Excrement exposure monitoring flow layer, absorbent article, system device and related method

Abstract

This invention provides a flow-guiding layer with excrement exposure monitoring function, comprising a plastic film, a first sensing layer, a second sensing layer, and a plurality of densely distributed flow-guiding holes. The first and second sensing layers are conductive layers and are respectively stacked on the upper and lower surfaces of the insulating plastic film, both completely covering the plastic film. The flow-guiding holes penetrate the first sensing layer, the plastic film, and the second sensing layer, serving both as liquid flow channels and as channels for forming an electrical connection between the two sensing layers when excrement is exposed. The first sensing layer, the second sensing layer, and the flow-guiding holes together constitute a detection circuit and realize the excrement exposure monitoring function. This invention also provides a method for manufacturing a flow-guiding layer with excrement exposure monitoring function, a disposable absorbent product containing a flow-guiding layer, an excrement exposure status monitoring system device containing a disposable absorbent product, and a method for preventing incontinence-related dermatitis and pressure ulcers based on an excrement exposure status monitoring system device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to disposable absorbent articles and their components, particularly to a diversion layer with excrement exposure monitoring function, a disposable absorbent article and an excrement exposure status monitoring system device, and a method for preventing incontinence-associated dermatitis and pressure ulcers. Background Technology

[0002] Disposable absorbent products such as diapers are essential for incontinence care, providing great convenience for daily care. However, the use of these products must follow scientific methods, especially timely changing; failure to change them promptly can easily lead to skin problems such as incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) and pressure sores (i.e., pressure ulcers / bedsores). These conditions not only cause great suffering to patients but also significantly increase the intensity of care and medical expenses.

[0003] The key to timely diaper changes lies in minimizing the contact time between the skin and excrement, rather than simply pursuing high frequency of changes. For example, if it is only urinary incontinence and the diaper can quickly absorb urine and restore the surface to dryness, then it means that the excrement is effectively isolated by the absorbent material, and there is no need to change it. However, if the diaper's absorbency is insufficient, or if it becomes saturated or leaks back after absorbing urine multiple times, resulting in a damp surface, it will cause direct contact between the skin and excrement—this can also be called "excrement exposure."

[0004] It's worth noting that among incontinent excrement, soft stools are more irritating than urine, while watery stools are even more irritating. This is because watery stools contain large amounts of digestive enzymes such as proteases and lipases. These enzymes directly degrade lipids and proteins in the stratum corneum of the skin, damaging the skin structure and leading to redness and erosion. Furthermore, diapers have a weaker absorption capacity for watery and soft stools, easily resulting in a situation where "incontinence equals exposure."

[0005] For the reasons mentioned above, "timeliness" is particularly important in incontinence care, and it is best to follow the principle of "treatment upon discovery"—that is, to minimize the exposure time of a single excrement and to strictly control the cumulative exposure time per day.

[0006] Related studies in certain medical settings have confirmed that for every additional hour of excrement exposure, the risk of developing incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) increases by 1-2 times; and IAD, in turn, leads to a significant increase in the incidence of pressure ulcers. In addition to the damage to the skin caused by immediate and continuous exposure, the average daily cumulative time of excrement exposure also needs to be strictly controlled to reduce the cumulative effect of repeated damage to the skin barrier.

[0007] However, the market currently lacks products capable of accurately detecting the exposure status and cumulative exposure time of excrement. The technological limitations of existing smart diapers make it difficult for them to fulfill this responsibility. For example, products using temperature and humidity sensors can only detect relative humidity changes caused by excrement, but cannot determine whether the excrement is in a state of continuous exposure; products using leak-proof layers to sense urine moisture can only detect urine that has seeped into the leak-proof layer, but cannot identify whether excrement remains on the surface layer and continues to be in contact with the skin.

[0008] More importantly, existing products struggle to effectively detect watery and soft stools in individuals with high IAD and pressure ulcer risk. This technological shortcoming directly highlights the clinical technology gap in the field of IAD and pressure ulcer prevention.

[0009] Regarding existing technologies for excrement detection, Chinese invention patent application publication number CN111077192A discloses an excrement sensor and its preparation method, including a thin-film capacitive sensor. The sensor includes first and second detection electrodes arranged in parallel at a horizontal position. The first detection electrode is insulated by upper and lower waterproof films and generates a first sensing line through a first cut to contact the excrement and generate a first double-layer capacitance. The second detection electrode generates a second sensing line through a second cut to contact the excrement and generate a second double-layer capacitance. The capacitance between the first and second detection electrodes is the series value of the first and second double-layer capacitances.

[0010] One of the shortcomings of the aforementioned prior art is that the excrement must cross at least one first cut and at least one second cut in order to output double-layer capacitance between the first and second detection electrodes. If the excrement only accumulates on the first or second cut, it is impossible to output double-layer capacitance value. Even if there is excrement accumulation on both the first and second cuts, it is impossible to output capacitance value if there is no excrement connection between the first and second cuts. This will undoubtedly greatly affect the detection sensitivity and produce a large detection blind zone.

[0011] The second shortcoming of the aforementioned prior art is that its first and second detection electrodes are horizontally distributed, making it impossible to cut / shear them according to the width requirements of disposable absorbent products (the production materials of disposable absorbent products, such as non-woven fabrics and PE films, can usually be cut / sheared into different widths according to the production needs of different models and specifications of absorbent products). If the electrodes are cut from the middle of the first and second detection electrodes, the integrity of the sensor structure will be damaged, making it unable to work properly.

[0012] The third shortcoming of the aforementioned prior art is that its first detection electrode is insulated by the upper and lower waterproof films. How to effectively connect it to the first detection electrode is a technical challenge. It is either easy to cause poor contact or requires a complex design to solve.

[0013] The fourth shortcoming of the aforementioned prior art is that it can block the penetration and absorption of excrement, especially when it is used between the surface layer and the absorbent layer of a disposable absorbent product and needs to cover a large detection range.

[0014] Therefore, in practical applications, there is a need for an excrement sensor that has higher detection sensitivity, smaller blind zone, more convenient connection, can be cut and used arbitrarily as needed, and does not affect the permeation and absorption of excrement to meet market demand.

[0015] Meanwhile, in order to achieve accurate monitoring of the exposure status of fluid excretions such as urine, watery stool, and soft stool on disposable absorbable products, and to build an incontinence monitoring system with real-time exposure duration and 24-hour cumulative exposure duration display and recording functions based on this, especially to achieve the key function of setting personalized nursing parameters according to the skin risk level of each incontinence patient, it is still necessary to break through existing technical bottlenecks and develop innovative technical solutions. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The technical problem this invention aims to solve is to provide a diversion layer that combines efficient diversion function with real-time monitoring of excrement exposure, a method for manufacturing the diversion layer, a disposable absorbent product containing the diversion layer, and an excrement exposure monitoring system device, as well as a method for preventing incontinence-related dermatitis and pressure ulcers. This invention can improve the scientific, rational, and timely use of disposable absorbent products, provide more reliable protection for the user's skin safety, reduce nursing workload and waste of consumables, and ultimately bring tangible benefits to medical staff and patients.

[0017] To address the aforementioned technical problems, in a first aspect, the present invention provides a flow guiding layer with excrement exposure monitoring function, comprising a plastic film, a first sensing layer, a second sensing layer, and a plurality of densely distributed flow guiding holes. The first and second sensing layers are conductive layers, respectively stacked on the upper and lower surfaces of the insulating plastic film, and both completely covering the plastic film. The flow guiding holes penetrate the first sensing layer, the plastic film, and the second sensing layer. The flow guiding holes serve both as liquid flow channels and as channels for forming an electrical connection between the two sensing layers when excrement is exposed. The first sensing layer, the second sensing layer, and the flow guiding holes together constitute a detection circuit. When excrement passes through the flow guiding holes and forms an electrical connection between the two sensing layers, the electrical parameters of the detection circuit change. By monitoring this change in electrical parameters, the excrement exposure monitoring function is achieved.

[0018] The first sensing layer is a first metal vapor-deposited layer formed on the upper surface of the plastic film by vacuum vapor deposition, and the second sensing layer is a second metal vapor-deposited layer formed on the lower surface of the plastic film by vacuum vapor deposition. The first sensing layer, the plastic film, and the second sensing layer are the same size and shape, and are arranged in a stacked manner from top to bottom in the thickness direction. When the fluid excrement containing electrolytes is exposed in a certain area of ​​the guide layer, the excrement liquid comes into contact with the first sensing layer and the second sensing layer simultaneously through the guide holes in that area, so that the first sensing layer and the second sensing layer form capacitive coupling through the excrement liquid, thereby generating an interface capacitance between the first sensing layer and the second sensing layer. The excrement exposure monitoring function is realized by monitoring the change of interface capacitance.

