as a function of the identified reference locations, identified stoma and the distance scale information. The calibration data can be stored.