Nursing mattress

Abstract

The utility model relates to a nursing mattress with a detection function. The nursing mattress mainly comprises a nursing pad, a capacitive sensor, a signal processing module and a bearing surface for a human body to sleep. The capacitive sensor is arranged between the nursing pad and a bearing surface for a human body to lie on, the human body is located above the nursing pad, electrodes on the capacitive sensor are arranged in an array mode to form cross multi-layer mutual capacitance electric field lines, the cross multi-layer mutual capacitance electric field lines penetrate into the nursing pad, pressure distribution of the human body on the nursing pad is detected, and the capacitive sensor is used for detecting the urinating and defecating conditions of the human body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical care, and in particular to a nursing mattress. Background Technology

[0002] Nursing pads are made of materials such as PE film, non-woven fabric, fluff pulp, and polymers. They are used in hospitals or nursing homes for patients with limited mobility, such as those undergoing surgery, postpartum care, and those with urinary or fecal incontinence, including infants or paralyzed patients. Currently, the common method for identifying urine and feces on nursing pads relies on the caregiver's visual judgment, which can lead to problems with timely identification.

[0003] For urine and feces detection, electrode detection offers advantages such as easy large-area deployment and cost. Electrode-based detection methods can be categorized into resistive and capacitive types, with applications primarily focused on diapers and partially in nursing pads, for example:

[0004] CN2021110928350 proposes to identify urination and defecation by the resistance and / or capacitance between two electrodes on a diaper, wherein the detection device and the electrodes are fixed on the diaper. Although capacitance-based detection can keep the cost of a single detection at a low level, for disposable products such as diapers and nursing pads, the consumption is huge, so even a small increase in cost will bring a huge cost burden to enterprises.

[0005] WO2023169606A1 discloses a diaper that uses an electrolytic capacitor between metal film electrodes to detect the presence of excreted fluid, and proposes that the electrodes be fixed inside the diaper, with the detection device being detachable and reusable. TWI475981B proposes using an anode and cathode to form an electrochemical capacitor, which is detachable from the detection device. CN113081499B proposes a diaper based on resistive electrodes, with the detection device also being detachable and reusable. All of these technologies fix the electrodes inside the diaper as consumables. For nursing pads, the area required for electrode installation is relatively large, and using the electrodes as disposable items also brings a significant cost burden.

[0006] CN215385061U proposes a nursing pad in which electrodes are arranged in straight strips and fixed in the middle of the pad to save electrode laying area. The detection device is detachable and can be installed. It is hoped that the pad can be fixed to the human body by using a strap to bind it. The patient's urine can leak into the detection area. However, it may not be as ideal as expected during use. At the same time, the binding can cause discomfort to the patient, especially when in pain or lying down for a long time. Utility Model Content

[0007] This invention provides a nursing mattress to address the shortcomings of existing technologies.

[0008] The nursing mattress of this utility model includes a nursing pad, a tactile sensor, a processing module, a capacitance-to-digital conversion circuit, and a support surface for a person to sleep on. The tactile sensor is disposed on the support surface and configured to include at least a first surface laid flat on the support surface. The nursing pad is detachably laid flat on the first surface for directly supporting the body of the sleeper. The first surface has at least two electrodes for sensing the dielectric constant at various points within a set detection area on the nursing pad. The spacing and / or area of ​​the at least two electrodes are configured such that the mutual capacitance electric field formed by the two electrodes penetrates into the nursing pad to sense the sleeper's urination and / or the mutual capacitance electric field formed by the two electrodes penetrates above the nursing pad to sense the sleeper's defecation. The capacitance-to-digital conversion circuit is coupled to each electrode on the first surface to obtain at least the mutual capacitance between the electrodes. The processing module is coupled to the capacitance-to-digital conversion circuit and is used to output the sleeper's excretion information based on changes in the mutual capacitance.

[0009] Based on the different mutual capacitances caused by the varying dielectric constants of different materials, the mutual capacitance electric field constructed by setting the spacing and / or area of ​​the electrodes can penetrate into the inside of the nursing pad to detect the presence of urine, and / or the constructed mutual capacitance electric field can penetrate above the nursing pad to detect the condition of feces on the nursing pad, achieving data monitoring and analysis of the sleeper's excretion. By setting a separate design for the nursing pad and electrodes, the nursing pad is a disposable product, while the electrodes can be reused, which is conducive to the large-area deployment of electrodes in nursing pad scenarios. At the same time, the fact that the electrodes are not consumables has a great benefit to the company's cost control.

[0010] In this invention, 50%, 80%, or even 100% of the area of ​​the nursing pad can be used as the testing area, and the nursing pad can be appropriately divided according to the type of patient.