[0019] Among them: multiple densely distributed guide holes are uniformly distributed; the guide layer can be arbitrarily cut and used as needed without affecting its basic structure and working performance; under the condition that the interfacial capacitance contribution of a single guide hole is consistent, the total interfacial capacitance value is positively correlated with the number of guide holes flowing into the liquid; based on the total interfacial capacitance value, the number of guide holes flowing into the liquid can be calculated; combined with the distribution density of the guide holes, the size of the exposed area of ​​the excrement can be determined; the first sensing layer, the second sensing layer, and the plastic film constitute an initial capacitor; by detecting the capacitance value of the initial capacitor, the size of the guide layer can be determined; given the size of the excrement exposed area and the size of the guide layer, the percentage of the exposed area to the area of ​​the guide layer can be calculated.

[0020] It also includes a surface non-woven fabric; the surface non-woven fabric is bonded to the first sensing layer to form a composite flow guiding layer including the surface layer, which can replace the traditional surface layer and flow guiding layer.

[0021] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for a flow-guiding layer with excrement exposure monitoring function, comprising the following steps:

[0022] Wide plastic film is used as the substrate;

[0023] Use any one of the following metals as the metal material to be vapor-deposited: aluminum, copper, gold, silver, zinc, or chromium.

[0024] A first metal vapor deposition layer and a second metal vapor deposition layer are deposited on the upper and lower surfaces of a plastic film using vacuum evaporation technology, respectively, serving as the first sensing layer and the second sensing layer. The film is then rolled up to form a wide double-sided metal vapor deposition film.

[0025] Perforations are made in a wide double-sided metal vapor-deposited film to create flow guide holes that penetrate the first sensing layer, the second sensing layer, and the plastic film, and then the film is wound up to form a wide flow guide layer roll; or a wide double-sided metal vapor-deposited film is combined with a wide non-woven fabric, then perforated to create flow guide holes that penetrate the non-woven fabric, the first sensing layer, the plastic film, and the second sensing layer, and then wound up to form a wide flow guide layer roll.

[0026] The wide-width diversion layer roll is cut according to the width required for the production of disposable absorbent products, and then rolled up to form a diversion layer in roll form with excrement exposure monitoring function that can be directly used for the production of disposable absorbent products. The first sensing layer, plastic film and second sensing layer are the same size and shape, and are arranged in a layered manner from top to bottom in the thickness direction.

[0027] Thirdly, the present invention provides a disposable absorbent article with a flow guiding layer that enables excrement exposure monitoring, which further includes a surface layer, an absorbent layer, and a leak-proof layer; the flow guiding layer is disposed between the surface layer and the absorbent layer, wherein a first sensing layer is disposed facing the surface layer and a second sensing layer is disposed facing the absorbent layer; when there is fluid excrement exposed on the surface layer, the liquid contained in the excrement will pass through the highly permeable hydrophilic surface layer to reach the flow guiding layer, and enter the absorbent layer through the flow guiding holes of the flow guiding layer. The flow guiding layer is used for both liquid flow guiding and excrement exposure monitoring.

[0028] in:

[0029] At the front edge, there is a non-adhesive portion between the flow guiding layer and the leak-proof layer. This non-adhesive portion forms a space to accommodate the second connection end of the excrement exposure detection device, facilitating electrical connection between the second connection end and the second sensing layer of the flow guiding layer; or

[0030] A sheet-like flexible material, selected from non-woven fabric, plastic film, or paper, is provided on the leak-proof layer at the front edge. This sheet-like flexible material is adhered to the leak-proof layer and separates the leak-proof layer from the flow-guiding layer, thereby forming a space that can accommodate the second connection end of the excrement exposure detection device, so as to facilitate the electrical connection between the second connection end and the second sensing layer of the flow-guiding layer; or

[0031] A notch or opening is provided on the leak-proof layer at the front edge to facilitate electrical connection between the second connection end of the excrement exposure detection device and the second sensing layer of the flow guide layer through the notch or opening; or

[0032] The width of the flow-guiding layer is greater than that of the leak-proof layer, so that the flow-guiding layer has an exposed portion without the leak-proof layer covering at least one edge of the disposable absorbent material, so that the second connection end of the excrement exposure detection device can be electrically connected to the second sensing layer through the exposed portion; or

[0033] The width of the flow-guiding layer is the same as the width of the leak-proof layer. At at least one edge of the disposable absorbent material, there is a non-adhesive portion between the flow-guiding layer and the leak-proof layer to facilitate the insertion of the second connecting end of the excrement exposure detection device into the non-adhesive portion and its electrical connection with the second sensing layer; or

[0034] At the front edge, there is a non-adhesive portion between the guide layer and the surface layer. This non-adhesive portion forms a space that can accommodate the first connection end of the excrement exposure detection device, so as to facilitate electrical connection between the first connection end and the first sensing layer of the guide layer; or

[0035] A notch or opening is provided on the surface layer at the front edge to facilitate electrical connection between the first connection end of the excrement exposure detection device and the first sensing layer of the guide layer through the notch or opening; or

[0036] A metal foil or conductive cloth is provided between the surface layer and the guide layer at the front edge, making the electrical connection between the first connection end of the excrement exposure detection device and the first sensing layer of the guide layer more reliable; or

[0037] A conductive ink printing layer or spray coating layer is provided on the first sensing layer of the flow guide layer at the front edge, making the electrical connection between the first connection terminal of the excrement exposure detection device and the first sensing layer more reliable; or

[0038] The width of the guide layer is greater than that of the surface layer, so that the guide layer has an exposed portion without surface layer coverage at at least one edge of the disposable absorbent material, so as to facilitate the first connection end of the excrement exposure detection device to be electrically connected to the first sensing layer through the exposed portion; or

[0039] The width of the guide layer is the same as the width of the surface layer. At at least one edge of the disposable absorbent, there is a non-adhesive portion between the guide layer and the surface layer to facilitate the insertion of the first connecting end of the excrement exposure detection device into the non-adhesive portion and its electrical connection with the first sensing layer; or

[0040] A protruding portion is provided at the front edge, the front end of the flow guiding layer extends to the protruding portion, and there is a non-adhesive portion between the flow guiding layer and the leak-proof layer in the protruding portion, so as to facilitate the second connection end of the excrement exposure detection device to be electrically connected to the second sensing layer of the flow guiding layer at the protruding portion; or

[0041] A folded portion is provided on the flow guide layer at the front edge, and there is a non-adhesive portion between the folded portion and the leak-proof layer, so as to facilitate the folded portion to be pulled out and electrically connected to the connection end of the excrement exposure detection device.

[0042] Fourthly, the present invention provides a system device for monitoring the excrement exposure status of a disposable absorbent product, which further includes an excrement exposure detection device and a wireless receiving device; the excrement exposure detection device includes a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, and a capacitance detection device, used to electrically connect with the first sensing layer and the second sensing layer of the guide layer of the disposable absorbent product, and to obtain the interface capacitance value between the first sensing layer and the second sensing layer through the capacitance detection device, and then to obtain the excrement exposure status information of the disposable absorbent product through the interface capacitance value; the excrement exposure detection device also includes a wireless transmitting device, used to wirelessly transmit the detected excrement exposure information; the wireless receiving device is used to receive the excrement exposure information and to perform corresponding status display or prompts.

[0043] This includes: a current excrement exposure time display unit, a current excrement exposure time trigger threshold setting unit, a 24-hour cumulative excrement exposure time display unit, and a 24-hour cumulative excrement exposure time trigger threshold setting unit; the current excrement exposure time display unit is used to display the excrement exposure time of the current disposable absorbent product since its use, and issues a replacement prompt when the current excrement exposure time reaches the trigger threshold; the 24-hour cumulative excrement exposure time display unit is used to display the user's cumulative excrement exposure time in the past 24 hours, and issues a warning to prevent skin damage risk when the 24-hour cumulative excrement exposure time reaches the trigger threshold.

[0044] Fifthly, the present invention provides a method for preventing incontinence-related dermatitis and pressure ulcers based on an excrement exposure monitoring system, comprising the following steps:

[0045] Assess the risk level of perineal skin in patients with incontinence;

[0046] Based on the perineal skin risk level assessment results, current excrement exposure duration trigger thresholds and 24-hour cumulative excrement exposure duration trigger thresholds are set;

[0047] The disposable absorbent product with excrement exposure monitoring function implemented in this invention is used on patients;

[0048] Monitor the current excrement exposure time and determine whether the current disposable absorbent product needs to be replaced based on the exposure time. If replacement is completed, the current excrement exposure time data is automatically reset to zero; or after the current excrement exposure time exceeds the threshold and a replacement prompt is triggered, the current disposable absorbent product is replaced; after replacement, the current excrement exposure time data is automatically reset to zero.

[0049] Monitor the cumulative duration of excrement exposure over 24 hours to avoid exceeding the trigger threshold; or, if the cumulative duration of excrement exposure over 24 hours exceeds the threshold and triggers a risk warning, take effective measures to prevent skin damage to the patient.

