Strip element for an absorbent sanitary article

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a strip-like element configured to be fixedly or detachably provided to an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper, either internally or externally. The strip-like element comprises at least one sensing element for acquiring information related to excretion in the hygiene article, such as a diaper, the sensing element having a capacitive electrode, a signal line and a ground element, such as a ground electrode and / or a ground line. The capacitive electrode and the ground element are for measuring impedance. The capacitive electrode is electrically connected to the signal line. The sensing element further comprises a shielding member arranged between the signal line and the ground element. The strip-like element is configured to cause the potential of the shielding member to oscillate in synchronism with the potential of the signal line.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a strip-like element configured to be fixedly or detachably provided to an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper, either internally or externally. The present disclosure also relates to the use of said strip-like element, as well as a hygiene system comprising said strip-like element and an absorbent hygiene article. BACKGROUND

[0002] Systems for monitoring incontinence are known in the art. For example, WO 96 / 14813 Al discloses an incontinence monitoring system for a person wearing an absorbent hygiene article and relates in particular to a system for detecting, monitoring and managing urine, feces and other forms of incontinence in an absorbent hygiene article. The system comprises a plurality of sensors and a monitor for receiving and recording signals from the sensors, each sensor being adapted to be associated with a respective person and to react to urine incontinence and / or fecal incontinence of that person.

[0003] However, a disadvantage of the system disclosed in WO 96 / 14813 Al is that the sensor technology used is not particularly accurate. That is, in some cases, a single drop of urine can be enough to trigger the sensor to signal the presence of a urine incontinence event. Likewise, in some cases, the sensor can be triggered by other types of liquids, such as vapor or menstrual blood. In addition to the latter "false positive" signals, there can also be an increased risk of "false negative" events. For example, if a certain amount of urine is absorbed by a specific part of the absorbent article that does not include the sensor, no signal will be triggered despite the presence of an incontinence event.

[0004] Another disadvantage of the system of WO 96 / 14813 Al is that the actual amount of excretion or the saturation of the absorbent hygiene article can not be determined accurately. For example, it can happen that the system signals that the absorbent article has to be changed even though it has only absorbed a small amount of urine. This is certainly linked to disadvantages in terms of environmental impact and sustainable use of raw materials.

[0005] Another disadvantage of the system of WO 96 / 14813 Al is the position of the sensor relative to the absorbent article. That is, since the sensor needs to be accommodated by a cavity in the absorbent material, special tools are required to apply the sensor to the absorbent material. Furthermore, the system seems to be only applicable to special user-specific absorbent articles that are tailored to the shape of the sensor. Moreover, since the sensor is set in a position that is relatively close to the skin of the wearer, the sensor can cause some discomfort, such as indentations or skin irritation.

[0006] Furthermore, the concept of WO 96 / 14813 A1 relies on a direct (i.e. electrochemical) contact between the sensor and the excreta to be detected. Therefore, at least for hygienic reasons, the sensor needs to be replaced and / or cleaned regularly. Such cleaning and / or replacement can come with disadvantages regarding environmental sustainability and system operating costs.

[0007] Although the system of WO 96 / 14813 A1 is intended for use in a hospital or a nursing home, the problem of monitoring incontinence is not limited to such applications. In fact, the monitoring of incontinence can also be meaningful, for example, for newborns or babies residing in day care centers or private homes. However, especially in the latter case, low operating costs seem to be a major factor for the large-scale establishment of such systems. SUMMARY

[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to overcome at least one of the above-mentioned disadvantages in a simple but nevertheless effective way.

[0009] The strip-like element according to the present disclosure is a strip-like element configured to be fixedly or detachably provided to an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper, either internally or externally. The strip-like element comprises at least a first sensing element for measuring an impedance, the first sensing element having a capacitive electrode, a signal line and a ground element. The ground element can be a ground electrode and / or a ground line. The capacitive electrode is electrically connected to the signal line. The first sensing element further comprises a shielding member arranged between the signal line and the ground element. The strip-like element is configured such that the potential of the shielding member is oscillating in synchrony with the potential of the signal line.

[0010] The strip-like element can be configured to be repeatedly attachable to and detachable from a garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article.

[0011] If the strip-like element is connected to the garment-facing surface of an absorbent hygiene article that has absorbed a liquid, the first sensing element can measure another impedance value that is different from the case where the absorbent hygiene article has not absorbed a liquid. In other words, the impedance value measured by the first sensing element can change (e.g. decrease) in response to a liquid, such as urine, entering the absorbent hygiene article. Thus, the strip-like element can be used to detect the presence of a liquid, such as urine, in the absorbent hygiene article (part). However, since the first sensing element of the strip-like element is a sensing element for measuring an impedance, no electrochemical contact between the strip-like element (or a component thereof) and the liquid is required in detecting the presence of the liquid. Thus, the strip-like element does not need to be cleaned or replaced regularly.

[0012] The concept of detecting a liquid by means of a sensing element for measuring an impedance allows to obtain a configuration in which a strip-like element can be attached to a garment-facing surface of an absorbent hygiene article. In turn, the latter's position can be associated with a reduced effort for applying and / or removing the strip-like element. In particular, there is no need to use special tools for attaching or detaching the strip-like element. Moreover, said attachment and / or detachment can be performed even when a person, such as a baby or a patient, is wearing the absorbent hygiene article.

[0013] Due to the synchronous oscillation of the potential of the shielding member and the potential of the signal line, the shielding member can be regarded as an "active shield". Making use of such a shielding member can be associated with the technical effect of improving the measurement accuracy of the first sensing element and / or making the first sensing element less susceptible to external influences, such as electromagnetic interferences. The provision of the shielding member can for example help to distinguish between an impedance to be measured by the first sensing element and an interference signal caused by other electrically operated elements which can be located in the vicinity. In particular, if the interference signal is an oscillating signal, the distinction between the impedance to be measured and the interference signal can be facilitated.

[0014] In the present context, the concept of "synchronous oscillation" includes the case that the potential of the signal line and the potential of the shielding member are identical (i.e. the oscillation curves are essentially identical) and the case that the potential of the signal line and the potential of the shielding member oscillate with the same frequency without any phase shift (i.e. without any time-dependent phase shift). In the latter case, the oscillation amplitude of the signal line potential and the oscillation amplitude of the shielding member potential can be different amplitudes (also including amplitudes with opposite amplitude directions).

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, the concept of "synchronous oscillation" includes the case that the oscillation curve of the potential of the shielding member and the oscillation curve of the potential of the signal line share their respective zero-crossings (i.e. the crossings with the time axis).

[0016] The potential of the signal line (and thus also of the shielding member) can for example oscillate between 0 V and a first positive value (such as 5, 4, 3 or 2 V) compared to the ground potential. Alternatively, the potential of the signal line (and thus also of the shielding member) can for example oscillate between a first negative value (such as -5, -4, -3 or -2 V) and a second positive value (such as 5, 4, 3 or 2 V) compared to the ground potential. The oscillation frequency of the signal line potential (and thus also of the shielding member potential) can for example be from 10, 20, 30 or 40 kHz to 100, 90, 80, 70 or 60 kHz. Alternatively, the oscillation frequency of the signal line potential (and thus also of the shielding member potential) is a constant oscillation frequency.

[0017] According to certain aspects, the strip-shaped element further comprises a second sensing element for measuring an impedance. The second sensing element has a second capacitive electrode, a second signal line, and a second ground element. The second ground element can be a second ground electrode and / or a second ground line. The second capacitive electrode is electrically connected to the second signal line. The second sensing element further comprises a second shielding member arranged between the second signal line and the second ground element. The strip-shaped element is configured such that the potential of the second shielding member oscillates synchronously with the potential of the second signal line. Optionally, the first shielding member and the second shielding member are the same shielding member, or different shielding members. The first shielding member and the second shielding member can be electrically connected to each other, or electrically insulated from each other.

[0018] The strip-shaped element described above comprising a second sensing element can be related to the technical effect of improving the measurement accuracy. That is, if a second sensing element is provided in addition to the first sensing element, it is possible to achieve a measurement of the impedance in at least two portions of the absorbent sanitary article. Thus, even if no liquid is introduced into the portion associated with the location of the first sensing element, it is possible to determine the presence of liquid in the absorbent sanitary article. Thus, the likelihood of receiving a "false negative" measurement result is less.

[0019] Furthermore, the presence of more than one sensing element, such as the first sensing element and the second sensing element, can allow conclusions to be drawn about the saturation of the absorbent sanitary article. For example, if the first sensing element measures an impedance indicating the presence of liquid in the portion associated with this sensing element, and the second sensing element measures an impedance indicating the absence of liquid in the portion associated with the second sensing element, it can not yet be necessary to replace the absorbent sanitary article. Since it is possible to resist the unnecessary replacement of the absorbent sanitary article, the strip-shaped element comprising a second sensing element can be related to the technical effects of reducing operating costs and a positive impact on environmental sustainability.

[0020] Since the potential of the second shielding member oscillates synchronously with the potential of the signal line, the second shielding member can also be regarded as an "active shield". The use of such a second shielding member can be related to the technical effects of improving the measurement accuracy of the second sensing element and / or making the second sensing element less susceptible to external influences, such as electromagnetic interference. Providing a second shielding member can for example help to distinguish the impedance measured by the second sensing element from interference signals caused by other electrically operated elements. The distinction between the impedance to be measured and the interference signal can be facilitated in particular if the interference signal is an oscillating signal. If a first sensing element and a second sensing element are provided, mutual interference between the signal of the first sensing element and the signal of the second sensing element can occur. However, due to the provision of the shielding member and the second shielding member, the risk of the first sensing element or the second sensing element disrupting the measurement result of the respective other sensing element can be reduced.

[0021] According to some aspects, the oscillation frequency of the signal line potential and the oscillation frequency of the second signal line potential are different oscillation frequencies. Alternatively or additionally, the oscillation frequency of the signal line potential and the oscillation frequency of the second signal line potential can be phase shifted relative to each other. In the latter case, the oscillation frequency of the signal line potential and the oscillation frequency of the second signal line potential can be the same oscillation frequency.

[0022] Utilizing different oscillation frequencies and / or phase shifted frequencies can help to distinguish between the impedance measured by the first sensing element and the impedance measured by the second sensing element.

[0023] According to certain aspects, the strip-like element further comprises a third sensing element for measuring the impedance. The third sensing element has a third capacitive electrode, a third signal line, and a third ground element. The third ground element can be a third ground electrode and / or a third ground line. The third capacitive electrode is electrically connected to the third signal line. The third sensing element further comprises a third shielding member arranged between the third signal line and the third ground element. The strip-like element is configured such that the potential of the third shielding member is synchronously oscillating with the potential of the third signal line. The first, second, and third shielding members can be the same shielding member or different shielding members. The first, second, and third shielding members can be electrically connected to each other or electrically isolated from each other.

[0024] According to some aspects, the oscillation frequency of the signal line potential, the oscillation frequency of the second signal line potential, and the oscillation frequency of the third signal line potential are different oscillation frequencies. Alternatively or additionally, the oscillation frequency of the signal line potential, the oscillation frequency of the second signal line potential, and the oscillation frequency of the third signal line potential can be phase shifted relative to each other. In the latter case, the oscillation frequency of the signal line potential, the oscillation frequency of the second signal line potential, and the oscillation frequency of the third signal line potential can be the same oscillation frequency.

[0025] According to certain aspects, the strip-like element further comprises a fourth sensing element for measuring the impedance. The fourth sensing element has a fourth capacitive electrode, a fourth signal line, and a fourth ground element. The fourth ground element can be a fourth ground electrode and / or a fourth ground line. The fourth capacitive electrode is electrically connected to the fourth signal line. The fourth sensing element further comprises a fourth shielding member arranged between the fourth signal line and the fourth ground element. The strip-like element is configured such that the potential of the fourth shielding member is synchronously oscillating with the potential of the fourth signal line. The first, second, third, and fourth shielding members can be the same shielding member and / or different shielding members. The first, second, third, and fourth shielding members can be electrically connected to each other or electrically isolated from each other.

[0026] According to some aspects, the oscillation frequency of the signal line potential, the oscillation frequency of the second signal line potential, the oscillation frequency of the third signal line potential and the oscillation frequency of the fourth signal line potential are different oscillation frequencies. Alternatively or additionally, the oscillation frequency of the signal line potential, the oscillation frequency of the second signal line potential, the oscillation frequency of the third signal line potential and the oscillation frequency of the fourth signal line potential can be phase-shifted relative to each other. In the latter case, the oscillation frequency of the signal line potential, the oscillation frequency of the second signal line potential, the oscillation frequency of the third signal line potential and the oscillation frequency of the fourth signal line potential can be the same oscillation frequency.

[0027] The configuration of the individual shielding members being electrically connected to each other can be related to a cost-efficient layout while still facilitating an easy distinction between signals related to different sensing elements.

[0028] It is to be understood that the above advantages and technical effects related to more than one sensing element can be even more applicable if three sensing elements, four sensing elements or more than four sensing elements are provided.

[0029] According to certain aspects, the strip-like element comprises a first processing module configured to provide an oscillating potential to the respective signal line and / or the respective shielding member of the first sensing element, the second sensing element, the third sensing element and / or the fourth sensing element.

[0030] According to certain aspects, the strip-like element comprises a second processing module configured to obtain the impedance of the first sensing element, the second sensing element, the third sensing element and / or the fourth sensing element, respectively.

[0031] The first processing module and the second processing module can be the same processing module or different processing modules.

[0032] According to some aspects, the ground element comprises a ground electrode and a ground line electrically connected to the ground electrode, wherein the shielding member is arranged between the signal line and the ground electrode and between the signal line and the ground line. This configuration can be employed by other sensing elements, respectively, if more than one sensing element is provided.

[0033] The above configuration can be related to an optimized shielding performance. In particular, the above configuration can help to prevent interference signals having an impact on the ground line and interference signals having an impact on the ground electrode.

[0034] According to some aspects, the shielding member is at least partially arranged between the capacitive electrode and the signal line. This configuration can be employed by other sensing elements, respectively, if more than one sensing element is provided.

[0035] The shielding member at least partly arranged between the capacitive electrode and the signal line can be considered as an effective way of providing a shielding member, in that it can reliably fulfill the task of preventing external disturbances.

[0036] According to certain aspects, the shielding member comprises an opening in which a portion of the signal line is arranged to be guided from a first side of the shielding member to a second side of the shielding member, the first side being the side on which the capacitive electrode is arranged. Such a configuration can be employed by other sensor elements, respectively, if more than one sensor element is provided.

[0037] The above-described configuration can allow for a low-cost production of an elongated strip-like element in which a plurality of components for promoting measurement accuracy are provided.

[0038] According to certain aspects, the strip-like element comprises a plurality of layers, including a first layer to a third layer stacked in numerical order. The first layer comprises at least one of a ground electrode and a capacitive electrode, optionally both. The second layer comprises a shielding member. The third layer comprises at least a portion of a signal line. Such a configuration can be employed by other sensor elements, respectively, if more than one sensor element is provided. That is, in the latter case, each of a ground electrode, a second ground electrode, a third ground electrode, and / or a fourth ground electrode can be comprised in the first layer. Further, each of a capacitive electrode, a second capacitive electrode, a third capacitive electrode, and a fourth capacitive electrode can be comprised in the first layer. Further, each of a shielding member, a second shielding member, a third shielding member, and / or a fourth shielding member can be comprised in the second layer. Further, at least a portion of a signal line, a second signal line, a third signal line, and / or a fourth signal line can be comprised in the third layer.

