Smart incontinence underwear with integrated sensors, microcontroller module and wireless app notification

Abstract

Incontinence underwear includes: • a garment with an integrated insert pocket in the crotch area, • a removable, absorbent insert with odor-neutralizing activated carbon layer, • a moisture sensor, textile-integrated or attached to the insert, • a microcontroller with Bluetooth function for signal transmission in case of contact with moisture.

Description

Special features (distinguishing features) • Sensor invisible, flat and textile-integrated • Microcontroller washable or removable • Insert pocket discreetly sewn, without external seam • App connection via Bluetooth Low Energy • Design in a sporty, fashionable style, clothing sizes S-XXXL 1. Technical area

[0001] The invention relates, inter alia, to the field of medical textiles, in particular wearable incontinence underwear with integrated sensors and electronic notification function by means of a mobile application (app). 2. State of the art

[0002] Conventional incontinence products for adults or children usually don't offer the option of digital monitoring of wetness. Existing systems either operate purely passively or use external electronic sensor pads that cannot be integrated into everyday clothing. A comfortably wearable, discreet, and digitally connected solution for everyday use is currently unknown. 3. Object of the invention

[0003] The goal is to provide a modular, unobtrusive, and technically integrated system for discreet monitoring of wetness in cases of mild to moderate incontinence that is comfortably wearable, reusable, washable, and app-supported. 4. Solution to the task

[0004] The task is solved by an incontinence system consisting of a garment with integrated pad holder, a flexible textile moisture sensor, a microcontroller with Bluetooth functionality and an app for notification in case of moisture contact. 5. Example

[0005] One embodiment relates to fashionably designed underwear for women, men and children with an invisibly incorporated insert pocket in the crotch area, in which a thin, replaceable insert with an integrated sensor unit is placed.

[0006] The sensor is made of conductive yarn that generates a change in resistance when exposed to moisture. This change is detected by a microcontroller (e.g., ESP32), which sends a message to a mobile app via Bluetooth.

[0007] The app offers a configurable notification function (e.g. acoustic or push message) and can be used locally without the cloud.

[0008] The system is reusable, washable, and visually indistinguishable from regular underwear or similar. Optionally, warning signals can also be transmitted to caregivers or relatives.

Claims

[1] Incontinence underwear including: • a garment with an integrated insert pocket in the crotch area, • a removable, absorbent insert with odor-neutralizing activated carbon layer, • a moisture sensor, textile-integrated or attached to the insert, • a microcontroller with Bluetooth function for signal transmission in case of contact with moisture. [2] Incontinence underwear according to claim 1, characterized by , that: • the sensor is implemented using conductive yarn or textile electrodes. [3] Incontinence underwear according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that: • the signal processing is carried out by a microcontroller (e.g. ESP32), which sends a signal to a mobile device when moisture is detected. [4] Incontinence underwear according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that: • the insert is replaceable, antibacterial and reusable. [5] Incontinence underwear according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that: • the entire system is visually indistinguishable from normal underwear. [6] Incontinence underwear according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that: • clothing sizes S to XXXL are covered and the design is masculine, feminine or neutral.