[0050] The beneficial effects of the drainage layer with excrement exposure monitoring function, the disposable absorbent product, the excrement exposure monitoring system device, and the related method of the present invention are as follows:

[0051] 1. Optimized flow guiding performance: The appearance design and structural performance of the flow guiding layer are consistent with those of traditional perforated flow guiding layers, which can achieve efficient flow guiding and improve the absorption efficiency and anti-backflow effect of absorbent products;

[0052] 2. Improve detection sensitivity and eliminate blind spots: The first and second sensing layers are arranged in an overlapping manner, and the flow guide hole passes through both sensing layers. When liquid flows into either flow guide hole, an interface capacitance can be generated between the two sensing layers, which helps to improve detection sensitivity and eliminate detection blind spots.

[0053] 3. Simple structure and strong applicability: The flow guide layer has a simple structure, and the exposed sensing layer facilitates electrical connection; the flow guide holes are evenly distributed and can be cut as needed without affecting its basic structure and working performance; moreover, the flow guide layer is designed to be flat, smooth, ultra-thin, and flexible, making it particularly suitable for the production of disposable absorbent products;

[0054] 4. Achieving Intelligent Monitoring and Optimized Care: The technical solution of this invention can provide real-time information on the exposure status of excrement, providing real-time data support for the monitoring system. It also displays the current exposure duration, serving as a scientific basis for determining when to replace absorbent materials. By displaying the cumulative exposure duration over 24 hours, it facilitates monitoring of patient skin risk by medical staff. Differentiated trigger thresholds can be set for different skin risk levels, enabling personalized optimal care, reducing unnecessary manual examinations and patient interference, and lowering waste of consumables and nursing costs. Changing excrement during the initial stage of continuous exposure utilizes the patient's relatively strong skin resistance to damage at this time, reducing damage caused by friction and shear forces during the replacement process. This reduces the incidence of incontinence-associated dermatitis (IAD) and pressure ulcers, alleviating patient suffering and medical burden, while also shortening the patient's contact time with excrement, improving comfort and satisfaction. Attached Figure Description

[0055] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0056] Figure 1 This is a front structural diagram of a disposable absorbent product / diaper including a flow-guiding layer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the cross-section A-A' of the diaper of the illustrated embodiment;

[0058] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the front structure of the flow guide layer in the embodiment shown;

[0059] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the B-B' section of the embodiment shown;

[0060] Figure 5 for Figure 3 , Figure 4 The equivalent circuit diagram of the flow guide layer in the embodiment shown is presented under the condition of excrement exposure.

[0061] Figure 6 for Figure 3 The flowchart of the manufacturing method of the flow guide layer in the embodiment shown is as follows;

[0062] Figure 7 This is a front structural diagram illustrating the electrical connection between the diaper with a flow-guiding layer and the excrement exposure detection device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 8 is a front structural diagram of the electrical connection between the diaper with a flow-guiding layer and the excrement exposure detection device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0064] Figure 9 , Figure 10 , Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 15 These are schematic diagrams of the D-D' cross-sectional structure of the diaper containing the flow-guiding layer and the excrement exposure detection device, respectively, representing embodiments of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 16 This is a front view of the diaper with a diversion layer including a protruding portion at the front end, as shown in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 17 for Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the E-E' cross-section of the diaper of the embodiment shown;

[0067] Figure 18 This is a front view of a diaper with a diversion layer, as shown in Embodiment 4 of the present invention, where the diversion layer includes a folded portion at the front end of the diaper.

[0068] Figure 19 for Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the F-F' cross-section of the diaper in the illustrated embodiment;

[0069] Figure 20 This is a front structural diagram of the urinal / nursing pad including the diversion layer in Embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 21 This is a front structural diagram of a urine pad / nursing pad including a diversion layer according to Embodiment Six of the present invention;

[0071] Figure 22 This is a front structural diagram of the urinal / nursing pad including the diversion layer in Embodiment 7 of the present invention;

[0072] Figure 23 This is a block diagram illustrating a disposable absorbent product with a flow-guiding layer, an excrement exposure detection device, and other devices that together constitute an excrement exposure status monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 24 This is a functional block diagram of the incontinence monitoring terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0074] Figure 25 This is a flowchart of a personalized IAD and pressure ulcer prevention method based on the excrement exposure status monitoring system device implemented according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0075] The following descriptions of the embodiments are with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrating specific embodiments in which the present invention can be implemented. The directional and positional terms used in this invention, such as "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "top," "bottom," and "side," are merely for reference to the accompanying drawings and are therefore intended to illustrate and understand the present invention, and not to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0076] Disposable absorbent products include diapers, diaper pads, diaper inserts, diaper mats, nursing pads, sanitary napkins, maternity pads, etc. Although these products vary in appearance, they have similar structures, all containing basic components such as a top layer (inner layer, dry layer), an absorbent layer (moisture-wicking layer), and a leak-proof layer (bottom film, PE film). To make the absorbent layer absorb liquid more efficiently and evenly, while reducing liquid backflow to keep the top layer dry, some high-end products also have an adsorption layer (ADL).

[0077] Disposable absorbent products include diapers and nursing pads, which are highly representative. In this embodiment of the invention, diapers and nursing pads will be used as examples for explanation; the related structures, methods, and approaches are also applicable to other disposable absorbent products.

[0078] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. (Refer to...) Figure 1As shown, this is a front structural diagram of a disposable absorbent product / diaper including a diversion layer according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The diaper of Embodiment 1 includes a top layer 11, a diversion layer 20, an absorbent layer 12, a leak-proof layer 15, and an outer non-woven fabric 14, wherein the leak-proof layer and the outer non-woven fabric are laminated together to form a composite bottom film to increase the strength of the leak-proof layer and give the diaper a better feel.

[0079] These components are stacked sequentially from top to bottom and bonded together with structural adhesive (hot melt adhesive). In use, the top layer 11 and the flow-guiding layer 20 face the human skin (inward), while the leak-proof layer 15 and the outer non-woven fabric 14 face away from the human skin (outward).

[0080] The absorbent layer 12 of a diaper is typically shorter and narrower than the top layer 11 and the leak-proof layer 15, so that it can be enclosed by the top layer and the leak-proof layer to prevent liquid leakage from the absorbent layer. The diversion layer 20 is located between the top layer 11 and the absorbent layer 12, and is used to divert liquids (including urine, watery stools, soft stools, and other human excrement containing salts / electrolytes) entering from the top layer, so that the liquid can be more evenly distributed in the absorbent layer, preventing excessive local accumulation of liquid that could lead to saturation and backflow.

[0081] The diaper can be divided into three parts: front (front / front abdomen) 10a, middle (crotch) 10b, and back (rear / tail / back) 10c. Unlike conventional diapers where the distribution layer is usually shorter than the absorbent layer, the length of the distribution layer 20 shown in Embodiment 1 of this invention is the same as the length of the diaper. This allows for liquid diversion and excrement exposure monitoring over a larger area, and also facilitates electrical connection between the distribution layer and the excrement exposure detection device at the front edge of the diaper. In practical applications, the length of the distribution layer can be selected as needed. For example, the distribution layer can be shorter than the diaper and transmit excrement exposure status information via RFID; alternatively, the distribution layer can be longer than the diaper, with the portion extending beyond the diaper connected to the excrement exposure detection device.

[0082] The flow-guiding layer 20 of this embodiment includes a series of (multiple and densely distributed, which may be evenly distributed or in a specific pattern) through holes 21. The diameter of these through holes is preferably between 0.1 and 3.0 mm, and they mainly serve the purposes of liquid flow guidance, permeation, and air permeability, and are therefore referred to as flow-guiding holes 21. The flow-guiding holes in Embodiment 1 are designed with a uniform distribution. The advantage of a uniform distribution design is that it is easy to produce and use, and can be arbitrarily cut / tailored to a suitable size, and then placed between the surface layer and the absorbent layer of the diaper during production.

[0083] Figure 2 for Figure 1The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the diaper along line A-A' of the embodiment shown. The diagram shows the diaper's top layer 11, absorbent layer 12, leak-proof layer 15, outer non-woven fabric 14, and flow-guiding layer 20. The top layer 11 and leak-proof layer 15 enclose the absorbent layer 12 and flow-guiding layer 20 to prevent liquid leakage from the absorbent layer.

[0084] exist Figure 2 As can be seen, a series of evenly distributed drainage holes 21 are present on the drainage layer 20. When urine gets wet, it permeates from the surface layer 11 through the drainage holes 21 into the absorbent layer 12, and is then absorbed by the wood pulp and superabsorbent polymer (SAP) in the absorbent layer. The SAP also has a moisture-locking ability, which can lock the liquid within the absorbent layer, keeping the surface of the diaper dry.

[0085] However, SAP's moisture absorption and locking capacity is limited. If the urine volume exceeds its absorption capacity, it cannot lock in the excess moisture, resulting in urine seeping back through the diversion holes 21 onto the surface layer 11. This causes both sides of the diversion layer (diaper surface layer 11 and absorbent layer 12) to become wet, which is one type of excrement exposure. This condition not only makes the user feel uncomfortable and easily causes maceration leading to IAD and pressure sores, but also easily leads to urine side leakage and bedding staining. Therefore, being able to detect urine backflow at the diversion layer is of great significance for the proper use and replacement of diapers. Because the diversion layer is located below the surface layer, it adheres closely to the user's perineal skin through the hydrophilic surface layer during use, effectively detecting the excrement exposure status.