[0011] As an improved solution, the first surface has at least four electrodes, arranged in rows and columns to form an equally spaced dot matrix. It also includes a switch array, through which a capacitance-to-digital conversion circuit couples to each electrode. The switch array allows for arbitrary combinations and splicing of the electrodes on the first surface to form mutual capacitance combinations of different areas, enabling the sensing of objects and materials at different distances. Specifically, the processing module uses the switch array to select the spacing between two electrodes that form a mutual capacitance electric field, thereby changing the electric field penetration range, and / or selectively connects at least two electrodes in parallel using the switch array to form a large electrode, using the two large electrodes to form a mutual capacitance electric field, thereby changing the electric field penetration range.

[0012] Furthermore, the tactile sensor also includes a compressible pad and a second surface; the first surface is located on the top surface of the compressible pad, and the second surface is located on the bottom surface of the compressible pad; the second surface is provided with at least two strip electrodes arranged in rows or columns below the electrode array, the projection of the strip electrodes relative to the top surface covering part or all of the area of ​​the electrodes above them; alternatively, the second surface is provided with an electrode array with the same electrode structure as the first surface, and the electrode arrays of the two surfaces are aligned vertically; a capacitance-to-digital conversion circuit is coupled to each electrode of the second surface. In this scheme, based on the different area and / or spacing combinations of the electrode array on the first surface, it is further possible to obtain the human body pressure distribution based on the mutual capacitance between the electrodes of the first and second surfaces, forming a pressure distribution heat map. Furthermore, the strip electrode is configured to include leads and at least two point electrodes; in each strip electrode, the point electrodes are arranged along the strip direction and coupled to each other through leads; the point electrodes on the top surface of the compressible pad partially or completely cover the point electrodes on the bottom surface of the compressible pad in the projection relative to its bottom surface. In this scheme, the projected area corresponding to the upper electrode point and the lower electrode point is the effective area, and other areas are ineffective areas. The ineffective areas of the bottom surface of the pad only have leads with fine diameters, which can reduce the parasitic capacitance of the ineffective areas and achieve force detection with high spatial resolution.

[0013] Furthermore, based on the formation of multiple sets of mutual capacitances between each electrode on the first surface and the corresponding electrode on the lower second surface, the pressure distribution of the human body on the nursing pad is determined; the position of the human buttocks is located based on the pressure distribution; and through the control of a switch array, a mutual capacitance electric field is constructed in the area corresponding to the buttocks to detect the urination and / or defecation of the sleeping person. By locating the buttocks position and performing mutual capacitance detection with varying area and gap at the buttocks position, the accuracy of urination and defecation data monitoring can be improved. The area corresponding to the buttocks should be understood as the area on the tactile sensor corresponding to the buttocks and its surroundings.

[0014] Preferably, the method for locating the buttocks can be based on the fact that the pressure exerted on the tactile sensor by the buttocks in a lying position is significantly greater than that on other parts of the body, which can be used as a criterion for locating the buttocks. This approach, based on the difference in pressure caused by the weight and area of ​​the buttocks compared to other parts of the body, can quickly distinguish the buttocks. Alternatively, the method can be based on the shape of the buttocks on a pressure distribution heatmap in a lying position, which can be used as a criterion for locating the buttocks. This approach requires a certain amount of computing power and can be used as an auxiliary verification method to make a comprehensive judgment with the former, thereby improving the accuracy of the location.

[0015] Preferably, the method for distinguishing between human buttocks and feces or urine can be based on the significant difference in pressure and / or pressure changes of the human buttocks and feces or urine on the tactile sensor, as a criterion for differentiation. This scheme utilizes the order-of-magnitude difference in weight between the buttocks and feces or urine, as well as the different pressure changes caused by the varying rates of change in these three substances, to achieve rapid differentiation. And / or, it utilizes the different dielectric constants of the three substances, based on the difference in mutual capacitance caused by the different dielectric constants, to achieve the same rapid differentiation effect. More preferably, a comprehensive judgment is made based on pressure and / or pressure changes and differences in mutual capacitance.

[0016] Preferably, in distinguishing between urine and feces, in addition to utilizing the mutual capacitance electric field to penetrate to a corresponding height and detect the dielectric constant of the material, the difference in mutual capacitance caused by the diffusion rate of urine in the pad being greater than that of feces can also be used as a more accurate criterion for distinguishing between urine and feces. In this invention, when feces are detected, the pad is immediately prompted to be replaced; when urine is detected, a warning is given.