[0039] Optionally, the first layer to the third layer are substantially parallel. It is noted that, in this context, the term "parallel" does not necessarily imply that the layers need to have a planar extension. Even if the layers can be planar, the term "parallel" merely relates to a state in which the distance between the respective adjacent layers is substantially constant. This state can explicitly include layers having a curved shape, or flexible layers configured to be curved with respect to one or several axes.

[0040] According to some aspects, an insulating layer is provided between the first layer and the second layer, and between the second layer and the third layer.

[0041] The above-described configuration of utilizing layers can promote a cost-effective manufacturing of at least the components of the strip-like element.

[0042] According to certain aspects, the first layer to the third layer are layers of a flexible printed circuit board. In this context, it should be understood that even if a material and / or device is associated with a certain amount of flexibility, a person skilled in the art is able to determine whether a printed circuit board is a flexible printed circuit board.

[0043] Utilizing a flexible printed circuit board can be considered as a cost-effective and efficient way of providing a strip-like element configured to be fixedly or detachably provided to an absorbent hygiene article such as a diaper, either internally or externally. Furthermore, as the garment-facing surface of a hygiene article such as a diaper can also be flexible, increasing the flexibility of the strip-like element by utilizing a flexible printed circuit board can further increase the wearing comfort of the absorbent hygiene article to which the strip-like element is attached.

[0044] According to some aspects, the flexible printed circuit board comprises at least one of: polyimide; polyester; polytetrafluoroethylene; aramid; and polyethylene naphthalate.

[0045] The above-mentioned materials can be associated with mechanical and / or electrical properties that contribute to having an optimized flexibility while ensuring compliance with electrical safety requirements.

[0046] According to certain aspects, the flexible printed circuit board comprises a first sensing element, a second sensing element, a third sensing element, and / or a fourth sensing element.

[0047] A strip-like element in which some or all of the sensing elements are comprised in a flexible printed circuit board can be associated with cost-effective production while facilitating a high degree of flexibility of the strip-like element. This in turn can have a mutually reinforcing effect on the above-mentioned technical effects in relation to wearing comfort. Furthermore, such a configuration can contribute to facilitating a close contact between the strip-like element and the absorbent hygiene article even if a person wearing the absorbent hygiene article is moving.

[0048] According to some aspects, the shielding member is continuously provided between the ground element and the signal line so as to be absent from portions of the respective sensing element in which no shielding member is provided between the ground element and the signal line. Optionally, the ground element comprises a ground electrode and a ground line. If more than one sensing element is provided, such a configuration can be employed by the other sensing elements, respectively.

[0049] A configuration in which the shielding member is continuously provided as described above can be associated with facilitating shielding performance. That is, in the above-mentioned configuration, it can be prevented that many portions of the sensing element are subjected to external interference, thereby further reducing the error susceptibility of the sensing element.

[0050] According to some aspects, the grounding element includes a grounding electrode and a grounding wire electrically connected thereto, wherein a shielding component is continuously disposed between the grounding electrode and the signal line, such that there is no portion in the sensing element where the shielding component is not disposed between the grounding electrode and the signal line. Optionally, the shielding component is not disposed between the grounding wire and the signal line.

[0051] For example, the latter configuration might be considered advantageous if potential external interference mainly occurs in the section corresponding to the ground electrode. In this case, the above configuration can be considered a trade-off between promoting low manufacturing costs of the strip element (e.g., due to the absence of shielding components between the signal line and the ground line) and taking measures to prevent external interference that could distort the signal of the sensing element.

[0052] The use according to this disclosure is the use of any of the above-described strip elements, wherein the first layer is positioned closer to the garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article (such as a diaper) than the second and / or third layers.

[0053] The aforementioned uses may relate to a configuration in which the presence of liquid in the absorbent sanitary article is most likely to cause changes in impedance measured by the first, second, third, and / or fourth sensing elements. In particular, changes in impedance measured by the respective sensing elements may be more pronounced in the aforementioned uses than in other uses, such as an application where the first layer is positioned further away from the garment-facing surface of the absorbent sanitary article than the first and / or second layers. Therefore, the aforementioned uses may relate to improving measurement accuracy and / or measurement performance.

[0054] The second strip element according to this disclosure is a strip element configured to be fixedly or detachably provided internally or externally to absorbent sanitary articles such as diapers. Optionally, the strip element is any of the strip elements previously described. The second strip element includes a sensing element having a capacitive electrode, a signal line, and a grounding element, such as a ground electrode and / or a ground wire. The capacitive electrode is electrically connected to the signal line. One of the capacitive electrode and the grounding element is configured to form an open loop or a closed loop around the other of the capacitive electrode and the grounding element. The sensing element of the second strip element may correspond to the first sensing element of any of the strip elements described above. If the second strip element includes more than one sensing element, the above-described configuration of the second, third, and / or fourth sensing elements may be employed to correspond to the configuration of the sensing elements of the second strip element.

[0055] The second strip element can be configured to be repeatedly attached to and removed from the garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article.

[0056] The first element forming an open or closed loop around the second element can optionally be described as a configuration in which the first element partially or completely surrounds the second element. Surrounding can comprise a two-dimensional surrounding (not necessarily having to mean a planar surrounding) or a three-dimensional surrounding, such as a spherical or cubic surrounding. The first element forming an open or closed loop around the second element can for example at least partly have the shape of a circle, a segment of a circle, a rectangle or the like. The degree of surrounding can for example be at least 180°, at least 270°, or at least 340°.

[0057] The configuration of one of the capacitive electrode and the ground element forming an open or closed loop around the other one can facilitate the measurement accuracy of the sensor element. One reason is that a change in the distance between the capacitive electrode and the ground element can affect the impedance value to be measured by the sensor element. In a configuration deviating from the above open or closed loop, a bending of the sensor element can lead to spurious measurement results. However, in the open or closed loop configuration, a reduction of the distance between the capacitive electrode and the ground element in a first portion of the sensor element can be accompanied by an increase of the distance in another portion of the sensor element. Thus, the configuration involving an open or closed loop can be considered to compensate for external influences on the measured impedance.

[0058] According to some aspects, the ground electrode of the ground element is formed such that it forms an open or closed loop around the capacitive electrode.

[0059] The latter aspect can be related to a configuration in which the capacitive electrode is arranged in a central portion of the sensor element. Such a configuration in turn allows for an accurate measurement due to the well-defined measurement area.

[0060] According to certain aspects, the ground electrode of the ground element is arranged in a first layer of the flexible printed circuit board, while the capacitive electrode is arranged in a layer of the flexible printed circuit board. Optionally, the first layer comprising the ground electrode and the layer comprising the capacitive electrode are the same layer.

[0061] With regard to advantages and / or technical effects of utilizing a flexible printed circuit board, reference is made to the paragraphs discussing these features earlier. It is to be understood that these advantages and / or technical effects apply equally to the latter aspects as well. Moreover, the configuration in which the first layer comprising the ground electrode and the layer comprising the capacitive electrode are the same layer can be particularly advantageous in terms of facilitating the production efficiency of the sensor element. The reason is that in this configuration, only one layer is needed for both elements. Moreover, the latter configuration allows for providing a thinner sensor element, which can facilitate the wearing comfort of the absorbent sanitary article to which the strip-like element is attached.

[0062] A third strip-like element according to the present disclosure is a strip-like element configured to be externally and detachably provided to an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper. The third strip-like element comprises at least two sensing elements for acquiring information related to excretion in the absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper. The third strip-like element further comprises at least two close contact sensing zones for detachable attachment to a garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article, respectively. Each of the at least two close contact sensing zones comprises one of the at least two sensing elements. Each close contact sensing zone comprises a first attachment means for maintaining the close contact sensing zone in contact with the absorbent hygiene article by a first attachment force. The two close contact sensing zones are spaced apart by a flex zone which is free of any attachment means or comprises a second attachment means for establishing a second attachment force between the flex zone and the absorbent hygiene article, the second attachment force being smaller than the first attachment force.

[0063] The third strip-like element can be configured to be repeatedly attached to and detached from the garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article.

[0064] Optionally, the third strip-like element is any one of the first and / or second strip-like elements described in the foregoing.

[0065] The attachment forces, such as the first and second attachment forces, can be determined according to a modified version of ASTM D5170 - Standard Test Method for Peel Strength of Hook-and-Loop Touch Fasteners ("T" Method). The test can be performed in a stable environmental setting, for example, set to 23 °C and a relative humidity of, for example, 50%.

[0066] As for the testing equipment, a tensile testing machine equipped with two clamps of at least 50 mm width (as available from Lloyd Instruments, Instron or MTS Systems) can be used. The tensile testing machine can be connected to a computer whose software is able to plot a stress versus separation distance graph. In addition, a cylindrical roller with a smooth steel surface can be provided. The roller can be for example 57 mm wide, can have a diameter of for example 121 mm, can weigh for example 5 kg. Optionally, the roller can be inserted into a device that is able to move it forward, for example at a speed of about 500 mm / min. Optionally, a manual device can also be provided. In addition, a polyester textile fabric (for example, 75 gsm) can be provided, for example available from Paul Uebel Wirk- und Strickwaren GmbH company under article number 27 18 (or equivalent). The test substrate can be cut or punched to a width of for example 50 mm, the length being in line with the length of the strip element. The length direction of the test substrate should be in line with the cross direction (CD) of the fabric (taken from the roll from the supplier). In addition, a low elongation tape from Tesa company, quality 4591 (glass fiber reinforced), 50 mm wide can be used in the test.

[0067] With respect to the test procedure, the cloth substrate can be prepared by first laying it flat on a smooth steel surface. Then a low elongation tape is arranged on top. Then, a roller can be pushed over the tape at a speed of about 500 mm / min for one cycle (back and forth). The tape should extend from one end of the cloth by about, for example, 5 cm (folded onto itself to eliminate stickiness) to form a gripping zone when inserting the sample into the clamps of the tensile testing machine. Likewise, a gripping zone is prepared for the strip-like element by attaching the tape to one end of the strip-like element for a length of, for example, 5 cm. The length of the strip-like element can be laid flat and centered along the length of the prepared cloth, with the smooth steel surface underneath. Then, a roller can be pushed along the length of the strip-like element at a speed of, for example, 500 mm / min for one cycle (back and forth). On the tensile testing machine, the clamps can be positioned about 25 mm apart, and the upper clamp (which can be the movable clamp) can be set to rise at a speed of, for example, 300 mm / min. The gripping zones are then inserted into the clamps, with the gripping zone of the strip-like element in the upper (movable) clamp. The test can then be started, and the sensor element and the cloth can be completely separated (i.e. over the entire sample length). During the test, the end of the sensor element that has not yet been separated can be held gently and carefully, for example, at an angle of about 90 degrees to the vertical plane between the clamps, so that the weight of the sensor strip does not unduly influence the results. On a graph representing stress versus separation distance, the attachment force of the closely contacting sensor zone and the flex zone can be recorded. Then, the forces are related to the width of the attachment means, so that the result in Newton per cm width can be calculated. The arithmetic mean (in N / cm) of the sensor zone (first attachment force) and the flex zone (second attachment force) can then be compared.

[0068] The above configuration can be related to the technical effect of preventing measurement errors. One reason can be that the flex zone can act as an "intended separation zone" if an external force is applied to the strip-like element. Overall, if an external force is applied to the strip-like element (for example due to the movements of the person wearing the absorbent sanitary article to which the strip-like element is attached), there is a risk that parts of the strip-like element detach from the garment-facing surface of the absorbent sanitary article. If the detached parts of the strip-like element are the parts that contain the sensor element, the sensor result can be false. However, given that the first attachment force is smaller than the second attachment force, it is very likely that the flex zone detaches from the garment-facing surface of the absorbent sanitary article in response to the external force, while the closely contacting sensor zone remains in contact with the garment-facing surface of the absorbent sanitary article.

[0069] The advantage of the strip-shaped element being configured to be detachable can lie in the reusability of the strip-shaped element. In this regard, it should be noted that the reusability of the strip-shaped element can be facilitated despite the disposable nature of the absorbent article. The advantage of the strip-shaped element being configured to be externally provided to the absorbent sanitary article can lie in that there is no need to integrate the electronic / metallic element into the absorbent article. Furthermore, the detachability and the external provision can synergistically facilitate the ease of cleaning of the strip-shaped element.

[0070] Furthermore, the above-described configuration can be related to the technical effect of facilitating the comfort of a user wearing the absorbent sanitary article to which the strip-shaped element is attached. One reason can lie in that the flexure zone can absorb external forces exerted on the strip-shaped element by detaching from the garment-facing surface of the absorbent sanitary article. As a result of the detachment, the flexure zone can interrupt the flow of forces that would otherwise be transmitted to the wearer, ultimately resulting in pressure marks or other types of irritation.

[0071] According to certain aspects, no sensor is provided in the flexure zone.

[0072] If no sensor is provided in the flexure zone, the above-described effect with regard to the measurement accuracy can be further facilitated. That is, in such a configuration, not only is it most likely that the sensor elements in close contact with the sensor zone remain in contact with the garment-facing surface of the absorbent sanitary article, but also no sensor detaches from the garment-facing surface of the absorbent sanitary article if the flexure zone detaches as described above.

[0073] According to some aspects, the first attachment means comprises a mechanical attachment means, such as an attachment means utilizing a hook-fastener, or an adhesive-based attachment means. Alternatively or additionally, the second attachment means can comprise a mechanical attachment means, such as an attachment means utilizing a hook-fastener, or an adhesive-based attachment means.

[0074] If a hook-fastener, i.e. a hook-and-loop fastener, such as a Velcro fastener, is used, one of the element comprising the hook and the element comprising the loop can be comprised in the strip-shaped element, while the other of the element comprising the hook and the element comprising the loop can be provided on the garment-facing surface of the diaper. Thus, it is to be understood that the concept of comprising a "hook-fastener" can herein relate to a situation in which the strip-shaped element only comprises one element of a hook-and-loop fastening system. This one element does not necessarily have to be the element comprising the hook, but can also be the element comprising the loop.

[0075] According to certain aspects, the mechanical attachment means is configured such that attachment is possible even without a counterpart provided on the garment-facing surface of the absorbent sanitary article. An example of such a way of attachment can relate to a hook-fastener having a configuration that can engage with materials that are typically used for the garment-facing surface of absorbent sanitary articles.

[0076] It can be advantageous to utilize the above described mechanical attachment means, since such attachment means can be repeatedly attached and detached without a significant loss of attachment force. Furthermore, the mechanical attachment means can provide a cost efficient way of attaching the strip-like element to the garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article.

[0077] It can be advantageous to utilize the above described adhesive based attachment means, since such attachment means can have a very small thickness. Thus, the adhesive based attachment means can be associated with a low space consumption. Furthermore, such attachment means can have a very high mechanical flexibility. The low space consumption and the high mechanical flexibility can promote each other, further improving the wearing comfort of the absorbent hygiene article to which the strip-like element is attached.

[0078] The fourth strip-like element according to the present disclosure is a strip-like element configured to be fixedly or detachably provided to an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper, either internally or externally. The fourth strip-like element comprises at least two sensor elements for acquiring information related to a discharge in the absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper. The strip-like element further comprises at least two sensor zones, each sensor zone comprising one of the at least two sensor elements. The two sensor zones are separated by a deformation susceptible zone connecting the two sensor zones and not containing any sensor elements. The deformation susceptible zone has a lower bending stiffness than the respective adjacent sensor zones.

[0079] The fourth strip-like element can be configured to be repeatedly attached to and detached from the garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article.