[0086] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The diagram shows the front structure of the flow guide layer in the illustrated embodiment. Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the B-B' section of the illustrated embodiment. From... Figure 3 As can be seen, the flow guide layer 20 contains a series of uniformly distributed flow guide holes 21. One advantage of the uniform distribution of flow guide holes is that they can be cut and used arbitrarily without affecting or damaging their basic structure and working performance.

[0087] exist Figure 4 The cross-sectional view shown shows that the flow guiding layer 20 includes a plastic film 30, a first sensing layer 31 disposed on the upper surface of the plastic film 30, and a second sensing layer 32 disposed on the lower surface of the plastic film. In addition, three through-holes h1, h2, and h3 can be seen in the cross-section. In actual applications, the number of these holes will be more.

[0088] The first and second sensing layers 31 and 32, disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the flow guiding layer 20, are designed to detect excrement exposure. They can detect whether the diaper is saturated, whether it has backflowed, and whether there is urine, watery stool, soft stool, or other excrement exposure on the diaper surface. In this embodiment of the invention, a metal film is preferably deposited on both the upper and lower surfaces of the plastic film using a vacuum evaporation process as the sensing layer. In this case, the first sensing layer 31 can be considered as the first metal vapor-deposited layer disposed on the upper surface of the plastic film 30, and the second sensing layer 32 as the second metal vapor-deposited layer disposed on the lower surface of the plastic film 30.

[0089] In practical applications, polyester, polypropylene, and polyethylene materials such as PET, BOPP, CPP, BOPE, and CPE can be selected as the plastic film substrate for vacuum metal evaporation. The substrate thickness can be selected from 5 to 100 micrometers, preferably less than 50 micrometers, and particularly preferably 6 to 12 micrometers. Because the plastic film substrate is very thin, liquid can easily pass through the guide holes and flow freely between the first and second sensing layers. As long as there is fluid-flowing excrement on one side of the guide hole, it will flow to the other side, wetting both the upper and lower sensing layers around the guide hole. The liquid in the guide hole connects the upper and lower sensing layers together, achieving electrical connection (capacitive coupling). The shorter the distance between the two sensing layers, the less liquid is needed to fill the guide hole, and the higher the detection sensitivity.

[0090] The electrical connection between the two sensing layers is achieved through the positive and negative ions contained in the liquid. Since human excrement such as urine, watery stool, and soft stool contain water and electrolytes such as salt, and electrolytes contain a large number of positive and negative ions, as long as there is human excrement between the first and second sensing layers, the electrical connection / capacitive coupling between the two can be achieved.

[0091] For the selection of vapor deposition materials, food-grade pure aluminum is preferred because its vacuum vapor deposition technology is mature, inexpensive, and harmless to the human body, offering excellent cost-effectiveness. The preferred thickness of the vapor-deposited aluminum is 40-120 nanometers (i.e., 400-1200 angstroms). Other metal vapor deposition materials (such as zinc, copper, and gold) and their thicknesses can also be selected according to requirements, as long as the conductivity of the metal vapor deposition layer is ensured.

[0092] There are various methods for drilling holes in thin films, such as cold needle drilling, hot needle drilling, laser drilling, die-cutting drilling, high-pressure water jet drilling, ultrasonic drilling, and electrical discharge machining. Simply drill through the plastic film 30 along with the first and second metal vapor-deposited layers on its upper and lower surfaces to form a through hole. The diameter of the through hole can be selected from 0.5 to 5.0 mm, and the hole spacing can also be selected from 0.5 to 5.0 mm, depending on performance requirements and cost-effectiveness.

[0093] The flow guiding layer produced by the above-mentioned production process has the characteristic that the first sensing layer, the plastic film, and the second sensing layer are of the same size and shape, and are arranged in a stacked manner from top to bottom in the thickness direction.

[0094] Figure 5 for Figure 3 , Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment shows the equivalent circuit diagram of the flow guiding layer under the condition of excrement 16 exposure. In the initial state, the plastic film 30, together with the first and second sensing layers 31 and 32 on its upper and lower surfaces, constitutes a parallel-plate capacitor (interlayer dielectric capacitance / substrate dielectric capacitance) with an initial capacitance value of C0. The initial capacitance C0 is directly proportional to the area of ​​the first and second sensing layers, directly proportional to the dielectric constant of the plastic film, and inversely proportional to the thickness of the plastic film. Given that the thickness and dielectric constant of the plastic film, as well as the size and density distribution of the flow guiding holes, are known, the size of the flow guiding layer can be determined by detecting the capacitance value of the initial capacitance / interlayer dielectric capacitance. C0 is caused by the structure of the flow guiding layer 20 itself and is independent of the wetting state of the flow guiding layer.

[0095] Because the flow guide hole in this embodiment of the invention is a through hole, liquid can flow freely up and down between the first and second sensing layers through the flow guide hole. For example, during discharge, the liquid enters the flow guide hole from top to bottom and enters the absorption layer through the flow guide hole; while during reabsorption, the liquid enters the flow guide hole from bottom to top and is eventually exposed on the surface layer.

[0096] Whether it's excretion or backflow, the common characteristic is that within the excrement-covered area (i.e., the exposed area) 16, the liquid in the excrement flows into the guide holes, and the ions contained in the liquid within the guide holes electrically connect the first and second sensing layers 31 and 32 around the guide holes. At this time, an interface capacitance generated on the surface of the sensing layers by the conductive liquid is generated between the first and second sensing layers, which is positively correlated with the area of ​​the exposed area or the number of guide holes within the exposed area. By detecting the capacitance value of this interface capacitance, the exposure status of the excrement can be determined.

[0097] For example, in Figure 4, the exposed area 16 contains three flow guide holes: h1, h2, and h3. These three flow guide holes connect the first and second sensing layers together, so that the first and second sensing layers are capacitively coupled through the liquid, thereby generating three interface capacitors (C1 ~ C3) between the two sensing layers. The first and second sensing layers will automatically connect these three interface capacitors in parallel to form Cd for output.

[0098] It should be noted that the capacitance output by the first and second sensing layers also includes the initial capacitance C0. Since the initial capacitance C0 is a fixed value, the total interface capacitance Cd can be obtained by subtracting the initial capacitance C0 from the total capacitance output by the first and second sensing layers.

[0099] Compared to C1 ~ C3, the value of C0 is much smaller, even negligible; at this time, the capacitance value output by the first and second sensing layers can be considered as the interface capacitance value.

[0100] The size of the exposed area can be determined by detecting the value of the interface capacitance. In particular, the guide holes are uniformly distributed in the guide area, and under the condition that the capacitance contribution of each guide hole is consistent, the total interface capacitance is positively correlated with the number of guide holes flowing into the liquid. The number of guide holes flowing into the liquid can be calculated based on the total interface capacitance value, and the size of the exposed area of ​​the excrement can be determined by combining the distribution density of the guide holes.

[0101] Once the size of the excrement exposure area and the size of the diversion layer are determined, the percentage of the exposure area to the diversion layer area can be calculated.

[0102] By analyzing the changing patterns of interfacial capacitance, it's possible to determine whether it's excretion or reabsorption. Taking urination as an example: urine flows from the surface layer into the drainage holes, then reaches the absorption layer and is absorbed; once the SAP (superabsorbent polymer) in the absorption layer locks in the moisture, the surface layer dries again. Therefore, during urination, the capacitance value undergoes a process of "from small to large (urination stage) and then from large to small (absorption stage)," which can be used to determine if an excretion event has occurred.

[0103] However, as the frequency of excretion increases and urine volume accumulates, the absorbent layer gradually becomes saturated, and the rate at which the capacitance decreases from a high value also slows down. Therefore, by detecting the rate at which the capacitance decreases, the degree of saturation of the absorbent layer can be determined.

[0104] When backflow occurs, urine in the absorbent layer flows back into the drainage holes and seeps back into the surface layer, causing the surface layer to become wet again. At this point, the capacitance value will show a "rise that cannot fall back down." This indicates a backflow condition, and the diaper should be changed immediately.

[0105] It is important to note that the size of the interface capacitance in the first and second sensing layers is related to the operating frequency during detection: the higher the frequency, the smaller the interface capacitance—this is because the ion diffusion rate cannot keep up with the rate of change of the electric field at high frequencies.

[0106] In practical applications, capacitance can be detected by voltage at a fixed frequency, or by charging and discharging the capacitor using a fixed resistor or constant current source and calculating the capacitance value during the charging and discharging process. These methods help to eliminate errors caused by changes in the detection operating frequency.

[0107] In the above scenario, the interfacial capacitance generated after the liquid at the flow guide hole connects the first and second sensing layers contributes more to the capacitance to the sensing layer closer to the flow guide hole. This is because the distance between the sensing layers connected by the liquid is shorter at this point, resulting in faster ion diffusion. In this case, each interfacial capacitance can be considered to be generated around the flow guide hole, while the contribution of the wetting area far from the flow guide hole to the interfacial capacitance value is negligible.