[0017] Preferably, the pressure distribution of the human body on the nursing pad can be determined based on the formation of multiple sets of mutual capacitances between each electrode on the first surface and the corresponding electrode on the second surface below; the sleeping posture of the sleeper can be monitored based on the static pressure distribution; and / or the sleep quality of the sleeper can be monitored based on the dynamic changes in the pressure distribution. The data is used for statistical analysis to assess the condition of the sleeper.

[0018] As an alternative improvement, an insulating film is provided on the first surface to protect and isolate the electrodes.

[0019] In this invention, the nursing pad is detachably fixed to the first surface via Velcro, slots, or buttons. The nursing mattress also includes a flexible battery for power supply and a wireless charging module that couples the flexible battery for charging. It also incorporates a wireless communication module, such as Bluetooth, coupled with a processing module. In case of an alarm, the wireless communication module transmits an alarm signal to a mobile phone and then to the network backend. The supporting surface of this invention can be a bed surface, a tabletop, a pad surface, or the ground. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the arrangement of a nursing mattress with detection function is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a stack of capacitive sensor electrodes for a nursing mattress with detection function is shown.

[0022] Figure 3A schematic diagram of a capacitive sensor circuit board for a nursing mattress with detection function is shown.

[0023] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the lower electrode design of a capacitive sensor for a nursing mattress with detection function is shown.

[0024] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the upper electrode design of a capacitive sensor for a nursing mattress with detection function is shown.

[0025] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the corresponding positions of the upper and lower electrodes of a capacitive sensor for a nursing mattress with detection function is shown.

[0026] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the mutual capacitance of the upper layer of a capacitive sensor for a nursing mattress with detection function is shown.

[0027] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the mutual capacitance of a capacitive sensor for a nursing mattress with detection function, showing different combinations of area and spacing, is shown.

[0028] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the mutual capacitance of the lower layer of a capacitive sensor for a nursing mattress with detection function is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, a nursing mattress with detection function mainly includes a bed 10 for sleeping, a capacitive sensor 20, a sheet 30, and a regular nursing pad 40. The capacitive sensor 20 is positioned above the bed 10, and the sheet 30 is placed above the capacitive sensor 20. The regular nursing pad 40 is placed on the sheet 30, overlapping the position of the capacitive sensor 20. The human body lies flat on the nursing pad 30, which is located below the buttocks and covers the area from the waist down to the thighs.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the capacitive sensor 20 is mainly composed of an upper waterproof and wear-resistant film 201, an upper electrode arrangement layer 202, a foam buffer layer 203, a lower electrode arrangement layer 204, and a lower waterproof and wear-resistant film 205, which are stacked together by hot pressing and vacuum adsorption.

[0032] like Figure 3As shown, the upper and lower electrodes of the capacitive sensor 20 are connected to the circuit board 206 via leads. The circuit board 206 mainly contains two chips. Chip 2601 mainly processes the electrode signals of the capacitive sensor 20, while chip 2602 is mainly responsible for wireless communication, transmitting the signals to a mobile phone and network backend via wireless communication. When arranging the sensors, the circuit board 206 is placed on the left or right edge of the bed to avoid being pressed by a person. One end of the power cord 207 is connected to the circuit board 206, and the other end is connected to a socket at the head of the bed. The power cord is fixed to the underside of the bed.

[0033] like Figure 4 As shown, the upper electrodes of the capacitive sensor 20 are arranged in rows, with a total of 13 rows, numbered 20201, 20202, ..., 20213. Each row of electrodes has 13 electrode blocks. The area of ​​the electrode blocks is much larger than the area of ​​the wires.

[0034] like Figure 5 As shown, the lower electrodes of the capacitive sensor 20 are arranged in columns, with a total of 13 columns, namely 20401, 20402, ... 20413. Each row of electrodes has 13 electrode blocks. The area of ​​the electrode blocks is much larger than the area of ​​the wires, and their external dimensions are smaller than those of the upper electrode blocks.

[0035] like Figure 6 As shown, the upper and lower electrode layers of the capacitive sensor 20, after assembly, ensure that the centers of the electrode blocks coincide, thus forming a 13*13 electrode block array. The upper and lower electrode layers form mutual capacitance. When a human body presses on the sensor, different electrode block positions experience different pressures, resulting in varying degrees of compression of the foam buffer layer 203. This causes a change in the distance between the upper and lower electrode blocks, leading to a change in mutual capacitance. By observing the different capacitance values, the pressure at each electrode block can be determined, thereby identifying the human body's supine posture.