[0080] Optionally, the fourth strip-like element is any of the first, second and / or third strip-like elements described in the foregoing. The sensor zones can for example be or comprise intimate contact sensor zones. The deformation susceptible zone can for example be or comprise a flexure zone.

[0081] Bending stiffness, such as the bending stiffness of the deformation-prone zone or the bending stiffness of the sensing zone, can be determined according to the well-known three-point bending principle (as found in ISO 178 or ASTM D790). The zones under investigation can be cut from the strip-like element, for example. If the zones have different lengths, the longer zones can be cut to the same length as the shorter zones. The zones under investigation can then be laid flat on a support span (e.g. a support span having two beams), with the longitudinal ends of the zones (as seen from the uncut strip) on the beams. The side with the attachment means can face upwards. A probe can then be pushed from above onto the centre point of the strip zone to be measured. As the probe is pushed downwards, the respective zone can deflect and either brake or reach a point where it falls through the support span. In either case, the maximum force measured during the test can be read and compared to the other zones tested according to the same procedure. The test can easily be adapted to different strip-like element configurations, for example by changing the distance of the support span, or by using a small probe if only short zones can be extracted.

[0082] The above-described configuration can be associated with a technical effect of preventing measurement errors. One reason can be that the deformation-prone zone can act as an “intended break-away zone” if an external force is applied to the strip-like element. Overall, there is a risk that parts of the strip-like element break away from the garment-facing surface of the absorbent sanitary article if an external force is applied to the strip-like element (e.g. due to the movements of the person wearing the absorbent sanitary article to which the strip-like element is attached). If the part of the strip-like element that breaks away contains the sensing element, the sensing result can be false. However, given that the bending stiffness of the deformation-prone zone is smaller than the bending stiffness of the sensing zone, it is likely that the deformation-prone zone breaks away from the garment-facing surface of the absorbent sanitary article in response to the external force, while the sensing zone remains in contact with the garment-facing surface of the absorbent sanitary article.

[0083] Furthermore, the above-described configuration can be associated with a technical effect of promoting the comfort of a user wearing the absorbent sanitary article to which the strip-like element is attached. One reason can be that the deformation-prone zone can absorb external forces applied to the strip-like element by bending before the sensing zone bends. Due to the bending, the deformation-prone zone can interrupt the flow of forces that would otherwise be transmitted to the wearer and ultimately result in indentations or other types of irritation.

[0084] If the deformation-prone zone is included in, includes or is the flexure zone, and / or if the sensing zone is included in, includes or is the intimate contact sensing zone, the respective configurations can be considered to synergistically contribute to achieving the same technical effect.

[0085] According to certain aspects, the fourth strip-like element further comprises a printed circuit board. The at least two sensing elements are provided with the printed circuit board so as to be arranged along a longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board comprises a cut-out in the deformation susceptible zone, the cut-out extending at least partially in a width direction of the printed circuit board, the width direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board.

[0086] A fifth strip-like element according to the present disclosure is a strip-like element configured to be fixedly or detachably provided to an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper, either internally or externally. The fifth strip-like element comprises at least two sensing elements for acquiring information related to a discharge in an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper. The fifth strip-like element comprises at least two sensing zones, each sensing zone comprising one of the at least two sensing elements. The two sensing zones are separated by a deformation susceptible zone connecting the two sensing zones and not containing any sensing elements. The fifth strip-like element further comprises a printed circuit board. The at least two sensing elements are provided with the printed circuit board so as to be arranged along a longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board comprises a cut-out in the deformation susceptible zone, the cut-out extending at least partially in a width direction of the printed circuit board, the width direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board.

[0087] The fifth strip-like element can be configured to be repeatedly attached to and detached from a garment-facing surface of an absorbent hygiene article.

[0088] Optionally, the fifth strip-like element is any one of the first, second, third and / or fourth strip-like elements described above. The sensing zone can for example be or comprise a close contact sensing zone. The deformation susceptible zone can for example be or comprise a flex zone.

[0089] The longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board can be a direction parallel to a maximum extension of the printed circuit board. The thickness direction of the printed circuit board can be a direction parallel to a minimum extension of the printed circuit board. The width direction of the printed circuit board can be a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and also perpendicular to the thickness direction.

[0090] The use of a cut-out as described above can be considered as a cost-effective and efficient way of providing a strip-like element with a deformation susceptible zone. Thus, the above-mentioned advantages and / or technical effects related to providing a deformation susceptible zone can be achieved in a simple but efficient way.

[0091] According to certain aspects, the printed circuit board has a constant thickness at least in the deformation susceptible zone. Optionally, the printed circuit board has a constant thickness in all of its parts.

[0092] Since a printed circuit board having a constant thickness can be related to cost-effective manufacturing processes (e.g. when compared to printed circuit boards having different thicknesses), the above-mentioned aspect can contribute to reducing the costs of manufacturing a strip-like element.

[0093] According to certain aspects, the printed circuit board is flexible at least in the deformation susceptible zone. In other words, at least a portion of the printed circuit board can be a flexible printed circuit board (“flexible PCB”).

[0094] Utilizing a printed circuit board that is flexible at least in the deformation susceptible zone can be considered as providing a cost-effective and efficient way of providing a strip-like element configured to be fixedly or detachably provided to an absorbent hygiene article such as a diaper, either internally or externally. Furthermore, as the garment-facing surface of the hygiene article such as a diaper can also be flexible, facilitating the flexibility of the strip-like element by using a flexible printed circuit board can further facilitate the wear comfort of the absorbent hygiene article to which the strip-like element is attached.

[0095] According to some aspects, the flexible printed circuit board comprises at least one of: polyimide; polyester; polytetrafluoroethylene; aramid; and polyethylene naphthalate.

[0096] The above-mentioned materials can be related to mechanical and / or electrical properties, facilitating to have an optimized flexibility while ensuring compliance with electrical safety requirements.

[0097] According to certain aspects, the cut-out of the fourth strip-like element or the cut-out of the fifth strip-like element is provided on only one side of the printed circuit board in the width direction of the printed circuit board.

[0098] Providing a cut-out on only one side of the printed circuit board can be related to facilitating cost-efficiency of the manufacturing process thereof. That is, if the cut-out is manufactured, for example, by die-cutting and / or cutting the printed circuit board, in order to manufacture the cut-out, a small number of die-cutting and / or cutting steps, and / or a small number of die-cutting and / or cutting matrices are required.

[0099] According to some aspects, the printed circuit board comprises at least two cut-outs provided in the deformation susceptible zone. The at least two cut-outs are respectively arranged in opposite portions of the printed circuit board with respect to the width direction of the printed circuit board.

[0100] Providing at least two cut-outs in opposite portions of the printed circuit board respectively can be related to facilitating the torsional flexibility of the strip-like element comprising the printed circuit board. The torsional flexibility of the strip-like element can be, for example, a torsional flexibility with respect to an axis positioned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board. In certain cases, providing at least two cut-outs in opposite portions of the printed circuit board respectively can be related not only to facilitating the torsional flexibility, i.e. facilitating an increase in the torsional flexibility, but also to manipulating the torsional deformation mode of the strip-like element. For example, as a tow cut-out is provided in opposite portions of the printed circuit board respectively, a rather symmetric deformation mode can be created.

[0101] According to some aspects, any of the fourth or fifth strip-shaped elements described in the foregoing has a length defined as the largest geometrical extension of the strip-shaped element, a thickness defined as the extension of the strip-shaped element in a direction perpendicular to the length direction, and a width defined as the extension in a direction perpendicular to both the length direction and the thickness direction. According to these aspects, the width of the strip-shaped element in the deformation susceptible zone is not less than the width of the strip-shaped element in at least one, optionally two, of the sensing zones.

[0102] The length direction of the strip-shaped element can be a direction parallel to the largest extension of the strip-shaped element. The thickness direction of the strip-shaped element can be a direction parallel to the smallest extension of the strip-shaped element. The width direction of the strip-shaped element can be a direction perpendicular to both the length direction and the thickness direction of the strip-shaped element.

[0103] It is to be understood that even though the width of the printed circuit board can differ, e.g. due to cut-outs, the width of the strip-shaped element in the deformation susceptible zone and the width of the strip-shaped element in at least one, optionally two, of the sensing zones can be the same. Optionally, the strip-shaped element has a constant width at least in the part where the sensing zones and the deformation susceptible zone are provided.

[0104] According to one aspect, any of the fourth or fifth strip-shaped elements described in the foregoing has a length defined as the largest geometrical extension of the strip-shaped element, a thickness defined as the extension of the strip-shaped element in a direction perpendicular to the length direction, and a width defined as the extension in a direction perpendicular to both the length direction and the thickness direction. According to these aspects, the thickness of the strip-shaped element in the deformation susceptible zone is not less than the thickness of the strip-shaped element in at least one, optionally two, of the sensing zones. Optionally, the strip-shaped element has a constant thickness at least in the part where the sensing zones and the deformation susceptible zone are provided.

[0105] According to certain aspects, the strip-shaped element, the second strip-shaped element, the third strip-shaped element, the fourth strip-shaped element and / or the fifth strip-shaped element further comprises a sleeve housing at least two of the sensing elements and optionally also the printed circuit board. The housing can take place in a cavity of the sleeve, for example. The sleeve can be made of or comprise a silicone-based material, such as silicone rubber. Optionally or additionally, the sleeve can also comprise another polymer-based material with elasticity, such as SEBS, TPE, PUR, etc. Optionally, the sleeve is liquid-proof, i.e. has a construction that prevents liquid, such as water, from entering the interior of the sleeve so as to come into contact with the sensing elements and / or the printed circuit board.

[0106] The sleeve as described above can contribute to form a configuration in which the deformation susceptible zone and / or the flexure zone exhibit at least some of their previously described advantages while facilitating the wearing comfort of the absorbent sanitary article to which the strip-like element is attached. Furthermore, the sleeve as described above can protect components such as printed circuit boards and / or sensing elements from external influences such as sharp objects and / or liquids.

[0107] According to certain aspects, the strip-like element, the second strip-like element, the third strip-like element, the fourth strip-like element and / or the fifth strip-like element comprise first to third sensing elements provided together with the printed circuit board such that the strip-like element comprises first to fourth sensing zones arranged in a row. Optionally, the first to third sensing zones are further arranged in a numerical order. If applicable, the first to third sensing zones can similarly comprise, be comprised in, or be first to third close contact sensing zones, as described above. In the strip-like element according to these aspects, a deformation susceptible zone and / or a flexure zone is provided between respectively adjacent sensing zones.

[0108] According to certain aspects, the strip-like element, the second strip-like element, the third strip-like element, the fourth strip-like element and / or the fifth strip-like element comprise first to fourth sensing elements provided together with the printed circuit board such that the strip-like element comprises first to fourth sensing zones arranged in a row. Optionally, the first to third sensing zones are arranged in a numerical order. If applicable, the first to fourth sensing zones can similarly comprise, be comprised in, or be first to fourth close contact sensing zones, as described above. In the strip-like element according to these aspects, a deformation susceptible zone and / or a flexure zone is provided between respectively adjacent sensing zones.

[0109] As described above, a strip-like element comprising at least three or four sensing elements can be associated with a technical effect that facilitates an improved measurement accuracy. That is, if a third (and / or even a fourth) sensing element is provided in addition to the first and second sensing elements, information about the presence of exudates can be obtained in at least three (or at least four) portions of the absorbent sanitary article. Thus, it can be possible to determine the presence of exudates such as urine in the absorbent sanitary article even if the exudates are not introduced into the portion associated with the location of the first sensing element or the second sensing element. Thus, it can be less likely to receive a "false negative" measurement result.

[0110] Furthermore, the presence of more than two sensing elements (e.g. at least three sensing elements or at least four sensing elements) can allow for a more accurate conclusion to be drawn with respect to the saturation of the absorbent hygiene article. For example, if the information obtained by the first and second sensing elements indicates the presence of exudates such as urine in the portion associated with the first and second sensing elements, while the information obtained by the third sensing element indicates the absence of exudates such as urine in the portion associated with the third sensing element, it can not yet be necessary to replace the absorbent hygiene article. As it can be prevented that the absorbent hygiene article is replaced unnecessarily, the strip element comprising a third or even a fourth sensing element can be associated with a reduction of operational costs as well as a positive impact on environmental sustainability. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that increasing the number of sensing elements can increase the resolution with respect to the saturation of the absorbent hygiene article. However, increasing the number of sensing elements can also increase the manufacturing and / or operational costs of the strip element (e.g. costs associated with the power supply or the like). Providing three or four sensing elements has proven to be a compromise between receiving sufficient information to draw a reliable conclusion with respect to the saturation of the absorbent hygiene article to which the strip element is attached and not inappropriately increasing the manufacturing and / or operational costs of the strip element.

[0111] Furthermore, the above-described configuration can allow for taking into account the orientation of the person wearing the absorbent hygiene article to which the strip element is attached. That is, if the person (e.g. a neonate or an infant) is lying on his / her abdomen (prone position), the portion to which exudates (e.g. urine) spread can very likely be different from the case where the person is lying on his / her back (supine position). If only the second sensing element is provided, on the first side relative to the first sensing element, it can be difficult to detect exudate (e.g. urine) spreading events once the person is in the prone position. However, if the third sensing element is provided on the opposite side relative to the first sensing element (i.e. opposite to the second sensing element), exudate spreading events can be monitored in both the prone and supine positions of the person.

[0112] According to certain aspects, the printed circuit board of the aforementioned strip element comprises a cut-out in each deformation susceptible zone provided between the respective adjacent sensing zones. According to these aspects, the cut-outs are provided on alternating sides of the printed circuit board relative to the width direction of the printed circuit board. Optionally, the cut-outs are only provided on alternating sides of the printed circuit board relative to the width direction of the printed circuit board. That is, in the latter configuration, the cut-out between the first sensing element and the second sensing element adjacent to the first sensing element is only provided on the first side relative to the width direction of the printed circuit board, while the cut-out between the second sensing element and the third sensing element adjacent to the second sensing element is only provided on the second side relative to the width direction of the printed circuit board, the second side being opposite to the first side. If a fourth sensing element is provided, the cut-out between the third sensing element and the fourth sensing element adjacent to the third sensing element is only provided on the first side relative to the width direction of the printed circuit board.

[0113] The configuration as described above can be related to the technical effect of facilitating easy shear deformation of the strip-like elements. That is, with respect to the width direction of the strip-like elements, the portions of the strip-like elements corresponding to the sensor elements can be moved in opposite directions, respectively, while not generating a significantly high force with respect to the longitudinal direction of the strip-like elements. This can allow a wearer of the absorbent sanitary article to which the strip-like elements are attached to perform various motions, while the positions of the sensor elements do not deviate from their designated positions at least in the longitudinal direction of the strip-like elements.

[0114] According to certain aspects, the distance between the center of the first sensor element and the center of the second sensor element is between 50 mm and 70 mm. The distance between the center of the second sensor element and the center of the third sensor element is between 30 mm and 50 mm. If a fourth sensor element is provided, the distance between the center of the third sensor element and the center of the fourth sensor element is between 60 mm and 80 mm. The center of each sensor element can be, for example, the center of gravity.

[0115] The above-mentioned distances can be considered as a good compromise between allowing monitoring of a sufficiently large portion of the absorbent sanitary article and preventing the extension of the strip-like elements from significantly affecting the wearing comfort of a person wearing the absorbent sanitary article to which the strip-like elements are attached.

[0116] According to some aspects, the first, second, third and / or fourth sensor elements of the aforementioned third, fourth and / or fifth strip-like elements can be or comprise sensor elements for measuring impedance, and / or sensor elements for measuring temperature.