[0108] To reduce the impact of the sensing layer located far from the flow guide holes, a fixed resistor with a relatively small resistance can be used to detect the interface capacitance value Cd. The smaller the resistance value, the faster the charging speed, and the more limited the effective range of the interface capacitance. The positive proportionality / correlation between the capacitance value Cd and the number of flow guide holes in the backflow zone will also be more explicit.

[0109] It should be noted that the interface capacitance in this embodiment of the invention refers to the liquid-solid interface capacitance generated between the excrement (which can be considered as a conductive liquid containing electrolytes) and the surface of the sensing layer / metal vapor deposition layer. This includes both double-layer capacitance (if the surface of the metal vapor deposition layer is not covered by a metal oxide film) and insulating layer capacitance (if the surface of the metal vapor deposition layer is covered by an insulating metal oxide film (e.g., aluminum oxide)). In insulating layer capacitance, the metal oxide film acts as an insulating medium.

[0110] The interface capacitance value Cd in this embodiment of the invention spans a wide range, from nearly 0 in a dry state to several hundred μF in a fully wetted state, even entering the mF range. If measured with the resistance setting of a multimeter, the change in resistance (resistance increasing from small to large) can be clearly observed; the larger the Cd, the slower the rate of increase in resistance. From this perspective, it is not impossible to determine the exposure status of excrement through resistance measurement.

[0111] From a broader perspective, the detection of excrement exposure can be achieved using impedance detection. The first and second sensing layers are used as impedance detection electrodes, and the flow-guiding holes serve as both liquid flow channels and medium channels for excrement liquid to enter between the two sensing layers. When excrement liquid enters between the two sensing layers through the flow-guiding holes, it changes the impedance characteristics (electrical parameters change) between the first and second sensing layers. By monitoring the impedance change / electrical parameter change between the two, the excrement exposure monitoring function can be realized.

[0112] The flow-guiding layer of this invention can effectively detect not only urine, but also watery and soft stools. Because the flow-guiding layer is extremely thin (i.e., the flow-guiding pores are very shallow), only a small amount of liquid or fluid is needed to fill it, significantly improving detection sensitivity. Watery and soft stools, being relatively less fluid, usually remain within the flow-guiding pores after entering, resulting in a relatively high interfacial capacitance value.

[0113] Furthermore, the method of detecting excrement exposure by setting dual sensing layers on both the upper and lower surfaces of the plastic film in this embodiment of the invention is also highly scientific. When urine enters from one side of the drainage hole and flows out from the other side (for example, in a scenario where the diaper effectively absorbs urine), the system will not determine that excrement is exposed, because after the excrement flows out, the interface capacitance value output by the first and second sensing layers will return to zero (no excrement remains in the drainage hole), which is completely consistent with the actual situation.

[0114] Existing technologies that place the first and second sensing layers (detection electrodes) on the same side of the plastic film have significant defects in their detection function: once urine from the same side comes into contact, it not only fails to drain smoothly but also becomes interconnected through the hydrophilic nonwoven fabric layer, failing to accurately reflect the isolation state after the urine is effectively absorbed by the absorbent layer. This results in a significant deviation from reality. In this regard, the upper and lower sensing layer design adopted in the embodiments of the present invention represents a significant improvement over the traditional left-right layout design on the same plane.

[0115] Figure 6 for Figure 3 The manufacturing process of the flow guide layer in the illustrated embodiment includes the following steps:

[0116] Step S601 involves using a wide plastic film as the substrate;

[0117] Step S602 involves using any one of the following metals as the metal material to be vapor-deposited: aluminum, copper, gold, silver, zinc, or chromium.

[0118] Step S603 involves depositing a first metal vapor deposition layer and a second metal vapor deposition layer on the upper and lower surfaces of a plastic film using vacuum vapor deposition technology. These layers serve as the first sensing layer and the second sensing layer, respectively. The film is then rolled up to form a wide double-sided metal vapor deposition film.

[0119] Step S604 involves punching holes in a wide double-sided metal vapor-deposited film to create flow-guiding holes that penetrate the first sensing layer, the plastic film, and the second sensing layer, and then winding it up to form a wide flow-guiding layer roll; or combining a wide double-sided metal vapor-deposited film with a wide non-woven fabric, then punching holes to create flow-guiding holes that penetrate the non-woven fabric, the first sensing layer, the plastic film, and the second sensing layer, and then winding it up to form a wide flow-guiding layer roll.

[0120] Step S605 involves cutting the wide-width guide layer roll according to the width required for the production of disposable absorbent products, and then winding it up to form a guide layer in roll form with excrement exposure monitoring function that can be directly used for the production of disposable absorbent products. The first sensing layer, the plastic film, and the second sensing layer are of the same size and shape, and are arranged in a stacked manner from top to bottom in the thickness direction.

[0121] Figure 7This is a front structural diagram illustrating the electrical connection between a diaper 10 with a flow-guiding layer and a waste exposure detection device 40 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The diaper 10 in the figure is the same as the diaper shown in the embodiment of Figure 1, except that a waste exposure detection device 40 is positioned at the center of the front end (front abdomen) of the diaper. This device includes at least two connecting ends (a first connecting end 41 and a second connecting end 42), which are electrically connected to the first sensing layer and the second sensing layer of the flow-guiding layer, respectively. To better implement the electrical connection, the first connecting end 41 and the second connecting end 42 will include multiple metal needle tips, preferably using a 4-prong or 9-prong probing design, with the probe tip diameter larger than the diameter of the flow-guiding hole. This prevents all the metal needle tips from falling into the flow-guiding hole, resulting in poor contact, and ensures that at least one metal needle tip can pierce the sensing layer without the flow-guiding hole and achieve electrical connection with it.

[0122] Figure 8 is a front structural diagram of the diaper containing the flow guide layer 20 and the excrement exposure detection device 40 electrically connected according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Unlike the design of Embodiment 1 where the flow guide holes are uniformly distributed throughout the flow guide layer, the flow guide layer 20 of Embodiment 2 is divided into two perforated areas, namely a first perforated area containing multiple flow guide holes 21 and a second perforated area containing multiple flow guide holes 22, which can be referred to as the first flow guide area 23 and the second flow guide area 24, respectively.

[0123] The first and second flow guiding zones 23 and 24 are symmetrically distributed in the flow guiding layer 20. The first non-porous zone 25 is provided in the middle of the flow guiding layer 20, and the second non-porous zone 27 and the third non-porous zone 28 are provided on the left and right sides near the edge, respectively.

[0124] The design of the first non-porous area facilitates electrical connection with the first and second connection ends 41 and 42 of the excrement exposure detection device 40, preventing the contact points of the connection ends from falling into the guide holes and causing poor contact. Furthermore, the non-porous areas on both sides of the guide layer facilitate the cutting operation during production, preventing the guide holes from being cut during the cutting process and forming holes. This design including non-porous areas provides another option for implementing the technical solution of this invention.

[0125] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the D-D' cross-section structure (one of the embodiments shown in Figure 8) of the diaper with the flow-guiding layer and the excrement exposure detection device for electrical connection. In the figure, the excrement exposure detection device 40 includes an upper part 401 and a lower part 402: the upper part 401 is provided with a first connecting end 41, which is electrically connected to the upper surface (first sensing layer 31) of the flow-guiding layer 20; the lower part 402 is provided with a second connecting end 42, which is electrically connected to the lower surface (second sensing layer 32) of the flow-guiding layer 20.

[0126] The cross-sectional view also shows the diaper's top layer 11, leak-proof layer 15, and outer non-woven fabric 14: the top layer 11 is bonded or adhered to the distribution layer 20; a structural adhesive or hot melt adhesive bonding portion 17 is provided between the distribution layer 20 and the leak-proof layer 15; the outer non-woven fabric 14 is bonded to the outer surface of the leak-proof layer 15 by structural adhesive or hot melt adhesive 18, and the two together form a composite bottom film. Since the D-D' section is located at the front edge of the diaper, the absorbent layer is not shown here.

[0127] To enable electrical connection between the first connecting end 41 of the excrement exposure detection device 40 and the first sensing layer of the flow guiding layer, the first connecting end 41 is provided with a metal needle tip that penetrates the non-woven fabric surface layer 11 and touches the upper surface of the flow guiding layer 20. To enable electrical connection between the second connecting end 42 and the second sensing layer of the flow guiding layer, the leak-proof layer 15 has a non-adhesive area in the middle (this area is not glued or sprayed), forming a second space 36 that can accommodate or insert the second connecting end 42, ensuring that the second connecting end 42 can contact and achieve electrical connection with the second sensing layer of the flow guiding layer 20.

[0128] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram (part two) of the D-D' cross-sectional structure of the diaper with the flow-guiding layer and the excrement exposure detection device in the embodiment shown in Figure 8, where electrical connection is achieved. In the figure, a sheet-like flexible material 13 (including non-woven fabric, plastic film, or paper material) is provided between the flow-guiding layer 20 and the leak-proof layer 15. This material is adhered to the leak-proof layer 15, separating the leak-proof layer 15 from the flow-guiding layer 20, forming a second space 36 that can accommodate the second connection end of the excrement exposure detection device, so that the second connection end 42 can be electrically connected to the second sensing layer of the flow-guiding layer 20.