[0036] like Figure 7 As shown, the upper electrode of the capacitive sensor 20 has 13 rows of electrodes. These 13 rows of electrodes can form a mutual capacitance group in every two rows, namely 2201, 2202...2212, for a total of 12 mutual capacitance groups. When urine appears on the nursing pad, the distribution range of urine in the row direction can be detected by detecting these 12 mutual capacitance groups.

[0037] like Figure 8 As shown, the upper electrode of the capacitive sensor 20 has 13 rows of electrodes. These 13 rows of electrodes, through combinations of electrodes with different spacing, form different mutual capacitances. Several electrodes can also be combined into one electrode, forming a mutual capacitance with other electrodes. This allows the sensor to penetrate the nursing pad and detect substances and states at different distances. For example, mutual capacitance 2221 can be used to detect the internal state of the nursing pad, while mutual capacitances 2222 and 2223 can be used to detect the state of the human body above the nursing pad.

[0038] like Figure 9 As shown, the lower electrode of the capacitive sensor 20 has 13 columns of electrodes. These 13 columns can form a mutual capacitance group in every two rows, namely 2401, 2402...2412, for a total of 12 mutual capacitance groups. When urine appears on the nursing pad, the distribution range of urine in the column direction can be detected by detecting these 12 mutual capacitance groups. Similarly, the lower electrode can also form different mutual capacitances by combining electrodes with different spacings, just like the upper electrode. Alternatively, several electrodes can be combined into one electrode, forming a mutual capacitance with other electrodes, penetrating the upper electrode and the nursing pad to detect substances and states at different distances.

[0039] Due to the shape and structure of the human body, whether lying on your back or side, the buttocks protrude beyond the legs and waist. Therefore, the pressure on the buttocks for tactile sensors is significantly greater than that on other parts. Thus, the pressure distribution characteristics of the human buttocks in a sleeping position can be used as a criterion for buttock localization.

[0040] At the same time, the dielectric constants of the human buttocks are different from those of feces and urine, resulting in different effects on mutual capacitance. This can be used as a criterion for distinguishing the human buttocks from feces and urine.

[0041] By combining the amplitude and rate of change of mutual capacitance between the upper and lower electrodes, the distribution range and diffusion rate of urine can be distinguished. Simultaneously, because feces and urine diffuse at different rates, they can be differentiated. The sensor alerts monitoring personnel to take appropriate measures based on different conditions.

[0042] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of this utility model without departing from the essence and scope of the technical solutions of this utility model.

Claims

1. A nursing mattress, characterized in that: It includes a nursing pad, a tactile sensor, a processing module, a capacitive-to-digital converter circuit, and a support surface for the human body to lie on; The tactile sensor is disposed on the support surface and configured to include at least a first surface laid flat on the support surface. The nursing pad is detachably laid flat on the first surface for directly supporting the body of the sleeping person. The first surface is distributed with at least two electrodes for sensing the dielectric constant at various points in a set detection area on the nursing pad. The spacing and / or area of ​​the at least two electrodes are configured to penetrate into the nursing pad through the mutual capacitance electric field formed by the two electrodes to sense the urination of the sleeping person and / or penetrate above the nursing pad through the mutual capacitance electric field formed by the two electrodes to sense the defecation of the sleeping person. The capacitance-to-digital conversion circuit is coupled to each electrode of the first surface to obtain at least the mutual capacitance between the electrodes. The processing module is coupled with a capacitor-to-digital converter circuit.

2. The nursing mattress according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first surface has at least four electrodes, which are arranged in rows and columns to form a dot matrix with equal spacing; it also includes a switch array, through which the capacitor-to-digital converter circuit is coupled to each electrode.

3. The nursing mattress according to claim 2, characterized in that: The processing module changes the electric field penetration range by selecting the spacing between the two electrodes that form a mutual capacitance electric field through a switch array, and / or by selectively connecting at least two electrodes in parallel through a switch array to form a large electrode, thereby changing the electric field penetration range by forming a mutual capacitance electric field through the two large electrodes.

4. The nursing mattress according to claim 3, characterized in that: The tactile sensor also includes a compressible pad and a second surface; The first surface is located on the top surface of the compressible pad, and the second surface is located on the bottom surface of the compressible pad; The second surface is provided with at least two strip electrodes arranged in rows or columns below the electrode array, and the projection of the strip electrodes relative to the top surface covers part or all of the area of ​​the electrodes above them; or, the second surface is provided with an electrode array with the same electrode structure as the first surface, and the electrode arrays of the two surfaces are aligned vertically. The capacitor-to-digital converter circuit is coupled to each electrode on the second surface.

5. The nursing mattress according to claim 1, characterized in that: An insulating film is provided on the first surface.

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