[0117] According to certain aspects, the strip-like element, the second strip-like element, the third strip-like element, the fourth strip-like element and / or the fifth strip-like element can comprise a processing module configured to obtain measurement data from at least two sensor elements. Optionally, the processing module further comprises an energy source, such as a battery. The battery can be a rechargeable battery. The strip-like element can for example further comprise an induction coil for wirelessly charging the battery.

[0118] Further, according to certain aspects, the processing module further comprises a communication module configured to provide information related to the measurement data to an external device. Optionally, the communication module is a communication module for wirelessly transmitting and / or receiving data. The communication module can for example be a module capable of transmitting and / or receiving data via a wireless local area network, Bluetooth, BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), GSM, 4G (LTE, Long Term Evolution), 5G, etc. The external device can for example be a mobile device, such as a smartphone or a tablet, a personal computer, etc.

[0119] It is further provided that the processing module as described above can be seen as reducing the necessity of the strip-like element to be connected to additional entities, e.g. by means of an electrical wire for energy supply and / or data transmission. Such a configuration can in turn improve the wear and tear and the handling comfort of the strip-like element. As far as providing an inductive coil for wirelessly charging the strip-like element is concerned, a further advantage can be that no opening, such as a connector or a flap, is needed in order to charge or exchange the battery. Thus, the configuration of wirelessly charging the battery by means of an inductive coil can synergistically contribute to providing a liquid-proof sleeve.

[0120] According to certain aspects, the processing module is arranged in the vicinity of the first sensing zone. Optionally, a further deformation susceptible zone and / or a further flexure zone is provided between the first sensing zone and the processing module.

[0121] As far as the further deformation susceptible zone and / or the further flexure zone is concerned, it is to be understood that the advantages and / or technical effects described previously in relation to the deformation susceptible zone and / or the flexure zone apply analogously.

[0122] The hygiene system according to the present disclosure comprises an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper, and any one of the strip-like elements, the second strip-like element, the third strip-like element and / or the fifth strip-like element described above. In the hygiene system, the strip-like element is attached to the garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article. The hygiene system is configured such that no electrochemical contact between any one of the sensing elements and the liquid to be absorbed by the absorbent hygiene article can be established.

[0123] The absorbent system can be associated with the same or similar technical effects and / or advantages described previously in relation to the strip-like element, the second strip-like element, the third strip-like element, the fourth strip-like element and / or the fifth strip-like element.

[0124] According to certain aspects, the absorbent hygiene article of the absorbent system comprises a first indicating means, such as a first print, for indicating to a user a first designated position on the garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article to which the strip-like element is to be attached. The first indicating means can comprise, for example, a printed contour provided on the garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article, the contour corresponding to the shape of the strip-like element. Optionally or additionally, the first indicating means can comprise a colored portion of the garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article.

[0125] A discharge event in an absorbent hygiene article, such as micturition, can start in a specific part of the absorbent hygiene article and spread to other parts in case of increased discharge volume. Considering one same user (or a plurality of same age and gender users), the starting part of the wetting event tends to be the same part of the absorbent hygiene article, or the corresponding part of a plurality of absorbent hygiene articles. Thus, suggesting by means of the first indicating means a designated location for attaching the strip-like element to the absorbent hygiene article can facilitate a configuration in which the first sensing element is provided in a part corresponding to the part where the discharge event typically starts. The second sensing element can for example be provided in a part of the absorbent article to which the discharge, e.g. urine, spreads once the discharge increases. The above aspects can thus help to facilitate an accurate measurement regarding the saturation of the absorbent hygiene article.

[0126] According to certain aspects, the absorbent hygiene article further comprises a second indicating means, e.g. a second print, for indicating to the user a second designated location on the garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article for attaching the strip-like element. The second indicating means can comprise for example a further printed outline on the garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article, which further printed outline also corresponds to the shape of the strip-like element. Alternatively or additionally, the second indicating means can comprise a further coloured portion on the garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article. The colour of the second indicating means can deviate from the colour of the first indicating means.

[0127] With regard to the latter aspect, it should be understood that the starting part of a discharge event in an absorbent hygiene article can differ depending on the gender of the person wearing the hygiene article. Providing a second indicating means as described above can allow for taking this variation into account, and can thus help to further improve the measurement accuracy for a larger user group. The aspects discussed above can thus also be seen as facilitating flexibility of the absorption system.

[0128] The first method according to the present disclosure is a method of assessing a saturation of an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper. According to the first method, the absorbent hygiene article is provided with a strip-like element, optionally any one of the first to fifth strip-like elements described above, inside or outside, fixedly or detachably. The strip-like element according to the first method comprises at least a first sensing element and a second sensing element. Optionally, the first and second sensing elements are impedance sensing elements for measuring an impedance, respectively. The first method comprises steps in a first group of steps, the first group of steps comprising: detecting a first value from the first sensing element; and detecting a second value from the second sensing element. The first method further comprises at least one step in a second group of steps, the second group of steps comprising the steps of: assessing that a saturation of the absorbent hygiene article is substantially zero if the first value does not pass a first threshold value and the second value does not pass a second threshold value; assessing that a first saturation is present in the absorbent hygiene article if the first value passes the first threshold value and the second value does not pass the second threshold value; assessing that a second saturation is present in the absorbent hygiene article if the first value passes the first threshold value and the second value passes the second threshold value. The second saturation is a saturation that is greater than the first saturation. The first method further comprises steps in a third group of steps, the third group of steps comprising the step of: outputting a signal indicative of a result of the assessing steps in the second group of steps.

[0129] In this context, the term "passing" a threshold value can relate to exceeding the threshold value and / or falling below the threshold value. The impedance measured by an impedance sensing element can for example drop as soon as a liquid, such as urine, is brought into the vicinity of the impedance sensing element. The temperature measured by a temperature sensing element can for example rise as soon as a liquid, such as urine, is brought into the vicinity of the temperature sensing element.

[0130] As an alternative to the second group of steps described above, the second group of steps of the first method can comprise the steps of: assessing that a saturation of the absorbent hygiene article is substantially zero if the first value does not pass the first threshold value and the second value does not pass the second threshold value; assessing that a first saturation is present if exactly one of the first value and the second value passes the respective threshold value; and assessing that a second saturation is present if each of the first value and the second value passes the respective threshold value.

[0131] The first method as described above not only makes it possible to obtain binary information (i.e. whether or not exudate is present in the absorbent hygiene article), but also makes it possible to obtain information about the saturation of the absorbent hygiene article. Thus, when relying on the first method, one can obtain information to decide whether or not to change the absorbent hygiene article, even if the presence of exudate in the absorbent hygiene article has already been assessed. For example, if it has been assessed that a first amount of exudate is present in the absorbent hygiene article, it can not be necessary to change the absorbent hygiene article. However, if it is assessed that a second amount of exudate is present in the absorbent hygiene article, it can be advisable to change the absorbent hygiene article. The first method can be associated with advantages in terms of environmental impact and sustainable use of raw materials, as well as with cost-related advantages, due to the prevention of unnecessary changes of the absorbent hygiene article.

[0132] According to some aspects, the absorbent hygiene article of the first method is internally or externally provided with a strip-like element comprising at least the first, second and third sensing elements, fixedly or detachably. Optionally, the first, second and third sensing elements are impedance sensing elements for measuring impedance, respectively. According to these aspects, the first set of steps further comprises a step of detecting a third value from the third sensing element. The second set of steps comprises the following steps: if the first value does not pass the first threshold, the second value does not pass the second threshold, and the third value does not pass the third threshold, assessing that the saturation of the absorbent hygiene article is substantially zero; if the first value passes the first threshold, the second value does not pass the second threshold, and the third value does not pass the third threshold, assessing that a first saturation is present in the absorbent hygiene article; if the first value passes the first threshold, and any one of the second and third values passes the second threshold, assessing that a second saturation is present in the absorbent hygiene article; if the first value passes the first threshold, and the second value passes the second threshold, and the third value passes the third threshold, assessing that a third saturation is present in the absorbent hygiene article. The third saturation is a greater saturation than the second saturation.

[0133] Optionally, the second set of steps according to the aspects described later can comprise the following steps: if the first value does not pass the first threshold, the second value does not pass the second threshold, and the third value does not pass the third threshold, assessing that the saturation of the absorbent hygiene article is substantially zero; if exactly one of the first, second and third values passes the respective threshold, assessing that a first saturation is present. If exactly two of the first, second and third values pass the respective threshold, assessing that a second saturation is present; if each of the first, second and third values passes the respective threshold, assessing that a third saturation is present.

[0134] According to some aspects, the absorbent hygiene article of the first method is internally or externally fixedly or movably provided with a strip element comprising at least a first, a second, a third and a fourth sensing element. Optionally, the first, second, third and fourth sensing elements are impedance sensing elements for measuring impedance. According to these aspects, the first set of steps further comprises a step of detecting a fourth value from the fourth sensing element. The second set of steps comprises the steps of: if the first value does not pass the first threshold, the second value does not pass the second threshold, the third value does not pass the third threshold, and the fourth value does not pass the fourth threshold, assessing that the saturation of the absorbent hygiene article is substantially zero; if the first value passes the first threshold, the second value does not pass the second threshold, the third value does not pass the third threshold, and the fourth value does not pass the fourth threshold, assessing that there is a first saturation; if the first value passes the first threshold, the second value passes the second threshold, the third value does not pass the third threshold, and the fourth value does not pass the fourth threshold, assessing that there is a second saturation; if the first value passes the first threshold, the second value passes the second threshold, the third value passes the third threshold, and the fourth value does not pass the fourth threshold, assessing that there is a third saturation; and if the first value passes the first threshold, the second value passes the second threshold, the third value passes the third threshold, and the fourth value passes the fourth threshold, assessing that there is a fourth saturation. The fourth saturation is a greater saturation than the third saturation.

[0135] Optionally, the second set of steps according to the aspects described later can comprise the steps of: if the first value does not pass the first threshold, the second value does not pass the second threshold, the third value does not pass the third threshold, and the fourth value does not pass the fourth threshold, assessing that the saturation of the absorbent hygiene article is substantially zero; if exactly one of the first, second, third and fourth values passes the respective threshold, assessing that there is a first saturation. If exactly two of the first, second, third and fourth values pass the respective threshold, assessing that there is a second saturation; if exactly three of the first, second, third and fourth values pass the respective threshold, assessing that there is a third saturation; and if each of the first, second, third and fourth values passes the respective threshold, assessing that there is a fourth saturation.

[0136] The use of three or four sensing elements as described above can be related to the technical effect of improving the accuracy of the measurement. That is, if a third (and / or even a fourth) sensing element is provided in addition to the first and second sensing elements, it is possible to obtain information about the presence of excreta in at least three (or at least four) parts of the absorbent hygiene article. Thus, even if excreta is not introduced into the part associated with the location of the first or second sensing element, it is possible to determine the presence of excreta, such as urine, in the absorbent hygiene article. Thus, it is less likely to receive a "false negative" measurement.

[0137] According to certain aspects, the first sensing element is arranged between the second sensing element and the third sensing element. Optionally, seen in a longitudinal direction of the strip-like element, the strip-like element can be provided in the recited order with one of the second and third sensing elements, the first sensing element, and the other of the second and third sensing elements. The longitudinal direction of the strip-like element can be a direction corresponding to a largest extension of the strip-like element. If the strip-like element is bendable and / or follows a curve in its longitudinal direction, the strip-like element can be provided along the curve in the recited order with one of the second and third sensing elements, the first sensing element, and the other of the second and third sensing elements.

[0138] The configuration of the first sensing element being arranged between the second sensing element and the third sensing element allows to take into account the orientation of a person to whom the strip-like element is attached to a wearable absorbent hygiene article. That is, if the person (e.g. a neonate or an infant) is lying on the stomach (prone position), the portion to which exudates (e.g. urine) spread to (e.g. when the saturation of the absorbent hygiene article increases) is likely to be different than if the person is lying on the back (supine position). If only the second sensing element is provided, such that it is on the first side relative to the first sensing element, it can be difficult to detect a spread of an exudate event, e.g. of urine, as long as the person is in the prone position. However, if the first sensing element is arranged between the second and third sensing elements, the spread of an exudate event (i.e. the increase of the saturation of the absorbent hygiene article) can be monitored in both the prone and supine position of the person.

[0139] According to certain aspects, the first threshold value is set such that the first value passes the first threshold value as soon as liquid, like urine, migrates through the absorbent core of the absorbent hygiene article at the portion corresponding to the first sensing element. Optionally or additionally, the second threshold value can be set such that the second value passes the second threshold value as soon as liquid, like urine, migrates through the absorbent core of the absorbent hygiene article at the portion corresponding to the second sensing element. Optionally or additionally, the third threshold value can be set such that the third value passes the third threshold value as soon as liquid, like urine, migrates through the absorbent core of the absorbent hygiene article at the portion corresponding to the third sensing element. Optionally or additionally, the fourth threshold value can be set such that the fourth value passes the fourth threshold value as soon as liquid, like urine, migrates through the absorbent core of the absorbent hygiene article at the portion corresponding to the fourth sensing element.

[0140] According to the aspects described later, the accuracy of the detection result of the first method can be improved.

[0141] According to some aspects, any of the first methods described above can further comprise a set of initialization steps. Optionally, the set of initialization steps is performed before the first set of steps. The set of initialization steps comprises a step of detecting an orientation value from an orientation sensing element of the strip-like element and / or a step of detecting an acceleration value from an acceleration sensing element of the strip-like element.

[0142] According to certain aspects, the group of initialization steps further comprises a step of setting at least one of the first threshold value, the second threshold value, the third threshold value and the fourth threshold value in dependence of the detected orientation value and / or the detected acceleration value.

[0143] The spreading of excreta, such as urine, in an absorbent hygiene article can vary greatly depending on the movement of the person wearing the absorbent hygiene article, such as running, sitting, jumping. Likewise, the spreading of excreta, such as urine, in an absorbent hygiene article can vary greatly depending on the orientation of the person wearing the absorbent hygiene article, such as standing, sitting, prone or supine position. Thus, taking the orientation value and / or the acceleration value into account when setting the respective threshold values can contribute to an improved accuracy of the measurement.

[0144] According to some aspects, the group of initialization steps further comprises the steps of activating the standby mode if the movement value and / or the acceleration value is in the range of standby values; and / or deactivating the standby mode if the movement value and / or the acceleration value is in the range of active values.

[0145] According to the latter, the average energy consumption of the sensor element can be reduced. In turn, the reduced energy consumption can be associated with cost and / or environmental advantages, such as a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. Furthermore, if the strip element uses a rechargeable battery, the charging interval of the strip element can be increased, thus contributing to the convenience of use.

[0146] According to certain aspects, the first group of steps and the second group of steps are performed in the recited order. According to certain aspects, the first group of steps, the second group of steps and the output group of steps are performed in the recited order. According to certain aspects, the first, second and third group of steps are performed in the recited order. According to certain aspects, the first group of steps, the second group of steps, the third group of steps and the output group of steps are performed in the recited order. According to certain aspects, the group of initialization steps, the first group of steps and the second group of steps are performed in the recited order. According to certain aspects, the group of initialization steps, the first group of steps, the second group of steps and the output group of steps are performed in the recited order. According to certain aspects, the group of initialization steps, the first group of steps, the second group of steps and the third group of steps are performed in the recited order. According to certain aspects, the group of initialization steps, the first group of steps, the second group of steps, the third group of steps and the output group of steps are performed in the recited order.