[0129] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the D-D' cross-sectional structure of the embodiment shown in Figure 8 (Part 3). The composite bottom film (including the leak-proof layer 15 and the outer non-woven fabric 14) at the front edge of the diaper has a notch or a first opening 38, which facilitates the second connection end 42 of the excrement exposure detection device to be electrically connected to the second sensing layer of the guide layer 20 through the notch or opening.

[0130] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the D-D' cross-sectional structure of the embodiment shown in Figure 8 (Part 4). A notch or a second opening 37 is provided on the surface layer 11 at the front edge of the diaper, so that the first connection end 41 of the excrement exposure detection device 40 can be electrically connected to the first sensing layer of the guide layer 20 through the notch or opening.

[0131] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the D-D' cross-sectional structure of the embodiment shown in Figure 8 (Part 5). A conductive material 33 is provided between the surface layer 11 and the flow guiding layer 20 at the front edge of the diaper. The first connection end 41 of the excrement exposure detection device first penetrates the surface layer 11 of the diaper, and then achieves electrical connection with the first sensing layer of the flow guiding layer 20 through the conductive material 33.

[0132] The conductive material 33 can be a sheet material such as metal foil or conductive cloth, or it can be a conductive ink printing layer or spray coating. This configuration can improve the reliability of the electrical connection between the first connection terminal 41 and the first sensing layer of the current guiding layer 20.

[0133] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram of the D-D' cross-sectional structure of the embodiment shown in Figure 8 (Part 6). No adhesive is applied between the surface layer 11, the flow guiding layer 20, and the leak-proof layer 15 at the front and rear edges of the diaper. These three layers can be separated to form a first space 39 into which the first connecting end 41 can be inserted and a second space 36 into which the second connecting end 42 can be inserted, facilitating electrical connection between the sensing layer of the flow guiding layer 20 and the connection end of the excrement exposure detection device 40.

[0134] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of the D-D' cross-sectional structure of the embodiment shown in Figure 8 (Part 7). To clearly show the relationship between the two connection ends, only the flow guide layer 20 and the excrement exposure detection device 40 are shown in the figure; the rest has been omitted.

[0135] The excrement exposure detection device 40 of this embodiment includes an upper part 401 and a lower part 402. For ease of operation, the upper and lower parts can be hinged together and locked by a locking device (such as a buckle), so that the detection device can achieve a stable and reliable electrical connection with the first sensing layer 31 and the second sensing layer 32 of the flow guiding layer 20.

[0136] Furthermore, each connection end of the upper and lower halves of the excrement exposure detection device 40 can be equipped with multiple metal tips. For example, the connection end of the upper half 401 of the excrement exposure detection device in the figure is equipped with a first metal tip 411 and a second metal tip 412, while the connection end of the lower half 402 is equipped with a third metal tip 421 and a fourth metal tip 422. These metal tips can be individually electrically connected to the first and second sensing layers of the flow guide layer as needed, or they can be used in parallel to improve the reliability of the connection. In practical applications, a 4-prong or 9-prong Phillips head metal tip design can be adopted, in which case each connection end can contain 4 or 9 metal tips.

[0137] Figure 16 is a front structural diagram of the diaper 10 with a diversion layer according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, with a protruding portion 29 at the center of its front end. The diversion layer 20 in this embodiment is relatively narrow, and its focus is on monitoring excrement exposure rather than liquid diversion. To facilitate electrical connection between the first and second sensing layers of the diversion layer 20 and the first and second connecting ends of the excrement exposure detection device, this embodiment provides a non-adhesive area (or non-adhesive zone) 19 in the middle of the diaper's leak-proof layer, slightly wider than the diversion layer 20, so that the diversion layer 20 will not adhere to the leak-proof layer 15.

[0138] Unlike traditional diapers which are typically cut with a flat blade (straight tail blade), the diaper in this embodiment has a protruding portion 29 at the front end and a corresponding recessed portion 29' at the rear end. This is because the tail blade adopts an arc-shaped protruding structure, which forms a protruding portion 29 and a recessed portion 29' at the middle position of the front and rear ends of the diaper when cutting adjacent diapers.

[0139] The protruding portion 29 facilitates the separation of the flow-guiding layer 20 from the surface layer 11 and the leak-proof layer 15 of the diaper at this location, as shown in the E-E' cross-sectional schematic diagram of the diaper of Embodiment 3 of the present invention in Figure 17. After the flow-guiding layer 20 is separated from the surface layer 11 and the leak-proof layer 15, its upper and lower surfaces (the first sensing layer and the second sensing layer) can be directly electrically connected to the first and second connection ends of the excrement exposure detection device.

[0140] Figure 18 is a front structural diagram of the diaper 10 with a diversion layer according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The diversion layer 20 has a folded portion at the front end of the diaper. The figure includes the diversion layer 20 and a non-adhesive area (or non-bonding area) 19 in the middle of the diaper leak-proof layer 15, which is slightly wider than the diversion layer 20.

[0141] Figure 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the diaper of Embodiment 4 shown in Figure 18 along line F-F'. As can be seen in the figure, the distribution layer 20 includes a folded portion 20', and there are non-adhesive portions (or adhesive-free areas) between the distribution layer 20, the leak-proof layer 15, and the surface layer 11. In use, the folded portion 20' can be easily straightened, causing the distribution layer 20 to protrude from the edge of the diaper, thus facilitating electrical connection with the first and second connection terminals of the excrement exposure detection device.

[0142] Figure 20 is a front structural diagram of the urine pad / nursing pad 10' with a diversion layer according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Urine pads / nursing pads are also a common type of disposable absorbent product. The biggest difference between them and diapers is that they do not need to be worn and can be directly laid on the bed surface to absorb urine, sweat, blood, postpartum lochia, and other bodily excretions / secretions. Furthermore, they are usually larger in size, with common sizes including 60×60cm, 60×90cm, 80×120cm, and 100×150cm.

[0143] Similar to the diapers in the aforementioned embodiments, the incontinence pad / nursing pad 10' in this embodiment also includes basic components such as a surface layer 11, an absorbent layer 12, a leak-proof layer 15, and a distribution layer 20. To facilitate electrical connection with the excrement exposure detection device, this embodiment provides three non-adhesive portions (or adhesive-free areas) between the leak-proof layer 15 and the distribution layer 20, namely a first non-adhesive portion 191, a second non-adhesive portion 192, and a third non-adhesive portion 193. The second connection end of the excrement exposure detection device can be inserted through the non-adhesive portions to achieve electrical connection with the second sensing layer of the distribution layer 20. The advantage of providing multiple non-adhesive portions is that multiple connection positions can be selected.

[0144] Figure 21 is a front structural diagram of the urine pad / nursing pad 10' with a diversion layer according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. Compared with the previous embodiments, the main features of this embodiment are as follows:

[0145] 1. The width of the flow guiding layer 20 is greater than that of the surface layer 11 and the leak-proof layer 15, so that the areas without flow guiding holes on the left and right sides of the flow guiding layer 20 form a first exposed area 201 and a second exposed area 202 without the surface layer and the leak-proof layer, respectively. In the exposed areas, the first and second connecting ends of the excrement exposure detection device can directly contact the first and second exposed areas of the flow guiding layer and achieve electrical connection.

[0146] 2. No flow guide holes are provided on the exposed areas 201 and 202 on the left and right sides of the flow guide layer 20, so that the electrical connection between the exposed areas and the excrement exposure detection device is more reliable.

[0147] 3. The surface layer 11 and the leak-proof layer 15 have the same width. They are bonded together with the flow-guiding layer 20 around the perimeter to wrap the absorbent layer 12 and prevent liquid leakage.

[0148] Figure 22 is a front structural diagram of the urine pad / nursing pad 10' with a diversion layer according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. Compared with the aforementioned embodiments, the main features of this embodiment are as follows:

[0149] 1. The length of the flow guiding layer 20 is shorter than that of the absorption layer 12, while the width is wider than that of the absorption layer 12.

[0150] 2. The width of the flow-guiding layer 20 is the same as that of the surface layer 11 and the leak-proof layer 15 (or it can be slightly narrower); there are non-adhesive parts 203 and 204 between the surface layer 11, the flow-guiding layer 20 and the leak-proof layer 15 at the left and right edges of the urinal pad / nursing pad 10', so as to separate the three from each other, so that the first and second connecting ends of the excrement exposure detection device can directly contact the upper and lower surfaces (first and second sensing layers) of the flow-guiding layer 20 and achieve electrical connection at this point.

[0151] 3. Since the length of the flow guiding layer 20 is shorter than that of the surface layer 11 and the leak-proof layer 15, it cannot be cut together with the surface layer and the leak-proof layer during production. Therefore, the flow guiding layer 20 needs to be cut before being placed on the absorption layer 12.

