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Garment manufacturing system and method

a manufacturing system and garment technology, applied in the field of garment manufacturing system and method, can solve the problems that the incorporation of conductive threads or fibers into clothing or other textile or paper products may not be compatible with high-volume manufacturing, and achieve the effect of low per unit cost and optimal detection

Active Publication Date: 2020-03-12
BIOLINK SYST LLC +1
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a way to add sensors to garments like diapers and underwear to detect moisture. The sensors are placed within the garment and can measure the electrical properties of electrodes to determine if the garment has come into contact with moisture. The invention can be used for monitoring incontinence, perspiration, and failure of protective garments, as well as general environmental sensing like monitoring response to moisture in containers or packaging. The goal is to provide optimal detection at a low cost.

Problems solved by technology

A shortcoming of existing embodiments of conductive garments is that incorporating conductive threads or fibers into clothing or other textile or paper products may not compatible with manufacturing in high volume.

Method used

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  • Garment manufacturing system and method
  • Garment manufacturing system and method
  • Garment manufacturing system and method

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Embodiment Construction

[0019]The following definitions will apply throughout this disclosure.

[0020]Garment: A diaper, incontinence device, brief, underwear, or other article of clothing, bandage, or pad containing electrodes.

[0021]Module: An electronic device attached to the garment and containing a power source, sensing circuit, and communication circuit.

[0022]Electrode: A conductive path connecting the module to a location within the garment being sensed. Two or more electrodes may be used. The electrodes may be the same or different material. Electrodes may provide both connection and sensing functions.

[0023]Moisture: A deposition of a single or combination of bodily or other fluids. External sources of moisture may also be sensed.

[0024]Substrate: The layer that contains the electrodes.

[0025]Contacts: a type of electrical connection to the electrodes, e.g. potentially a place to locate wires or sensors

[0026]FIG. 1 shows a (simplified) arrangement of a system 100, in which one or more specialized printe...

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PUM

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Abstract

Various methods for detecting moisture in briefs compatible with high volume manufacturing are disclosed. The embodiments herein facilitate protection of the method of adding moisture sensing to a diaper, but could also be used to add sensing to pads and bandages. The primary design intent is optimal moisture detection and low per unit cost. Electrodes within a garment measure electrical properties of the electrodes to determine if the item has contacted moisture. The target moisture is urine, however, other sources and types of moisture can also be sensed. Additional analysis capabilities can be added by selecting particular electrodes or add materials that may react with chemical components of the moisture. Applications of the research Include monitor of incontinence using smart brief (e.g. diaper); monitor perspiration, bleeding, or failure of the protective garment; and monitoring exposure of an item to moisture, including but not limited to inanimate items.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]A shortcoming of existing embodiments of conductive garments is that incorporating conductive threads or fibers into clothing or other textile or paper products may not compatible with manufacturing in high volume. Consequently, a system and method for inclusion of conductive inks and other materials into clothing or other textile or paper products, for the purpose of sensing moisture, where that system is compatible with high volume manufacturing systems, is desired.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION[0002]A method of adding sensing of moisture and other characteristics into a garment such as a diaper, incontinence garment, brief, or underwear is disclosed. The techniques described could also be used to add sensing to pads and bandages. The primary design intent is optimal moisture detection and low per unit cost including designs for mass manufacturing considerations. The embodiments place various forms of electrodes within a garment, and then, while the garm...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): A61F13/42A61F13/15
CPCA61F13/15585A61F13/42A61F2013/424
Inventor HEYL, KENJACKSON, DOUGNABER, JOHNKING, ROGER
Owner BIOLINK SYST LLC