[0147] According to some aspects, the strip element is attached to a garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article. Optionally, the strip element is arranged such that no electrochemical contact between the sensor element of the strip element and excreta, such as urine, can be established.

[0148] A strip element attached to the garment-facing surface of an absorbent hygiene article can be associated with hygiene advantages. That is, if a strip element is attached to the garment-facing surface of an absorbent hygiene article, it is likely not to come into direct contact with exudates compared to, for example, a configuration where a strip element is provided in a cavity of an absorbent material of an absorbent hygiene article. Thus, the strip element does not necessarily need to be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis.

[0149] A sixth strip element according to the present disclosure is a strip element configured to perform any of the above-described methods. The sixth strip element can be configured to be repeatedly attachable to and detachable from the garment-facing surface of an absorbent hygiene article. The sixth strip element can be any of the first to fifth strip elements.

[0150] The above-described sixth strip element can be associated with the same or similar advantages and / or technical effects as previously described in relation to the first method and / or the first to fifth strip elements.

[0151] A second method according to the present disclosure is a method of differentiating between no exudate, a first type of exudate, and a second type of exudate in an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper. According to the second method, the absorbent hygiene article has a strip element, optionally any of the previously described first to sixth strip elements, fixedly or detachably inside or outside. The strip element comprises a first temperature-sensing element for detecting a temperature and a first impedance-sensing element for detecting an impedance. The second method comprises steps of a first group of steps, the first group of steps comprising: detecting a first temperature value with the first temperature-sensing element; detecting a first impedance value with the first impedance-sensing element. The second method further comprises at least one step of a second group of steps, the second group of steps comprising: if the first temperature value does not pass a first temperature threshold, and the first impedance value does not pass a first impedance threshold, determining that there is no exudate in a first portion of the absorbent hygiene article; if the first temperature value passes the first temperature threshold, and the first impedance value passes the first impedance threshold, determining that there is a first type of exudate in the first portion of the absorbent hygiene article. If the first temperature value passes the first temperature threshold, and the first impedance value does not pass the first impedance threshold, determining that there is a second type of exudate in the first portion of the absorbent hygiene article.

[0152] It should be understood that neither the impedance sensor nor the temperature sensor need to establish an electrochemical contact with the exudate of the absorbent hygiene article when taking the measurements. Thus, the above-described second method can not only differentiate between types of exudates, but even without the need to establish an electrochemical contact with the respective exudate. Thus, the strip element used in the second method does not necessarily need to be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis.

[0153] According to some aspects, the second method further comprises a step of outputting the step group, the outputting step group comprising a step of outputting a signal indicative of the result of the determining step of the second group of steps.

[0154] In the first method and / or the second method according to the present disclosure, the step of outputting the signal can comprise sending the signal to an external device, such as a smartphone, via a wireless or wired connection; an optical output, such as light; and / or an acoustic output, such as a beep or similar sound. The strip-like element can comprise a light emitter, such as an LED light or similar, and / or a sound generator, such as a loudspeaker or similar.

[0155] According to certain aspects, the strip-like element of any one of the second methods described in the foregoing further comprises a second impedance sensing element for detecting an impedance. The first group of steps further comprises a step of detecting a second impedance value with the second impedance sensing element. The method further comprises at least one step of a third group of steps, the third group of steps comprising a step of determining that there is no excreta in the second portion of the absorbent hygiene article if the first temperature value does not pass a second temperature threshold value and the second impedance value does not pass a second impedance threshold value; determining that there is a first type of excreta in the second portion of the absorbent hygiene article if the first temperature value passes the second temperature threshold value and the second impedance value passes the second impedance threshold value; determining that there is a second type of excreta in the second portion of the absorbent hygiene article if the first temperature value passes the second temperature threshold value and the second impedance value does not pass the second impedance threshold value. The method further comprises an outputting step group, the outputting step group comprising a step of outputting a signal indicative of the result of the determining step of the second group of steps and / or the third group of steps.

[0156] According to some aspects, the strip-like element of any one of the second methods described in the foregoing further comprises a second impedance sensing element for detecting an impedance and a second temperature sensing element for detecting a temperature. The first group of steps further comprises a step of detecting a second impedance value with the second impedance sensing element; and a step of detecting a second temperature value with the second temperature sensing element. The method further comprises at least one step of a third group of steps, the third group of steps comprising a step of determining that there is no excreta in the second portion of the absorbent hygiene article if the second temperature value does not pass a second temperature threshold value and the second impedance value does not pass a second impedance threshold value; determining that there is a first type of excreta in the second portion of the absorbent hygiene article if the second temperature value passes the second temperature threshold value and the second impedance value passes the second impedance threshold value; determining that there is a second type of excreta in the second portion of the absorbent hygiene article if the second temperature value passes the second temperature threshold value and the second impedance value does not pass the second impedance threshold value. The method further comprises an outputting step group, the outputting step group comprising a step of outputting a signal indicative of the result of the determining step of the second group of steps and / or the third group of steps.

[0157] According to the latter aspects, the advantages of the previously described differentiation of the type of exudate can be combined with the advantages of determining the amount of exudate present in the absorbent hygiene article and / or the saturation of the absorbent hygiene article. Thus, the latter aspects act in synergy and contribute to a rather accurate representation of the situation present in the absorbent hygiene article. In turn, the accurate representation can provide sufficient information to determine whether the absorbent hygiene article needs to be changed. The latter information allows, inter alia, to take into account environmental aspects, such as the generation of waste, and aspects related to the wearing comfort of the absorbent hygiene article that can contain exudate, on a rather accurate basis.

[0158] According to certain aspects, the first type of exudate is urine and / or the second type of exudate is feces.

[0159] According to some aspects, the first impedance sensing element and the first temperature sensing element are arranged at a first portion of the strip-like element, and the second impedance sensing element and the second temperature sensing element are arranged at a second portion of the strip-like element. Optionally, the distance between the first temperature sensing element and any one of the second temperature sensing element and the second impedance sensing element is greater than the distance between the first temperature sensing element and the first impedance sensing element. Optionally or additionally, the distance between the first impedance sensing element and any one of the second temperature sensing element and the second impedance sensing element is greater than the distance between the first temperature sensing element and the first impedance sensing element.

[0160] According to some aspects, the second set of steps of any one of the previously described second methods further comprises the step of determining that an external disturbance and / or a measurement error is present in the first portion of the absorbent hygiene article, if the first temperature value does not pass the first temperature threshold and the first impedance value passes the first impedance threshold. Optionally or additionally, the third set of steps of any one of the previously described second methods further comprises determining that an external disturbance and / or a measurement error is present in the second portion of the absorbent hygiene article, if the first or the second temperature value does not pass the first temperature threshold and the second impedance value passes the first impedance threshold.

[0161] The further determination of the presence of an external disturbance and / or a measurement error can allow to identify in time a state in which the strip-like element should be replaced, repaired and / or put into maintenance. Thus, the previously described aspects can help to prevent measurement errors, e.g. due to a defective strip-like element.

[0162] According to some aspects, any one of the previously described first or second methods comprises all steps of the respective second set of steps.

[0163] According to certain aspects, any one of the previously described first or second methods comprises all steps of the respective third set of steps.

[0164] According to certain aspects, any of the second methods described above further comprises an initialization step group. Optionally, the initialization step group is performed prior to the first step group. The initialization step group comprises a step of detecting an orientation value from an orientation sensing element of the strip element and / or a step of detecting an acceleration value from an acceleration sensing element of the strip element.

[0165] According to some aspects, the initialization step group further comprises a step of setting at least one of the first temperature threshold value, the second temperature threshold value, the first impedance threshold value and the second impedance threshold value based on the detected orientation value and / or acceleration value.

[0166] The spread of excreta, such as urine, in an absorbent hygiene article can vary greatly depending on the movement of the person wearing the absorbent hygiene article, such as running, sitting, jumping. Likewise, the spread of excreta, such as urine, in an absorbent hygiene article can vary greatly depending on the orientation of the person wearing the absorbent hygiene article, such as standing, sitting, prone or supine position. Thus, taking the orientation value and / or acceleration value into account when setting the respective threshold values can contribute to an improved accuracy of the measurement.

[0167] According to some aspects, the initialization step group further comprises the steps of activating the standby mode if the movement value and / or acceleration value is within a standby value range and / or deactivating the standby mode if the movement value and / or acceleration value is within an active value range.

[0168] According to the latter, the average energy consumption of the sensing element can be reduced. In turn, the reduced energy consumption can be associated with cost and / or environmental advantages, such as reduced carbon dioxide emissions. Furthermore, if the strip element uses a rechargeable battery, the charging interval of the strip element can be increased, thus contributing to the convenience of use.

[0169] According to certain aspects, the first and second step groups are performed in the recited order. According to certain aspects, the first step group, the second step group and the output step group are performed in the recited order. According to certain aspects, the first, second and third step groups are performed in the recited order. According to certain aspects, the first step group, the second step group, the third step group and the output step group are performed in the recited order. According to certain aspects, the initialization step group, the first step group and the second step group are performed in the recited order. According to certain aspects, the initialization step group, the first step group, the second step group and the output step group are performed in the recited order. According to certain aspects, the initialization step group, the first step group, the second step group and the third step group are performed in the recited order. According to certain aspects, the initialization step group, the first step group, the second step group, the third step group and the output step group are performed in the recited order.

[0170] According to some aspects, the strip-shaped element used in the second method is attached to the garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article so that no electrochemical contact is established between the exudate and the first and / or second impedance sensing element and between the exudate and the first and / or second temperature sensing element when the second method is performed. Optionally, the strip-shaped element is arranged and / or configured so that no electrochemical contact can be established between the sensing elements of the strip-shaped element and the exudate, such as urine. The configuration of no electrochemical contact between the sensing elements of the strip-shaped element and the exudate, such as urine, can be made with, for example, a sleeve of the strip-shaped element which houses the strip-shaped element in a liquid-tight manner.

[0171] The strip-shaped element attached to the garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article can be associated with hygiene-related advantages. That is, if the strip-shaped element is attached to the garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article, it is likely that it will not come into direct contact with the exudate compared to a configuration where the strip-shaped element is arranged in, for example, a cavity of the absorbent material of the absorbent hygiene article. Thus, the strip-shaped element does not necessarily need to be cleaned or replaced on a regular basis.

[0172] The seventh strip-shaped element according to the present disclosure is a strip-shaped element configured to perform any one of the above-described second methods. The seventh strip-shaped element can be configured to be repeatedly attachable to and detachable from the garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article. Furthermore, the seventh strip-shaped element can be any one of the first to sixth strip-shaped elements described previously.

[0173] The seventh strip-shaped element can be associated with the same or similar advantages and / or technical effects as the first method and / or the first to fifth strip-shaped elements described previously.

[0174] Furthermore, it is noted that a strip-shaped element configured to be repeatedly attachable to and detachable from the garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article can be associated with the technical effect of facilitating easy reusability.

[0175] Preferably, the strip-shaped element, the second strip-shaped element, the fourth strip-shaped element, the fifth strip-shaped element, the sixth strip-shaped element, and / or the seventh strip-shaped element is configured to be externally and detachably provided to the absorbent hygiene article.

[0176] One advantage of the strip-shaped element being configured to be detachable can lie in the reusability of the strip-shaped element. In this regard, it is noted that the reusability of the strip-shaped element can be facilitated despite the absorbent product being disposable. One advantage of the strip-shaped element being configured to be externally provided to the absorbent hygiene article can lie in that there is no need to integrate electronic / metallic elements into the absorbent product. Furthermore, the detachability and the external provision can synergistically facilitate easy cleaning of the strip-shaped element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0177] Other advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of working examples and / or optional aspects, and / or embodiments, which can be implemented in combination, separately, or in any suitable subcombination, provided such features are not mutually inconsistent. This description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0178] Figure 1a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensing element according to one embodiment of a strip element of the present disclosure.

[0179] Figure 1b is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensing element according to one embodiment of a strip element of the present disclosure.

[0180] Figure 2a is a top view of a sensing element according to one embodiment of a strip element of the present disclosure.

[0181] Figure 2b is a top view of a sensing element according to one embodiment of a strip element of the present disclosure.

[0182] Figure 2c is a top view of a sensing element according to one embodiment of a strip element of the present disclosure.

[0183] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a strip element according to the present disclosure.

[0184] Figure 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a strip element according to the present disclosure.

[0185] Figure 5a is a top view of a first layer of a flexible printed circuit board according to one embodiment of a strip element of the present disclosure.

[0186] Figure 5b is a top view of a second layer of a flexible printed circuit board according to one embodiment of a strip element of the present disclosure.

[0187] Figure 5c is a top view of a third layer of a flexible printed circuit board according to one embodiment of a strip element of the present disclosure.

[0188] Figure 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hygiene system according to the present disclosure.

[0189] Figure 7 is a flowchart for illustrating one embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure; and

[0190] Figure 8 is a flowchart for illustrating one embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0191] The embodiments of the apparatus, uses, and methods according to this disclosure will be explained in detail below by way of non-limiting examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise stated, similar reference numerals appearing in different figures denote the same, corresponding, or functionally similar elements.

[0192] Figure 1a This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensing element 10 according to one embodiment of the strip element 40 of the present disclosure. Figure 2a This is a top view of a sensing element 10 according to one embodiment of the strip element 40 of the present disclosure. Figure 1a Sensing elements and Figure 2a The sensing elements can be the same sensing elements. Figure 1a and Figure 2a The sensing element 10 is a sensing element for measuring impedance. The sensing element 10 has a capacitive electrode 12, a signal line 16, and a grounding element. The grounding element includes a grounding electrode 14 and a grounding wire 20 electrically connected thereto. The capacitive electrode 12 is electrically connected to the signal line 16. The sensing element 10 also includes a shielding member 18 disposed between the signal line 16 and the grounding element including the grounding electrode 14 and the grounding wire 20. According to the described embodiment, the strip element 40 is configured to cause the potential of the shielding member 18 to oscillate synchronously with the potential of the signal line 16. In this respect, it should be understood that, since the signal line 16 and the capacitive electrode 12 are electrically connected to each other, the potentials of the capacitive electrode 12, the signal line 16, and the shielding member 18 oscillate synchronously. Each of the capacitive electrode 12, the grounding electrode 14, the signal line 16, the shielding member 18, and the grounding wire 20 can be made of a conductive material such as a metal. The shielding member 18 can be made of, for example, copper or a copper alloy, or comprise copper or a copper alloy. The capacitor electrode 12 and signal line 16 are electrically insulated from the shielding member 18, the ground electrode 14, and the ground wire 20. The shielding member 18 is electrically insulated from the capacitor electrode 12, signal line 16, ground electrode 14, and ground wire 20. According to the described embodiment, the capacitor electrode 12, ground electrode 14, and ground wire 20 are disposed in a first layer of the sensing element 10. The shielding member 18 is disposed in a second layer of the sensing element 10, which is located below the first layer. The signal line 16 starts from the first layer, passes through the second layer, and is then provided in the first layer of the sensing element 10 located below the second layer. When passing through the second layer, the signal line 16 is guided through an opening in the shielding member 18, thereby preventing electrical contact from being established between the shielding member 18 and the signal line 16. Even... Figure 1a or Figure 2aAn insulating layer is not described in, but a first insulating layer can be provided between the first layer and the second layer, and a second insulating layer can be provided between the second layer and the third layer. The first and second insulating layers each can include an opening at a position corresponding to the opening position of the shielding member 18. In the described embodiment, the capacitance electrode 12 is disposed in the vicinity of the ground electrode 14. Furthermore, in the described embodiment, each of the capacitance electrode 12 and the ground electrode 14 has a substantially rectangular shape. In Figure 1a and 2a In the described sensor element 10, the shielding member 18 is continuously provided between the ground element and the signal line 16, so that there is no portion in the sensor element 10 in which the shielding member 18 is not provided between the ground element and the signal line 16. The ground element includes the ground electrode 14 and the ground line 20.