[0152] In the above embodiments of the invention, the advantage of having the same length as the diaper / nursing pad is that it facilitates production, as the top layer, the distribution layer, the leak-proof layer, and the outer non-woven fabric can be cut together using the tail cutter on the production line. In practical applications, the length of the distribution layer can also be longer or shorter than that of the diaper / nursing pad.

[0153] If the distribution layer is longer than the diaper / nursing pad, its protruding part facilitates electrical connection with the connection end of the excrement exposure detection device; if the distribution layer is shorter than the diaper / nursing pad, it helps to save materials and costs, but the problem of electrical connection with the excrement exposure detection device needs to be solved. For example, an RFID chip can be set on the distribution layer to send excrement exposure signals wirelessly.

[0154] In practical applications, the surface layer of the diaper / nursing pad (such as hydrophilic nonwoven fabric, hot-air nonwoven fabric, etc.) can be first laminated with the diversion layer of this invention, and then used as a composite surface layer material or composite diversion layer material during production to replace the traditional surface layer and diversion layer. During production, simply aligning the side of the composite surface layer / composite diversion layer containing the diversion layer with the absorbent layer allows the finished diaper / nursing pad to directly possess the diversion layer structure and excrement exposure monitoring function of this invention.

[0155] In the aforementioned composite surface layer / composite flow guiding layer materials, the flow guiding layer may be narrower than, equal to, or wider than the surface layer. Furthermore, perforation can be performed after the flow guiding layer and surface layer are composited, allowing the surface layer and flow guiding layer to be interconnected and creating the required flow guiding holes.

[0156] In addition, a non-porous area can be added to the front and rear ends of the flow guide layer 20 in the aforementioned embodiment to achieve a more reliable electrical connection with the excrement exposure detection device and avoid the contact points of its connection end falling into the flow guide hole, resulting in poor contact.

[0157] The above content refers to the conventional parameter selection and process adjustment in the production process of the embodiments of the present invention, and its key features and basic structure are consistent with the aforementioned embodiments.

[0158] Figure 23 This is a block diagram of a disposable absorbent product including a diversion layer, an excrement exposure detection device, and other devices, constituting an excrement exposure status monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The diagram includes a disposable absorbent product (such as a diaper 10 or a nursing pad 10') according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a diversion layer 20 disposed between its surface layer and absorbent layer. The diversion layer 20 includes a first sensing layer 31 and a second sensing layer 32.

[0159] This embodiment also includes an excrement exposure detection device 40, which has a first connecting end 41 and a second connecting end 42, which are electrically connected to the first sensing layer 31 and the second sensing layer 32 of the flow guiding layer 20, respectively. The excrement exposure detection device 40 typically has an openable and closable mechanical structure, including an upper part 401 and a lower part 402, which are connected by a hinge device 43; it also has a capacitance detection device 45 and a wireless transmitter 46, which are used to acquire the excrement exposure status information of the disposable absorbent product by capacitance detection and transmit the relevant status information to the outside via a wireless signal 48.

[0160] The excrement exposure status monitoring system device of this embodiment also includes a wireless receiving device 50, which typically includes a wireless receiving unit 51, a display unit 52, a setting unit 53, and an alarm / prompt unit 55. The wireless receiving unit receives excrement exposure information transmitted by the wireless transmitting device; the display unit displays the status of the disposable absorbent product and excrement exposure status information (including exposure duration); the setting unit sets the trigger threshold for the current excrement exposure duration and the trigger threshold for the cumulative excrement exposure duration over 24 hours; and the alarm / prompt unit issues a prompt signal to replace the disposable absorbent product or to prevent skin risks when the actual exposure duration reaches the trigger threshold.

[0161] The wireless receiving device 50 in this embodiment of the invention can be a dedicated wireless receiving, status display, and prompting device, or it can be a general-purpose device such as a mobile phone, tablet computer, or desktop computer. It achieves wireless receiving, status display, and alarm / prompt functions through a combination of hardware and software. Furthermore, depending on its application, this embodiment of the invention can also refer to the wireless receiving device 50 as an incontinence monitoring terminal 50.

[0162] Figure 24 is a block diagram of the incontinence monitoring terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure includes a wireless receiving unit 51, which processes the received excrement exposure status information (e.g., timing) and then sends the information to the current excrement exposure duration display unit 521 and the 24-hour cumulative excrement exposure duration display unit 522 for display.

[0163] To meet personalized care needs, the incontinence monitoring terminal of this embodiment of the invention also includes a setting unit, including a current excrement exposure duration trigger threshold setting unit 531 and a 24-hour cumulative excrement exposure duration trigger threshold setting unit 532. In the example shown in the figure, the trigger thresholds for the two excrement exposure durations are 30 minutes (00:30) and 2 hours (02:00), respectively.

[0164] The display function of this invention embodiment can have a variety of different ways, such as displaying the percentage of the actual duration to the trigger threshold, so that caregivers can grasp the remaining space before the trigger threshold (for example, the first indicator unit 523 in the figure shows that the current excrement exposure time is 33% of the set duration (trigger threshold), and the second indicator unit 524 shows that the cumulative excrement exposure time in 24 hours is 75% of the set duration (trigger threshold).

[0165] In addition to using percentage displays, progress bars or other intuitive comparison methods can also be used to indicate the urgency level. For example, green represents 0%, yellow-green represents 1-50%, yellow represents 51-99%, and red represents ≥100%.

[0166] When the actual exposure time reaches the trigger threshold, a corresponding prompt will be triggered: for example, when the current excrement exposure time is triggered, the first prompt unit 551 will issue a replacement prompt signal; when the cumulative excrement exposure time over 24 hours is triggered, the second prompt unit 552 will issue a risk warning signal; in addition, a prompt sound can be emitted to remind medical staff to pay attention.

[0167] When using color display, the first indicator unit 523 and the first prompt unit 551, and the second indicator unit 524 and the second prompt unit 552 can be combined to simplify the instrument panel design. For example, by setting the color display as the backlight of the LCD, nursing staff can intuitively judge the urgency of the matter at hand by color while viewing data on the LCD.

[0168] The incontinence monitoring terminal 50 of this invention can be implemented using a dedicated time display and audible / visual alarm design, or it can be implemented using a combination of hardware and software from devices such as computers, tablets, and mobile phones. For example, a trigger threshold can be set on the display screen to show the duration of excrement exposure, accompanied by color indicators representing the level of urgency; when the excrement exposure time reaches the trigger condition, a corresponding prompt will be issued. In addition, relevant historical data can be stored, recorded, and printed through devices such as computers and mobile phones, thereby completely recording the nursing process and analyzing the nursing effectiveness.

[0169] Figure 25 is a flowchart of a personalized incontinence-related dermatitis and pressure ulcer prevention method based on an excrement exposure monitoring system device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The specific steps are as follows:

[0170] Step S2501: Assess the perineal skin risk level of incontinent patients.

[0171] Step S2502: Based on the perineal skin risk level assessment results, set the current excrement exposure duration trigger threshold and the 24-hour cumulative excrement exposure duration trigger threshold.

[0172] Step S2503: Use the disposable absorbent product with excrement exposure monitoring function implemented in this invention on the patient.

[0173] Step S2504: Monitor the current excrement exposure time and determine whether the current disposable absorbent product needs to be replaced based on the exposure time; if the replacement is completed, the current excrement exposure time data is automatically cleared to zero; or after the current excrement exposure time exceeds the threshold and a replacement prompt is triggered, the current disposable absorbent product is replaced, and after the replacement, the current excrement exposure time data is automatically cleared to zero.

[0174] Step S2505: Monitor the cumulative duration of excrement exposure over 24 hours to prevent the cumulative duration of excrement exposure over 24 hours from exceeding the trigger threshold; or, if the cumulative duration of excrement exposure over 24 hours exceeds the threshold and triggers a risk warning, take effective measures to prevent skin damage to the patient.

[0175] The above description discloses only preferred embodiments of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. Therefore, equivalent variations made in accordance with the claims of the present invention are still within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flow-guiding layer with excrement exposure monitoring function, characterized in that, The device includes a plastic film, a first sensing layer, a second sensing layer, and multiple densely distributed flow guide holes. The first and second sensing layers are conductive layers, respectively stacked on the upper and lower surfaces of the insulating plastic film, and both completely cover the plastic film. The flow guide holes penetrate the first sensing layer, the plastic film, and the second sensing layer. The flow guide holes serve as both liquid flow channels and channels for forming an electrical connection between the two sensing layers when excrement is exposed. The first sensing layer, the second sensing layer, and the flow guide holes together constitute a detection circuit. When excrement containing electrolytes is exposed, its liquid comes into contact with the first and second sensing layers simultaneously through the flow guide holes, forming an interface capacitance between them that increases with the number of exposed flow guide holes. By detecting the change in this interface capacitance, the exposure of excrement can be monitored and the size of the exposed area can be assessed.

