Intelligent Ostomy Appliance Systems
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept integrates ostomy appliances with emerging technologies like IoT, AI, blockchain, and advanced materials to create a more efficient, personalized, and connected ostomy care system.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent for an ostomy appliance addressed the need for a non-circular flange for mechanical attachment of a bag or pouch. However, it did not account for the complexities of modern ostomy care, such as tracking appliance performance, optimizing design, and ensuring supply chain integrity. This new inventive concept solves these problems by combining the original patent's innovative flange design with cutting-edge technologies.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The Intelligent Ostomy Appliance Systems comprise several synergistic components. Firstly, an IoT-enabled sensor is integrated into the ostomy appliance to track and transmit data on its interaction with a drape material, enabling real-time monitoring of appliance performance. Secondly, AI-driven simulations analyze the interaction between the ostomy appliance and the drape material, generating design recommendations for improved performance. Thirdly, a blockchain-based tracking system records and verifies the ostomy appliance's usage history, ensuring supply chain integrity and facilitating recall management. Additionally, novel ostomy appliance materials with enhanced durability and biocompatibility are developed through the integration of vapor permeable, antimicrobial materials with nanomaterial-based coatings. Finally, a smart ostomy appliance system incorporates an integrated sensor to detect changes in stoma size or shape, alerting users or healthcare providers of potential issues.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce the innovative combination of IoT, AI, blockchain, and advanced materials with the original ostomy appliance design, providing a novel and non-obvious solution for modern ostomy care. The integration of these technologies enables real-time monitoring, data-driven design optimization, and secure tracking, which are not anticipated by the original patent.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the Intelligent Ostomy Appliance Systems could include variations in sensor design, AI algorithms, blockchain protocols, and material compositions. For example, the IoT sensor could be replaced with a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module, or the AI-driven simulations could be augmented with machine learning algorithms. These variations would ensure broad conceptual coverage and adaptability to diverse user needs.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The Intelligent Ostomy Appliance Systems have significant commercial potential in the global ostomy care market, projected to reach $3.5 billion by 2025. Target industries include healthcare providers, medical device manufacturers, and pharmaceutical companies. The system's ability to improve patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance supply chain efficiency will drive adoption and revenue growth.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61F5/4404 |
| A | A61 | A61F5/448 |
| A | A61 | A61B46/00 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/037 |
| A | A61 | A61F2013/00978 |
| A | A61 | A61M1/90 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical Device Technology, specifically Ostomy Appliance Systems, involving biomedical engineering, sensor technologies, materials science, and healthcare informatics
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A skilled practitioner with expertise in medical device design, biomedical engineering, with knowledge of IoT technologies, materials engineering, and healthcare monitoring systems, typically holding a Master's or PhD in biomedical engineering or related field
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that integrating emerging technologies like IoT sensors, AI analytics, and blockchain tracking into existing ostomy appliance designs represents a predictable evolution of medical device technology. The source patent's foundational ostomy appliance design provides a clear technical framework for implementing advanced monitoring and optimization technologies. These technological extensions represent incremental improvements using standard engineering techniques and readily available technological components.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,453 |
|---|---|
| Title | Ostomy appliance |
| Assignee(s) | Sanguine Technology, LLC |