[0193] Figure 1b is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensor element 10 according to one embodiment of the strip-shaped element 40 of the present disclosure. Figure 2b is a plan view of a sensor element 10 according to one embodiment of the strip-shaped element 40 of the present disclosure. Figure 1b The sensor element of Figure 2b may be the same sensor element 10. Figure 1b The configuration of the sensor element 10 depicted in Figure 1a corresponds substantially to the configuration of the sensor element 10 of Figure 1b In the sensor element 10 of Figure 1b the ground electrode 14 is disposed so as to form a closed loop around the capacitance electrode 12. In other words, Figure 1b the ground electrode 14 depicted in surrounds the capacitance electrode 12 of the sensor element 10 of Figure 2b The configuration of the sensor element 10 depicted in Figure 2a corresponds substantially to the configuration of the sensor element 10 of Figure 2b In the sensor element 10 of Figure 2b the ground electrode 14 is disposed so as to form a closed loop around the capacitance electrode 12. In other words, Figure 2b the ground electrode 14 depicted in surrounds the capacitance electrode 12 of the sensor element 10 of

[0194] In the sensor element 10 depicted in Figure 2a and 2b the respective shielding member 18 is continuously provided between the respective ground element (including the respective ground electrode 14 and the respective ground line 20) and the respective signal line 16, so that there is no portion in the sensor element 10 in which the respective shielding member 18 is not provided between the ground element and the signal line 16. Furthermore, in the sensor element 10 depicted in Figure 2a and 2bIn the sensor element 10 described above, the respective shield members 18 are provided so as to extend beyond the outlines of the respective capacitive electrodes 12 with respect to the width direction and the longitudinal direction of the sensor element 10, and also beyond the outlines of the respective ground electrodes 14. Herein, the thickness direction of the sensor element 10 is the direction corresponding to the smallest extension of the sensor element. The longitudinal direction is the direction corresponding to the largest extension of the sensor element. The width direction of the sensor element can be the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sensor element and also perpendicular to the thickness direction of the sensor element.

[0195] Figure 2c is a plan view of a sensor element 10 according to one embodiment of the strip element of the present disclosure. Figure 2c The sensor element 10 of Figure 2b may correspond to Figure 2c the sensor element, but at least the following aspects can differ from the sensor element 10 of First, the signal lines 16 of the capacitive electrodes 12 are provided in the same layer as the capacitive electrodes 12. Second, the ground lines 20 are provided so as to run underneath the capacitive electrodes 12. Third, the ground electrodes 14 are provided so as to form an open loop around the capacitive electrodes 12. That is, the portions of the ground electrodes 14 corresponding to the signal lines 16 have a break in them so as to let the signal lines 16 pass there through. Thus, the signal lines 16 can be guided from the inner portion of the loop to the outer portion of the loop without having to change their layer. The shield members 18 are provided between the capacitive electrodes 12 and the ground lines 20, however, the shield members 18 do not extend beyond the outlines of the ground electrodes 14 with respect to the width direction and the longitudinal direction of the sensor element 10.

[0196] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a strip element 40 according to one embodiment of the strip element of the present disclosure. The strip element 40 includes an upper cover 102 and a lower cover 103, which can be combined together in a liquid-tight manner so as to form a sleeve for housing the components of the strip element 40 in the inner portion thereof. The components to be housed in the inner portion of the sleeve are: a flex printed circuit board (flex PCB) 50 including four sensor elements 42; and a processing unit assembly. The four sensor elements 42 can be, for example, Figure 1a , 1bThe processing unit assembly can comprise a processing unit printed circuit board 56, which can for example be a rigid printed circuit board; a battery 52 electrically connected to the processing unit printed circuit board 56. The battery 52 can further be mechanically attached to the processing unit printed circuit board by means of a battery strap 54. The processing unit can further comprise an upper hard cover 58 and a lower hard cover 60, which form a processing unit hard shell configured to house the processing unit printed circuit board 50 to which the battery 52 is attached. The processing unit upper hard cover 58 can be or can comprise a polymer based material, such as polypropylene, polybutylene terephthalate, or similar. The processing unit lower hard cover 60 can be or can comprise a polymer based material, such as polypropylene, polybutylene terephthalate, or similar. In Figure 4 In the described embodiment, the lower cover 103 has a processing unit housing portion 105 and a flexible printed circuit board 50 housing portion 104. The flexible printed circuit board 50 housing portion 104 is smaller in width than the processing unit housing portion. In Figure 3 In the described embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board 50 is indicated by reference symbol L PCB ; the width direction of the printed circuit board 50 is indicated by reference symbol W PCB ; and the thickness direction of the printed circuit board 50 is indicated by reference symbol T PCB . The flexible printed circuit board 50 comprises a deformation susceptible zone arranged between the two sensor elements 42, respectively. In the described embodiment, each deformation susceptible zone comprises a cut-out 48. That is, there is one cut-out 48 between the two sensor elements 42, respectively, with respect to the longitudinal direction L of the strip-like element 40. Furthermore, the cut-outs 48 are arranged in opposite portions of the printed circuit board 50, with respect to the width direction W.

[0197] The printed circuit board 50 of the strip-like element 40 can be connected to the upper cover 102 by means of a FPC tape (flexible printed circuit board tape) 45, for example. The attachment portion for attaching the printed circuit board 50 to the upper cover 102 can correspond to the portion of the sensor elements 42. According to the latter configuration, a configuration can be generalized, in which the sensor elements 42 are arranged close to the garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article (e.g. diaper). The latter configuration can in turn help to improve the measurement accuracy of the sensor elements.

[0198] The upper cover 102 of the strip-like element 40 is provided with hook fasteners 44 for repeatedly attaching and detaching the strip-like element to and from the garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article. In the described embodiment, the hook fasteners 44 are arranged in portions corresponding to the portions of the sensor elements 42, thereby forming a close-contact sensing zone.

[0199] Figure 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a strip-like element 40 according to the present disclosure.Figure 4 This can be seen as depicting a state of assembly. Figure 3 The strip-shaped element 40. Therefore, Figure 4 The strip element 40 may include Figure 3 All components described herein. Figure 4 In the middle, the longitudinal direction of the strip element 40 is represented by the reference symbol L. S The width direction of the strip element 40 is indicated by the reference symbol W. S The thickness direction of the strip element 40 is indicated by the reference symbol T. S express.

[0200] Figure 5a This is a top view of the first layer 501 of a flexible printed circuit board according to an embodiment of the strip element of this disclosure. Figure 5b This is a top view of the second layer 502 of a flexible printed circuit board according to one embodiment of the strip element of this disclosure. Figure 5c This is a top view of the third layer 503 of a flexible printed circuit board according to one embodiment of the strip element of this disclosure. Figure 5a First floor 501 Figure 5b The second layer 502 and Figure 5c The third layer, 503, consists of all layers on the same printed circuit board. Figure 5a First floor 501 Figure 5b The second layer 502 and Figure 5c The third layer of 503 can be stacked in numerical order. However, it should be understood that each layer... Figures 5a to 5c The printed circuit board depicted may include more layers than the individual layers depicted. Figures 5a to 5c The layers depicted in the text can be Figure 3 The printed circuit board 50 is depicted in the figure.

[0201] Figure 5aThe first layer 501 depicted in the middle comprises a first capacitive electrode 121 of a first sensing element, a second capacitive electrode 122 of a second sensing element, a third capacitive electrode 123 of a third sensing element, and a fourth capacitive electrode 124 of a fourth sensing element. The first sensing element is arranged between the second sensing element and the third sensing element. The first layer 501 further comprises a first ground electrode 141 of the first sensing element, a second ground electrode 142 of the second sensing element, a third ground electrode 143 of the third sensing element, and a fourth ground electrode 144 of the fourth sensing element. The first ground electrode 141 is electrically connected with the second ground electrode 142 by means of a first ground line 201. The fourth ground electrode 144 is electrically connected with the third ground electrode 143 by means of a third ground line 203. The third ground electrode 143 is electrically connected with the first ground electrode 141 by means of a second ground line 202. The second ground electrode 142 can be electrically connected with a processing unit to be provided at the connector end 300 of the flexible printed circuit board by means of a fourth ground line 204. In order to form a deformation susceptible zone, the first layer 501 comprises a first cut-out 481 provided between the first sensing element and the second sensing element, a second cut-out 482 provided between the first sensing element and the third sensing element, and a third cut-out 483 provided between the third sensing element and the fourth sensing element.

[0202] Figure 5b The second layer 502 depicted in the middle comprises a shielding member 18. In the described case, the shielding member 18 is arranged to be provided underneath the first capacitive electrode 121, the second capacitive electrode 122, the third capacitive electrode 123, and the fourth capacitive electrode 124. Further, the shielding member 18 is arranged to be at least partially arranged underneath the first ground electrode 141, the second ground electrode 142, the third ground electrode 143, and the fourth ground electrode 144. Further, the shielding member 18 is arranged to be provided underneath the first ground line 201, the second ground line 202, the third ground line 203, and the fourth ground line 204. Each of the first to fourth sensing elements shares the same shielding member 18. The potential of the shielding member 18 of the first to fourth sensing elements, the potential of the first capacitive electrode 121, the potential of the second capacitive electrode 122, the potential of the third capacitive electrode 123, and the potential of the fourth capacitive electrode 124 are oscillated synchronously. The portions of the shielding member 18 corresponding to the portions of the capacitive electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124 comprise openings 181, 182, 183, 184 for electrically decoupling the capacitive electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124 from the shielding member 18. Figure 5cThe signal lines 161, 162, 163, 164 of the third layer 503 depicted in Fig. 5 are electrically connected. In order to form the deformation susceptible area, the second layer 502 comprises also a first cut-out 481, a second cut-out 482 and a third cut-out 483. Since the first cut-out 481, the second cut-out 482 and the third cut-out 483 are cut-outs of the flexible printed circuit board comprising the first layer 501, the second layer 502 and the third layer 503, the positions of the cut-outs of the layers are congruent.

[0203] Figure 5c The third layer 503 depicted in Fig. 5 comprises the signal lines 161, 162, 163, 164. The first signal line 161 is electrically connected to the first capacitive electrode 121 of the first layer 501. The first signal line 161 can be further connected to a processing unit to be provided at the connector end 300 of the flexible printed circuit board. The electrical connection between the first capacitive electrode 121 and the first signal line 161 can be guided through the first opening 181 of the shielding member 18. Thus, the electrical connection between the first capacitive electrode 121 and the first signal line 161 can be oriented perpendicular to the plane in which the layers are provided. The second signal line 162 is electrically connected to the second capacitive electrode 122 of the first layer 501. The second signal line 162 can be further connected to a processing unit to be provided at the connector end 300 of the flexible printed circuit board. The electrical connection between the second capacitive electrode 122 and the second signal line 162 can be guided through the second opening 182 of the shielding member 18. Thus, the electrical connection between the second capacitive electrode 122 and the second signal line 162 can be oriented perpendicular to the plane in which the layers are provided. The third signal line 163 is electrically connected to the third capacitive electrode 123 of the first layer 501. The third signal line 163 can be further connected to a processing unit to be provided at the connector end 300 of the flexible printed circuit board. The electrical connection between the third capacitive electrode 123 and the third signal line 163 can be guided through the third opening 183 of the shielding member 18. Thus, the electrical connection between the third capacitive electrode 123 and the third signal line 163 can be oriented perpendicular to the plane in which the layers are provided. The fourth signal line 164 is electrically connected to the fourth capacitive electrode 124 of the first layer 501. The fourth signal line 164 can be further connected to a processing unit to be provided at the connector end 300 of the flexible printed circuit board. The electrical connection between the fourth capacitive electrode 124 and the fourth signal line 164 can be guided through the fourth opening 184 of the shielding member 18. Thus, the electrical connection between the fourth capacitive electrode 124 and the fourth signal line 164 can be oriented perpendicular to the plane in which the layers are provided. In order to form the deformation susceptible area, the third layer 503 comprises also the first cut-out 481, the second cut-out 482 and the third cut-out 483 of the flexible printed circuit board.

[0204] Figure 6is a perspective view of one embodiment of a hygiene system according to the present disclosure. The hygiene system according to the described embodiment comprises a diaper 100 having a waist region W and a crotch region C, and a strip-like element 40. The strip-like element 40 can be, for example, Figure 4 a strip-like element as described in . The strip-like element 40 comprises a plurality of sensing elements 42 arranged in a close contact sensing zone and a plurality of deformation susceptible zones. In a portion of the diaper 100 corresponding to the crotch region C, the strip-like element 40 is attached to the garment-facing surface of the diaper 100. In the described embodiment, attachment means, for example hook fasteners, are provided in the close contact sensing zone of the strip-like element 40. However, no attachment means are provided in the deformation susceptible zones of the strip-like element 40. Thus, according to the present disclosure, the deformation susceptible zones of the strip-like element 40 can also be flexure zones.

[0205] Figure 7 is a flow chart for illustrating one embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure. The method, the steps of which are described in Figure 7 , is a method of assessing the saturation of an absorbent hygiene article, for example a diaper. The absorbent hygiene article is fixedly or detachably provided with a strip-like element, for example a strip-like element as described in Figure 3 or Figure 4 . A first step SAl comprises detecting a first value II from a first sensing element of the strip-like element. A second step SA2 of the method comprises detecting a second value I2 from a second sensing element of the strip-like element. The first step SAl and the second step SA2 can be performed successively, as described in Figure 7The third step SA3 is a step of verifying whether the first value I1 is lower than (i.e. has been lower than) a first threshold value. If the first value I1 is lower than the first threshold value, the method continues to a step SA4 which is a step of verifying whether the second value I2 is lower than (i.e. has been lower than) a second threshold value. The first threshold value and the second threshold value can be the same threshold value. If in the step SA4 the second value I2 is lower than the second threshold value, the method continues to a step SA5. The step SA5 is a step of outputting a signal indicating a high saturation in the absorbent hygiene article. If in the step SA3 the second value I1 is not lower than the first threshold value, the method continues to a step SA6. In the step SA6 it is verified whether the second value I2 is lower than the second threshold value. In the step SA6, if the second value I2 is lower than the second threshold value, the method continues to a step SA7. The step SA7 is a step of outputting a signal indicating a medium saturation in the absorbent hygiene article. After the step SA7, the method can restart from the step SA1. In the step SA6, if the second value I2 is not lower than the second threshold value, the method continues to a step SA8. The step SA8 is a step of outputting a signal indicating a low saturation in the absorbent hygiene article. After the step SA8, the method can restart from the step SA1. If in the step SA4 the second value I2 is not lower than the second threshold value, the method continues to the step SA7.