2. The flow guiding layer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first sensing layer is a first metal vapor deposition layer, and the second sensing layer is a second metal vapor deposition layer. The first sensing layer, the plastic film, and the second sensing layer are of the same size and shape, and are arranged in a stacked manner from top to bottom in the thickness direction. The flow guide holes are uniformly distributed. Under the condition that the interfacial capacitance contribution of a single flow guide hole is consistent, the total interfacial capacitance value is positively correlated with the number of flow guide holes flowing into the liquid. Based on the total interfacial capacitance value, the number of flow guide holes flowing into the liquid can be calculated. Combined with the distribution density of the flow guide holes, the size of the excrement exposure area can be determined.

3. The flow guiding layer as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The flow guide holes are uniformly distributed throughout the flow guide layer. The flow guide layer can be cut and used arbitrarily as needed without affecting its basic structure and working performance. The first sensing layer, the second sensing layer, and the plastic film constitute an initial capacitor. By detecting the capacitance value of the initial capacitor, the area of ​​the flow guide layer can be determined. Combined with the size of the excrement exposure area, the percentage of the exposure area to the flow guide layer area can be calculated.

4. The flow guiding layer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a surface nonwoven fabric, which is bonded to the first sensing layer to form a composite flow guiding layer including the surface layer.

5. A method for manufacturing a flow-guiding layer with excrement exposure monitoring function as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Wide plastic film is used as the substrate; Use any one of the following metals as the metal material to be vapor-deposited: aluminum, copper, gold, silver, zinc, or chromium. A first metal vapor deposition layer and a second metal vapor deposition layer are deposited on the upper and lower surfaces of the plastic film using vacuum vapor deposition technology, which serve as the first sensing layer and the second sensing layer, respectively. The film is then rolled up to form a wide double-sided metal vapor deposition film. Perforations are made in the wide double-sided metal vapor-deposited film to create flow guide holes that penetrate the first sensing layer, the plastic film, and the second sensing layer, and then the film is wound up to form a wide flow guide layer roll; or the wide double-sided metal vapor-deposited film is combined with a wide non-woven fabric, then perforated to create flow guide holes that penetrate the non-woven fabric, the first sensing layer, the plastic film, and the second sensing layer, and then wound up to form a wide flow guide layer roll. The wide-width diversion layer roll is cut according to the width required for the production of disposable absorbent products, and then rolled up to form a diversion layer in roll form with excrement exposure monitoring function that can be directly used for the production of disposable absorbent products. The first sensing layer, the plastic film, and the second sensing layer are the same size and shape, and are arranged in a stacked manner from top to bottom in the thickness direction.

6. A disposable absorbent article comprising a flow-guiding layer as described in any one of claims 1 to 4 or a flow-guiding layer produced using the method described in claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a surface layer, an absorbent layer, and a leak-proof layer. The flow-guiding layer is disposed between the surface layer and the absorbent layer. The first sensing layer is disposed facing the surface layer, and the second sensing layer is disposed facing the absorbent layer. When there is fluid excrement exposed on the surface layer, the liquid contained in the excrement will pass through the highly permeable hydrophilic surface layer to reach the flow-guiding layer, and enter the absorbent layer through the flow-guiding holes of the flow-guiding layer. The flow-guiding layer is used for both liquid guidance and excrement exposure monitoring.

7. The disposable absorbent article as described in claim 6, characterized in that, At the front edge, there is a non-adhesive portion between the flow guiding layer and the leak-proof layer. This non-adhesive portion forms a space to accommodate a second connection end of the excrement exposure detection device, facilitating electrical connection between the second connection end and the second sensing layer of the flow guiding layer; or A sheet-like flexible material is provided on the leak-proof layer at the front edge. The sheet-like flexible material is selected from non-woven fabric, plastic film or paper material. The sheet-like flexible material is pasted on the leak-proof layer and separates the leak-proof layer from the flow guiding layer, thereby forming a space that can accommodate the second connection end of the excrement exposure detection device, so as to facilitate the second connection end to be electrically connected to the second sensing layer of the flow guiding layer. or A notch or opening is provided on the leak-proof layer at the front edge to facilitate the electrical connection of the second connection end of the excrement exposure detection device to the second sensing layer of the flow guiding layer through the notch or opening; or The width of the flow-guiding layer is greater than that of the leak-proof layer, such that the flow-guiding layer has an exposed portion without the leak-proof layer covering at least one edge of the disposable absorbent product, so as to facilitate the electrical connection of the second connection end of the excrement exposure detection device to the second sensing layer through the exposed portion; or The width of the flow guiding layer is the same as the width of the leak-proof layer. At at least one edge of the disposable absorbent product, there is a non-adhesive portion between the flow guiding layer and the leak-proof layer, so that the second connecting end of the excrement exposure detection device can be inserted into the non-adhesive portion and electrically connected to the second sensing layer. or At the front edge, there is a non-adhesive portion between the flow guide layer and the surface layer. This non-adhesive portion forms a space that can accommodate the first connection end of the excrement exposure detection device, so as to facilitate the first connection end to be electrically connected to the first sensing layer of the flow guide layer. or A notch or opening is provided on the surface layer at the front edge to facilitate the first connection end of the excrement exposure detection device to be electrically connected to the first sensing layer of the flow guide layer through the notch or opening; or A metal foil or conductive cloth is provided between the surface layer at the front edge and the flow guiding layer, making the electrical connection between the first connection end of the excrement exposure detection device and the first sensing layer of the flow guiding layer more reliable. or A conductive ink printing layer or spray coating layer is provided on the first sensing layer of the flow guiding layer at the front edge, making the electrical connection between the first connection terminal of the excrement exposure detection device and the first sensing layer more reliable; or The width of the guide layer is greater than that of the surface layer, such that the guide layer has an exposed portion without surface layer coverage at at least one edge of the disposable absorbent article, so as to facilitate the first connection end of the excrement exposure detection device to be electrically connected to the first sensing layer through the exposed portion; or The width of the flow guiding layer is the same as the width of the surface layer. At at least one edge of the disposable absorbent article, there is a non-adhesive portion between the flow guiding layer and the surface layer to facilitate the insertion of the first connecting end of the excrement exposure detection device into the non-adhesive portion and to achieve electrical connection with the first sensing layer. or A protruding portion is provided at the front edge, the front end of the flow guiding layer extends to the protruding portion, and there is a non-adhesive portion between the flow guiding layer and the leak-proof layer in the protruding portion, so as to facilitate the second connection end of the excrement exposure detection device to be electrically connected to the second sensing layer of the flow guiding layer at the protruding portion. or A folded portion is provided on the flow guide layer at the front edge, and there is a non-adhesive portion between the folded portion and the leak-proof layer, so as to facilitate the folded portion to be pulled out and electrically connected to the connection end of the excrement exposure detection device.

8. A system device for monitoring excrement exposure status, comprising a disposable absorbent article as described in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, It also includes an excrement exposure detection device and a wireless receiving device. The excrement exposure detection device includes a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, and a capacitance detection device, which is used to electrically connect with the first sensing layer and the second sensing layer of the flow guide layer of the disposable absorbent product, and to obtain the interface capacitance value between the first sensing layer and the second sensing layer through the capacitance detection device, and then to obtain the excrement exposure status information of the disposable absorbent product through the interface capacitance value. The excrement exposure detection device also includes a wireless transmitting device, which is used to wirelessly transmit the detected excrement exposure status information, and the wireless receiving device is used to receive the excrement exposure status information and perform corresponding status display or prompts.

9. The excrement exposure status monitoring system device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a current excrement exposure time display unit, a current excrement exposure time trigger threshold setting unit, a 24-hour cumulative excrement exposure time display unit, and a 24-hour cumulative excrement exposure time trigger threshold setting unit; wherein, the current excrement exposure time display unit is used to display the excrement exposure time of the current disposable absorbent product since its use, and issues a replacement prompt when the current excrement exposure time reaches the trigger threshold; the 24-hour cumulative excrement exposure time display unit is used to display the user's cumulative excrement exposure time in the most recent 24 hours, and issues a warning to prevent skin damage risk when the 24-hour cumulative excrement exposure time reaches the trigger threshold.

10. A method for preventing incontinence-related dermatitis and pressure ulcers based on the excrement exposure monitoring system device of claim 9, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Assess the risk level of perineal skin in patients with incontinence; Based on the perineal skin risk level assessment results, current excrement exposure duration trigger thresholds and 24-hour cumulative excrement exposure duration trigger thresholds are set; Use the aforementioned disposable absorbable product on the patient; Monitor the current excrement exposure time and determine whether the current disposable absorbent product needs to be replaced based on the exposure time. If the replacement is completed, the current excrement exposure time data is automatically cleared to zero; or when the current excrement exposure time exceeds the threshold and a replacement prompt is triggered, the current disposable absorbent product is replaced. After replacement, the current excrement exposure time data is automatically cleared to zero. Monitor the cumulative exposure time of excrement over 24 hours to avoid exceeding the trigger threshold; Alternatively, if the cumulative exposure time of excrement in 24 hours exceeds the threshold and triggers a risk warning, effective measures should be taken to prevent skin damage to the patient.

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