[0206] Figure 8 is a flow chart for illustrating one embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure. The method, the steps of which are described in Figure 8 , is a method of distinguishing between no excretion, a first type of excretion and a second type of excretion in an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper, which is internally or externally fixedly or detachably provided with a strip element, such as the strip element described in any one of Figure 3 or 5. The strip element used in the method comprises a first temperature sensing element for detecting a temperature and a first impedance sensing element for detecting an impedance. In a first step SB1 a temperature value T1 of the temperature sensing element is detected. In a second step SB2 an impedance value I1 of the first impedance sensing element is detected. The first step SB1 and the second step SB2 can be performed consecutively, as Figure 8described, but can also be performed simultaneously. After step SB2, the method continues with step SB3. In step SB3, it is determined whether the temperature value T1 has exceeded, i.e. has crossed from below, a predetermined temperature threshold. If it has been determined in step SB3 that the temperature value T1 has exceeded the temperature threshold, the method continues with step SB4. In step SB4, it is determined whether the impedance value I1 has fallen below, i.e. has crossed from above, an impedance threshold. If it has been determined in step SB4 that the impedance value I1 has fallen below the impedance threshold, the method continues with step SB5. In step SB5, a signal indicating the presence of urine is output. If, however, it has been determined in step SB4 that the impedance value I1 has not fallen below the impedance threshold, the method continues with step SB9. In step SB9, a signal indicating the presence of feces is output. After step SB9, the method can start again with step SB1. If it has been determined in step SB3 that the temperature value T1 has not exceeded the temperature threshold, the method continues with step SB6. In step SB6, it is determined whether the impedance value I1 has fallen below the impedance threshold. If it is determined in step SB6 that the impedance value I1 has fallen below the impedance threshold, the method continues with step SB8. In step SB8, a signal indicating an error is output. If, however, it has been determined in step SB6 that the impedance value I1 has not fallen below the impedance threshold, the method continues with step SB7. In step SB7, a signal indicating no voiding is output. After step SB7, the method can start again with step SB1.

[0207] While various example embodiments of the devices, methods and / or uses according to the disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described example embodiments, but should only be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

[0208] Furthermore, it is to be understood that certain features that are, individually, described as being part of a separate embodiment can also be implemented within a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, individually, described as being part of a single embodiment can also be implemented as part of multiple embodiments, alone or in any suitable sub-combination. Furthermore, although features can be described above as acting in certain combinations, and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and the claimed combination can be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

[0209] Clause

[0210] The subject matter sought to be protected is defined by the claims of this application. It is understood, however, that devices, methods and / or uses defined by the following clauses also form part of the disclosure and can become the subject of claims at any stage of the procedure.

[0211] 1. A strip-like element configured to be fixedly or removably provided to an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper, either internally or externally, the strip-like element comprising at least a first sensing element for measuring an impedance, the first sensing element having a capacitive electrode, a signal line and a ground element, such as a ground electrode and / or a ground line,

[0212] wherein the capacitive electrode is electrically connected to the signal line,

[0213] wherein the first sensing element further comprises a shielding component arranged between the signal line and the ground element, and

[0214] wherein the strip-like element is configured such that the potential of the shielding component is oscillating in synchrony with the potential of the signal line.

[0215] 2. The strip-like element of clause 1, further comprising a second sensing element for measuring an impedance, the second sensing element having a second capacitive electrode, a second signal line and a second ground element, such as a second ground electrode and / or a second ground line,

[0216] wherein the second capacitive electrode is electrically connected to the second signal line,

[0217] wherein the second sensing element further comprises a second shielding component arranged between the second signal line and the second ground element, and

[0218] wherein the strip-like element is configured such that the potential of the second shielding component is oscillating in synchrony with the potential of the second signal line.

[0219] 3. The strip-like element of clause 2, wherein the first shielding component and the second shielding component are electrically connected to each other.

[0220] 4. The strip-like element of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the ground element comprises a ground electrode and a ground line electrically connected thereto, and wherein the shielding component is arranged between the signal line and the ground electrode and further arranged between the signal line and the ground line.

[0221] 5. The strip-like element of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the shielding component is at least partially arranged between the capacitive electrode and the signal line.

[0222] 6. The strip-like element of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the shielding member comprises an opening in which a portion of the signal line is disposed so as to be directed from a first side of the shielding member to a second side of the shielding member, the first side being the side on which the capacitive electrode is disposed.

[0223] 7. The strip-like element of any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers comprising a first layer to a third layer stacked in numerical order, the first layer comprising at least one of, optionally both, a ground electrode and a capacitive electrode, the second layer comprising a shielding member, and the third layer comprising at least a portion of the signal line, the first layer to the third layer optionally being substantially parallel.

[0224] 8. The strip-like element of clause 7, wherein an insulating layer is provided between the first layer and the second layer, and between the second layer and the third layer.

[0225] 9. The strip-like element of clause 7 or 8, wherein the first layer to the third layer are layers of a flexible printed circuit board.

[0226] 10. The strip-like element of clause 9, wherein the flexible printed circuit board comprises at least one of: polyimide; polyester; polytetrafluoroethylene; aramid; and polyethylene naphthalate.

[0227] 11. The strip-like element of clause 9 or 10, wherein the flexible printed circuit board comprises the first sensing element and the second sensing element.

[0228] 12. The strip-like element of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the shielding member is continuously disposed between the ground element and the signal line so that there is no portion of the sensing element in which no shielding member is disposed between the ground element and the signal line, the ground element optionally comprising a ground electrode and a ground line.

[0229] 13. The strip-like element of any of clauses 1-11, wherein the ground element comprises a ground electrode and a ground line in electrical connection therewith, wherein the shielding member is continuously disposed between the ground electrode and the signal line so that there is no portion of the sensing element in which no shielding member is disposed between the ground electrode and the signal line, and wherein the shielding member is optionally not disposed between the ground line and the signal line.

[0230] 14. Use of the strip-like element of any of clauses 7-13, wherein the strip-like element is attached to a garment-facing surface of an absorbent hygiene article such as a diaper, and wherein the first layer is closer to the garment-facing surface than the second layer and / or the third layer.

[0231] 15. A strip-like element configured to be fixedly or detachably provided to an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper, internally or externally, optionally a strip-like element according to any one of clauses 1-13, the strip-like element comprising a sensing element having a capacitive electrode, a signal line and a ground element, such as a ground electrode and / or a ground line.

[0232] wherein the capacitive electrode is electrically connected to the signal line, and

[0233] wherein one of the capacitive electrode and the ground element is arranged to form an open or closed loop around the other of the capacitive electrode and the ground element.

[0234] 16. The strip-like element according to clause 15, wherein the ground electrode of the ground element is formed to form an open or closed loop around the capacitive electrode.

[0235] 17. The strip-like element according to clause 15 or clause 16, wherein the ground electrode of the ground element is arranged in a first layer of a flexible printed circuit board, wherein the capacitive electrode is arranged in a layer of the flexible printed circuit board, and wherein the first layer comprising the ground electrode and the layer comprising the capacitive electrode are optionally the same layer.

[0236] 18. A hygiene system comprising an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper, and a strip-like element according to any one of clauses 1-13 or 15-17, the strip-like element being attached or detachably attachable to a garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article, wherein the hygiene system is configured such that no electrochemical contact can be established between any of the at least two sensing elements and a liquid to be absorbed by the absorbent hygiene article.

[0237] 19. The hygiene system according to clause 18, wherein the absorbent hygiene article comprises a first indicating means, such as a first print, for indicating to a user a first designated position on the garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article to which the strip-like element is to be attached.

[0238] 20. The hygiene system according to clause 19, wherein the absorbent hygiene article further comprises a second indicating means, such as a second print, for indicating to a user a second designated position on the garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article to which the strip-like element is to be attached.

[0239] 21. A strip-like element configured to be detachably provided to an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper, from the outside, optionally a strip-like element according to any one of clauses 1-13 or 15-17, the strip-like element comprising at least two sensing elements for acquiring information related to a discharge in the absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper,

[0240] wherein the strip-like element comprises at least two close contact sensing zones for being releasably attached to a garment-facing surface of an absorbent hygiene article, respectively, and each close contact sensing zone comprises one of the at least two sensing elements,

[0241] each close contact sensing zone comprises first attachment means for maintaining the close contact sensing zone in contact with the absorbent hygiene article by a first attachment force,

[0242] the two close contact sensing zones are separated by a flex zone which is free of any attachment means or comprises second attachment means for establishing a second attachment force between the flex zone and the absorbent hygiene article, the second attachment force being smaller than the first attachment force.

[0243] 22. The strip-like element of clause 21, wherein no sensor is provided in the flex zone.

[0244] 23. The strip-like element of clause 21 or clause 22, wherein the first attachment means comprises mechanical attachment means, such as attachment means using hook-fasteners, or adhesive-based attachment means, and / or wherein the second attachment means comprises mechanical attachment means, such as attachment means using hook-fasteners, or adhesive-based attachment means.

[0245] 24. A strip-like element configured to be fixedly or releasably provided to an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper, either internally or externally, the strip-like element comprising at least two sensing elements for acquiring information related to a discharge in an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper, the strip-like element optionally being the strip-like element of any of clauses 1-13, 15-17, or 21-23,

[0246] wherein the strip-like element comprises at least two sensing zones, each sensing zone comprising one of the at least two sensing elements,

[0247] the two sensing zones are separated by a deformation susceptible zone connecting the two sensing zones and being free of any sensing elements,

[0248] the deformation susceptible zone has a lower bending stiffness than the respective adjacent sensing zones.

[0249] 25. The strip-like element of clause 24, further comprising a printed circuit board, wherein the at least two sensing elements are provided with the printed circuit board so as to be arranged along a longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board, and wherein the printed circuit board comprises a cut-out in the deformation susceptible zone extending at least partially in a width direction of the printed circuit board, the width direction being a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board.

[0250] 26. A strip-shaped element configured to be fixedly or detachably provided to an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper, internally or externally, the strip-shaped element comprising at least two sensing elements for acquiring information related to excretion in an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper, the strip-shaped element optionally being a strip-shaped element according to any one of clauses 1-13, 15-17 or 21-25,

[0251] wherein the strip-shaped element comprises at least two sensing zones, each sensing zone comprising one of the at least two sensing elements,

[0252] the two sensing zones being separated by a deformation susceptible zone connecting the two sensing zones and not containing any sensing elements,

[0253] the strip-shaped element further comprising a printed circuit board, wherein the at least two sensing elements are provided together with the printed circuit board so as to be arranged along a longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board, and

[0254] wherein the printed circuit board comprises a cut-out in the deformation susceptible zone extending at least partially in a width direction of the printed circuit board, the width direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board.

[0255] 27. The strip-shaped element of clause 25 or clause 26, wherein the printed circuit board has a constant thickness at least in the deformation susceptible zone, the thickness direction of the printed circuit board being a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board and the width direction of the printed circuit board, respectively.

[0256] 28. The strip-shaped element of any one of clauses 25-27, wherein the printed circuit board has flexibility at least in the deformation susceptible zone.

[0257] 29. The strip-shaped element of any one of clauses 25-28, wherein the printed circuit board comprises at least one of: polyimide; polyester; polytetrafluoroethylene; aramid; and polyethylene naphthalate.

[0258] 30. The strip-shaped element of any one of clauses 25-29, wherein the cut-out is provided on only one side of the printed circuit board in the width direction of the printed circuit board.

[0259] 31. The strip-shaped element of any one of clauses 25-29, wherein the printed circuit board comprises at least two cut-outs provided in the deformation susceptible zone, wherein the cut-outs are arranged in opposite portions of the printed circuit board with respect to the width direction of the printed circuit board, respectively.

[0260] 32. The strip-shaped element of any one of clauses 24-31, wherein the strip-shaped element has a length defined as the largest geometrical extension of the strip-shaped element, a thickness defined as the extension of the strip-shaped element in a direction perpendicular to the length direction, and a width defined as the extension in a direction perpendicular to both the length direction and the thickness direction, wherein the width of the strip-shaped element in the deformation susceptible zone is not less than the width of the strip-shaped element in at least one, optionally both, of the sensing zones.

[0261] 33. The strip-shaped element of clause 32, wherein the thickness of the strip-shaped element in the deformation susceptible zone is not less than the thickness of the strip-shaped element in at least one, optionally both, of the sensing zones.

[0262] 34. The strip-shaped element of any one of clauses 11-33, further comprising a sleeve housing the at least two sensing elements and optionally also a printed circuit board, the sleeve optionally comprising silicone.

[0263] 35. The strip-shaped element of any one of clauses 25-34, wherein the first to fourth sensing elements are provided together with a printed circuit board, such that the strip-shaped element comprises a row of the first to fourth sensing zones arranged in numerical order, and wherein one deformation susceptible zone is provided between each pair of adjacent sensing zones, respectively.

[0264] 36. The strip-shaped element of clause 35, wherein the printed circuit board comprises a cut-out in each of the deformation susceptible zones provided between adjacent sensing zones, respectively, the cut-outs being provided on alternating sides of the printed circuit board with respect to the width direction of the printed circuit board.

[0265] 37. The strip-shaped element of clause 35 or clause 36, wherein the distance between the centre of the first sensing element and the centre of the second sensing element is between 50-70 mm, wherein the distance between the centre of the second sensing element and the centre of the third sensing element is between 30-50 mm, and wherein the distance between the centre of the third sensing element and the centre of the fourth sensing element is between 60-80 mm.

[0266] 38. The strip-shaped element of any one of clauses 24-37, further comprising a processing module configured to obtain measurement data from the at least two sensing elements, the processing module optionally further comprising an energy source, such as a battery.

[0267] 39. The strip-shaped element of clause 38, wherein the processing module further comprises a communication module configured to provide information related to the measurement data to an external device.

[0268] 40. The strip-like element of clause 38 or clause 39, wherein the processing module is arranged adjacent to the first sensing zone, and wherein optionally a further deformation susceptible zone is provided between the first sensing zone and the processing module.

[0269] 41. The strip-like element of any one of clauses 1-13, 15-17, or 21-40, wherein the strip-like element is configured to be repeatedly attachable to and detachable from a garment-facing surface of an absorbent hygiene article.

[0270] 42. A hygiene system comprising a strip-like element of any one of the preceding clauses and an absorbent hygiene article such as a diaper, the strip-like element being attached or detachably attached to a garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article, wherein the hygiene system is configured such that no electrochemical contact can be established between any of the at least two sensing elements and a liquid to be absorbed by the absorbent hygiene article.

[0271] 43. A method of assessing a saturation of an absorbent hygiene article such as a diaper, the absorbent hygiene article being internally or externally fixedly or detachably provided with a strip-like element, the strip-like element optionally being a strip-like element of any one of clauses 1-13, 15-17, or 21-41, the strip-like element comprising at least a first sensing element and a second sensing element, the first and second sensing elements optionally being impedance sensing elements for measuring impedance, respectively, the method comprising steps in a first set of steps, the first set of steps comprising the steps of:

[0272] - detecting a first value from the first sensing element; and

[0273] - detecting a second value from the second sensing element,

[0274] The method further comprises at least one step in a second set of steps, the second set of steps comprising the steps of:

[0275] - if the first value does not pass a first threshold value, and the second value does not pass a second threshold value, assessing that the saturation of the absorbent hygiene article is substantially zero,

[0276] - if the first value passes the first threshold value, and the second value does not pass the second threshold value, assessing that a first saturation is present in the absorbent hygiene article;

[0277] - if the first value passes the first threshold value, and the second value passes the second threshold value, assessing that a second saturation is present in the absorbent hygiene article,

[0278] the second saturation being a greater saturation than the first saturation; and

[0279] The method further comprises steps in a third set of steps, the third set of steps comprising the steps of:

[0280] - outputting a signal representative of the result of the evaluation step of the second set of steps.

[0281] 44. The method of clause 43, wherein the absorbent sanitary article is internally or externally fixedly or removably provided with a strip element comprising at least a first sensing element, a second sensing element and a third sensing element, the first, second and third sensing elements being optionally impedance sensing elements for measuring impedance, respectively, wherein the first set of steps further comprises a step of detecting a third value from the third sensing element, and wherein the second set of steps comprises the steps of:

[0282] - if the first value does not pass the first threshold, the second value does not pass the second threshold, and the third value does not pass the third threshold, evaluating that the saturation of the absorbent sanitary article is substantially zero,

[0283] - if the first value passes the first threshold, the second value does not pass the second threshold, and the third value does not pass the third threshold, evaluating that there is a first saturation in the absorbent sanitary article,

[0284] - if the first value passes the first threshold, and any one of the second value and the third value passes the second threshold, evaluating that there is a second saturation in the absorbent sanitary article,

[0285] - if the first value passes the first threshold, the second value passes the second threshold, and the third value passes the third threshold, evaluating that there is a third saturation,

[0286] the third saturation being a greater saturation than the second saturation.

[0287] 45. The method of clause 44, wherein the absorbent sanitary article is internally or externally fixedly or removably provided with a strip element comprising at least a first sensing element, a second sensing element, a third sensing element and a fourth sensing element, the first, second, third and fourth sensing elements being optionally impedance sensing elements for measuring impedance, wherein the first set of steps further comprises a step of detecting a fourth value from the fourth sensing element, and wherein the second set of steps comprises the steps of:

[0288] - if the first value does not pass the first threshold, the second value does not pass the second threshold, the third value does not pass the third threshold, and the fourth value does not pass the fourth threshold, evaluating that the saturation of the absorbent sanitary article is substantially zero,

[0289] - if the first value passes the first threshold, the second value does not pass the second threshold, the third value does not pass the third threshold, and the fourth value does not pass the fourth threshold, evaluating that there is a first saturation,

[0290] - if the first value passes the first threshold, the second value passes the second threshold, the third value does not pass the third threshold, and the fourth value does not pass the fourth threshold, the second saturation is assessed to be present,

[0291] - if the first value passes the first threshold, the second value passes the second threshold, the third value passes the third threshold, and the fourth value does not pass the fourth threshold, the third saturation is assessed to be present,

[0292] - if the first value passes the first threshold, the second value passes the second threshold, the third value passes the third threshold, and the fourth value passes the fourth threshold, the fourth saturation is assessed to be present,

[0293] The fourth saturation is a greater saturation than the third saturation.

[0294] 46. The method of clause 44 or clause 45, wherein the first sensing element is arranged between the second sensing element and the third sensing element.

[0295] 47. The method of any one of clauses 43-46, wherein

[0296] the first threshold is set such that the first value passes the first threshold once the liquid (such as urine) has migrated through the absorbent core of the absorbent hygiene article in the portion corresponding to the first sensing element;

[0297] the second threshold is set such that the second value passes the second threshold once the liquid (such as urine) has migrated through the absorbent core of the absorbent hygiene article in the portion corresponding to the second sensing element;

[0298] the third threshold is set such that the third value passes the third threshold once the liquid (such as urine) has migrated through the absorbent core of the absorbent hygiene article in the portion corresponding to the third sensing element; and / or

[0299] the fourth threshold is set such that the fourth value passes the fourth threshold once the liquid (such as urine) has migrated through the absorbent core of the absorbent hygiene article in the portion corresponding to the fourth sensing element.

[0300] 48. The method of any one of clauses 43-47, further comprising an initialization step group, which initialization step group comprises:

[0301] - detecting a direction value from a direction sensing element of the strip element and / or detecting an acceleration value from an acceleration sensing element of the strip element.

[0302] 49. The method of clause 48, wherein the initialization step group further comprises:

[0303] - setting at least one of the first threshold, the second threshold, the third threshold, and the fourth threshold based on the detected direction value and / or acceleration value.

[0304] 50. The method of clause 48 or clause 49, wherein the set of initialization steps further comprises the steps of: activating a standby mode if the motion value and / or the acceleration value is within a standby value range; and / or deactivating the standby mode if the motion value and / or the acceleration value is within an active value range.

[0305] 51. The method of any one of clauses 43-50, wherein the first and second sets of steps and / or the first through third sets of steps are performed in numerical order.

[0306] 52. The method of any one of clauses 43-51, wherein the strip element is attached to a garment-facing surface of an absorbent hygiene article.

[0307] 53. A strip element configured to perform the method of any one of clauses 43-52, the strip element configured to be repeatedly attached to and detached from a garment-facing surface of an absorbent hygiene article.

[0308] 54. A method of distinguishing between no exudate, a first type of exudate, and a second type of exudate in an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper, the absorbent hygiene article internally or externally fixedly or detachably provided with a strip element, optionally a strip element of any one of clauses 1-13, 15-17, or 21-41, the strip element comprising a first temperature sensing element for detecting a temperature, a first impedance sensing element for detecting an impedance, the method comprising the steps in a first set of steps, the first set of steps comprising the steps of:

[0309] - detecting a first temperature value with the first temperature sensing element;

[0310] - detecting a first impedance value with the first impedance sensing element;

[0311] The method further comprises at least one step in a second set of steps, the second set of steps comprising the steps of:

[0312] - determining that no exudate is present in a first portion of the absorbent hygiene article if the first temperature value does not pass a first temperature threshold, and the first impedance value does not pass a first impedance threshold;

[0313] - determining that a first type of exudate is present in the first portion of the absorbent hygiene article if the first temperature value passes the first temperature threshold, and the first impedance value passes the first impedance threshold;

[0314] - determining that a second type of exudate is present in the first portion of the absorbent hygiene article if the first temperature value passes the first temperature threshold, and the first impedance value does not pass the first impedance threshold.

[0315] 55. The method of clause 54, further comprising an outputting group of steps comprising a step of outputting a signal indicative of the result of the determining step of the second group of steps.

[0316] 56. The method of clause 54 or clause 55, wherein the strip-like element further comprises a second impedance sensing element for detecting an impedance, wherein the first group of steps further comprises the steps of:

[0317] - detecting a second impedance value with the second impedance sensing element;

[0318] The method further comprises at least one step of a third group of steps comprising the steps of:

[0319] - determining that the second portion of the absorbent hygiene article is free of excreta if the first temperature value does not pass the second temperature threshold and the second impedance value does not pass the second impedance threshold;

[0320] - determining that the second portion of the absorbent hygiene article is present with a first type of excreta if the first temperature value passes the second temperature threshold and the second impedance value passes the second impedance threshold;

[0321] - determining that the second portion of the absorbent hygiene article is present with a second type of excreta if the first temperature value passes the second temperature threshold and the second impedance value does not pass the second impedance threshold;

[0322] The method further comprises an outputting group of steps comprising the steps of:

[0323] - outputting a signal indicative of the result of the determining step of the second group of steps and / or the third group of steps.

[0324] 57. The method of clause 54 or 55, wherein the strip-like element further comprises a second impedance sensing element for detecting an impedance and a second temperature sensing element for detecting a temperature, wherein the first group of steps further comprises the steps of:

[0325] - detecting a second impedance value with the second impedance sensing element;

[0326] - detecting a second temperature value with the second temperature sensing element;

[0327] The method further comprises at least one step of a third group of steps comprising the steps of:

[0328] - determining that the second portion of the absorbent hygiene article is free of excreta if the second temperature value does not pass the second temperature threshold and the second impedance value does not pass the second impedance threshold;

[0329] - if the second temperature value passes the second temperature threshold and the second impedance value passes the second impedance threshold, determining that the second portion of the absorbent hygiene article is present with a first type of excretion;

[0330] - if the second temperature value passes the second temperature threshold and the second impedance value does not pass the second impedance threshold, determining that the second portion of the absorbent hygiene article is present with a second type of excretion;

[0331] The method further comprises an outputting group of steps comprising the steps of:

[0332] - outputting a signal representing the result of the determining step of the second group of steps and / or the third group of steps.

[0333] 58. The method of any one of clauses 54-57, wherein the first type of excretion is urine and / or the second type of excretion is feces.

[0334] 59. The method of clause 54 or clause 55, wherein the second group of steps further comprises a step of determining that an external disturbance and / or a measurement error is present in the first portion of the absorbent hygiene article if the first temperature value does not pass the first temperature threshold and the first impedance value passes the first impedance threshold.

[0335] 60. The method of clause 56, wherein the third group of steps further comprises a step of determining that an external disturbance and / or a measurement error is present in the second portion of the absorbent hygiene article if the first temperature value does not pass the second temperature threshold and the second impedance value passes the second impedance threshold.

[0336] 61. The method of clause 57, wherein the third group of steps further comprises a step of determining that an external disturbance and / or a measurement error is present in the second portion of the absorbent hygiene article if the second temperature value does not pass the second temperature threshold and the second impedance value passes the second impedance threshold.

[0337] 62. The method of any one of clauses 54-61, further comprising an initialization group of steps comprising:

[0338] - detecting an orientation value from an orientation sensing element of the strip-like element and / or detecting an acceleration value from an acceleration sensing element of the strip-like element.

[0339] 63. The method of clause 62, wherein the initialization group of steps further comprises:

[0340] - setting at least one of the first temperature threshold, the second temperature threshold, the first impedance threshold, and the second impedance threshold based on the detected orientation value and / or the detected acceleration value.

[0341] 64. The method of clause 62 or clause 63, wherein the set of initialization steps further comprises the step of activating the standby mode if the motion value and / or the acceleration value is within a standby value range; and / or the step of deactivating the standby mode if the motion value and / or the acceleration value is within an active value range.

[0342] 65. The method of any one of clauses 54-64, wherein the first set of steps, and at least one of the second set of steps and the third set of steps, and the output set of steps are performed in the order mentioned.

[0343] 66. The method of any one of clauses 54-65, wherein, when performing the method, no electrochemical contact is established between the excreta and the first and / or second impedance sensing element, and between the excreta and the first and / or second temperature sensing element.

[0344] 67. The method of any one of clauses 57-66, insofar dependent on clause 57, wherein the first impedance sensing element and the first temperature sensing element are arranged in a first portion of the strip element, and the second impedance sensing element and the second temperature sensing element are arranged in a second portion of the strip element.

[0345] 68. A strip element configured to perform the method of any one of clauses 43-52 and / or the method of any one of clauses 54-67, the strip element being configured to be repeatedly attachable to and detachable from the garment-facing surface of the absorbent sanitary article.

Claims

1. A strip element (40) configured to be fixedly or detachably provided internally or externally to an absorbent sanitary article, said strip element (40) comprising at least a first sensing element for measuring impedance, the first sensing element having a capacitive electrode, a signal line, and a grounding element. in, The capacitor electrode is electrically connected to the signal line. The first sensing element further includes a shielding component disposed between the signal line and the grounding element, and The strip element (40) is configured such that the potential of the shielding component oscillates synchronously with the potential of the signal line. The shielding component is continuously disposed between the grounding element and the signal line so that there is no portion in the sensing element where the shielding component is not disposed between the grounding element and the signal line.

2. The strip element (40) according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent sanitary article is a diaper.

3. The strip element (40) according to claim 1, wherein the grounding element is a grounding electrode and / or a grounding wire.

4. The strip element (40) according to claim 1 further includes a second sensing element for measuring impedance, the second sensing element having a second capacitor electrode, a second signal line, and a second grounding element. in, The second capacitor electrode is electrically connected to the second signal line. The second sensing element further includes a second shielding component disposed between the second signal line and the second grounding element, and The strip element (40) is configured such that the potential of the second shielding component oscillates synchronously with the potential of the second signal line.

5. The strip element (40) according to claim 4, wherein the second grounding element is a second grounding electrode and / or a second grounding wire.

6. The strip element (40) according to claim 4, wherein the shielding component and the second shielding component are electrically connected to each other.

7. The strip element (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the grounding element includes a grounding electrode and a grounding wire electrically connected to the grounding electrode, and wherein the shielding member is disposed between the signal line and the grounding electrode and between the signal line and the grounding wire.

8. The strip element (40) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the shielding member is at least partially disposed between the capacitor electrode and the signal line.

9. The strip element (40) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The shielding component includes an opening in which a portion of the signal line is disposed so as to be guided from a first side of the shielding component to a second side of the shielding component, the first side being the side in which the capacitor electrode is disposed.

10. The strip element (40) according to any one of claims 1-6 further comprises a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers including a first layer to a third layer stacked in numerical order, the first layer (501) including at least one of a ground electrode and a capacitor electrode, the second layer (502) including a shielding component, and the third layer including at least a portion of a signal line.

11. The strip element (40) according to claim 10, wherein the first layer (501) comprises two of a ground electrode and a capacitor electrode.

12. The strip element (40) according to claim 10, wherein the first to third layers are substantially parallel.

13. The strip element (40) according to claim 10, wherein an insulating layer is provided between the first layer (501) and the second layer (502) and between the second layer (502) and the third layer (503).

14. The strip element (40) according to claim 10, wherein the first to third layers are layers of a flexible printed circuit board (50).

15. The strip element (40) according to claim 14, wherein the flexible printed circuit board (50) comprises at least one of the following: polyimide; polyester; polytetrafluoroethylene; aramid; and polyethylene naphthalate.

16. The strip element (40) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the flexible printed circuit board (50) includes a first sensing element and a second sensing element.

17. The strip element (40) according to claim 1, wherein the grounding element comprises a grounding electrode and a grounding wire.

18. The strip element (40) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein, The grounding element includes a grounding electrode and a grounding wire electrically connected to the grounding electrode, wherein the shielding component is continuously disposed between the grounding electrode and the signal line so that there is no portion of the sensing element in which the shielding component is not disposed between the grounding electrode and the signal line.

19. The strip element (40) according to claim 18, wherein the shielding component is not disposed between the ground wire and the signal wire.

20. Use of the strip element (40) according to any one of claims 10-19, wherein the sensing element is attached to the garment-facing surface of the absorbent sanitary article, and wherein the first layer (501) is disposed closer to the garment-facing surface than the second layer (502) and / or the third layer (503).

21. Use of the strip element (40) according to claim 20, wherein the absorbent sanitary article is a diaper.

22. The strip element (40) according to any one of claims 1-6, in, One of the capacitor electrode and the grounding element is configured to form an open loop or a closed loop around the other of the capacitor electrode and the grounding element.

23. The strip element (40) according to claim 22, wherein the grounding electrode of the grounding element is formed as an open loop or a closed loop around the capacitor electrode.

24. The strip element (40) according to claim 22, wherein the grounding electrode of the grounding element is disposed in the first layer (501) of the flexible printed circuit board (50), wherein the capacitor electrode is disposed in one layer of the flexible printed circuit board (50).

25. The strip element (40) according to claim 24, wherein the first layer (501) including the ground electrode and the layer including the capacitor electrode are the same layer.

26. A hygiene system (100) comprising an absorbent hygiene article and a strip element (40) according to any one of claims 1-19 or 22-25, said strip element (40) being attached to or removably attached to a garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article, wherein said hygiene system (100) is configured such that no electrochemical contact can be established between any of at least two sensing elements and a liquid to be absorbed by the absorbent hygiene article.

27. The sanitary system (100) according to claim 26, wherein the absorbent sanitary article is a diaper.

28. The hygiene system (100) of claim 27, wherein the absorbent hygiene article includes a first indicating device for instructing a user to attach the strip element (40) to a first designated position on the garment-facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article.

29. The sanitation system (100) according to claim 28, wherein the first indicating device is a first printed matter.

30. The sanitary system (100) of claim 28, wherein the absorbent sanitary article further comprises a second indicating device for instructing a user to attach the strip element (40) to a second designated position on the garment-facing surface of the absorbent sanitary article.

31. The sanitation system (100) according to claim 30, wherein the second indicating device is a second printed matter.

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