Method and system for detecting smooth passage

Abstract

The bowel movement detection and warning system comprises a detection device attached to an absorbent article to warn a caregiver of the presence of solid waste by analyzing the gas released into the absorbent article during a bowel movement. This system is made of a flexible material and includes an elongated pipe attached to the absorbent article. The pipe is connected to a gas sensor disposed within a pod device, and the gas sensor detects the presence of hydrogen sulfide to identify the occurrence of a bowel movement or defecation within the absorbent article.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a defecation detection and warning system, and more particularly to a detection system for collecting sensor signals from a gas sensor attached to an absorbent article of a patient or user.

Background Art

[0002] Disposable absorbent articles such as disposable diapers are products that can receive and hold body exudates or excreta in order to prevent contamination of clothing or the external environment. As an example, when using a disposable diaper, the user can urinate or defecate without using the toilet. In addition to diapers, there are many other types of disposable absorbent articles such as, for example, under pads, incontinence pads, fit briefs, belted shields, liners, all-in-one pads, pull-up incontinence pants, training pants, protective underwear, menstrual napkins, and incontinence guards. It should be understood that the above list of disposable absorbent articles is not exhaustive and that these and other absorbent articles can be used with the present disclosure and are within the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be understood that any such reference herein to an article such as a "diaper" is to be construed as a reference to any and all other suitable absorbent articles including incontinence clothing, pads, etc.

[0003] In order to prevent contamination of clothing or the external environment, disposable absorbent articles comprise an absorbent core capable of receiving and holding body exudates or excreta, and a substantially liquid-impermeable layer. Generally, disposable absorbent products have a layered structure, which allows body exudates or excreta to be distributed, transferred to the absorbent core, and held therein. In daily use, a disposable absorbent article can be used, for example, until the absorbent core is saturated with body exudates or excreta. When the absorbent core becomes saturated, it is necessary to remove and discard the disposable absorbent article and replace it with a clean and dry article.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] To identify the saturation of the absorbent core, several methods have been proposed in the art. However, it is necessary to efficiently identify the type of body exudate that saturates the absorbent core. Specifically, a system is needed to identify whether the core of the absorbent article has been saturated by urine or feces / solid waste. In some of the methods proposed in the art, a wetness indicator has been added to the absorbent article to detect the presence of urine, and in other methods, a sensor for detecting odor has been added to detect the presence of feces or bowel movements. Problems have arisen in identifying the type of excrement present in the absorbent article using these known methods. Therefore, an improved system and method are needed that warn the caregiver about the type of excrement that saturates the core of the absorbent article worn by a patient or user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The following summary is provided to introduce a selected concept in a simplified form that will be further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] In various embodiments, a bowel movement detection and warning system can comprise a detection device that is attached to an absorbent article and analyzes gases and / or liquids discharged within the absorbent article to alert a caregiver to the presence of urine and solid waste. According to one embodiment, the system can comprise a sensor strip including one or more sensors for detecting the presence of solids, liquids, and gases discharged during urination and / or defecation of a wearer of the absorbent article. The system can further comprise a pipe attached to the absorbent article, preferably made of a flexible material such as plastic or rubber. The gas sensor can be connected to at least one end of the pipe. In a preferred embodiment, the gas sensor is disposed within a pod device and detects the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas to identify the occurrence of bowel movement or defecation in the absorbent article. In other embodiments, a cover sheet, preferably made of a hydrophobic non-woven material, is attached to the pipe to form a strip. The strip can be attached to the absorbent article with an adhesive. In some embodiments, the pipe can have perforations along its surface to allow gaseous substances to enter the pipe but prevent liquid substances from entering. In a further embodiment, a hydrophobic material can be applied to one or both ends of the pipe to prevent liquids such as urine from entering the pipe.

[0007] In one embodiment, the bowel movement detection and warning system can comprise a pod device including a coupler for connecting the pipe to the pod device. In other embodiments, the pod device comprises one or more forced air intake devices for periodically sucking air from the pipe and sending the sucked air to the gas sensor. According to one implementation, the gas sensor can be connected to the forced air intake device via a chamber for equalizing air pressure. In other embodiments of the present invention, the bowel movement detection and warning system can comprise a mechanical and / or cantilever device for drawing air from the pipe and sending the drawn air to the gas sensor. In some embodiments, air can be drawn from the pipe only when movement is detected within the body of the patient or user of the absorbent article.

[0008] In additional embodiments, the pod device can include a humidity sensor, in addition to the gas sensor, to reduce false positive bowel movement / detection due to water vapor generated during urination within the absorbent article. In other embodiments, the pod device may be a V-shaped pod device, and the pipe may include one or more holes to allow air within the pipe to be drawn into the pod device when the pod device is snap-fastened onto the pipe.

[0009] These and other features and advantages will become apparent by reading the following detailed description and examining the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the foregoing summary, the following detailed description, and the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting the various aspects claimed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present disclosure relates to a defecation detection and warning system, and more specifically, to a detection system for collecting sensor signals from a gas sensor attached to an absorbent article of a patient or user.

[0012] The detailed description provided below in connection with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of examples and is not intended to represent the only form in which the examples can be constructed or utilized. This description describes the functions of the examples and the order of the steps for constructing and operating the examples. However, the same or equivalent functions and orders can be achieved by different examples.

[0013] References to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "exemplary embodiments", "one implementation", "an implementation", "one example", "an example", etc. indicate that the described embodiments, implementations, or examples may include certain features, structures, or characteristics, but not all embodiments, implementations, or examples necessarily include the specific features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, implementation, or example. Additionally, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in relation to an embodiment, implementation, or example, it should be understood that such feature, structure, or characteristic can be implemented in relation to other embodiments, implementations, or examples, whether or not explicitly described.

[0014] Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments of the subject matter being described. However, it should be understood that such embodiments can be practiced without these specific details.

[0015] Here, various features of the present disclosure are described in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which like numerals generally refer to like or corresponding elements throughout. The drawings and detailed description are not intended to limit the claimed subject matter to the particular forms described. Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0016] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular FIGS. 1-11, various features of the present disclosure are described in more detail with respect to feces detection using a detection device attached to the absorbent article 3.

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of an absorbent article or diaper 3 having a sensor strip 1 adhered to the center of the diaper 3. When using a sensor strip 1 that matches the length and size of the diaper 3, the electrodes of the sensor strip 1 cover a detection area from the front to the rear of the diaper 3, which respectively corresponds to the area from the groin to the buttocks of the human body. The adhered sensor strip preferably includes at least two carbon printed lines for sensing the presence of urine within the diaper 3. In a main embodiment, a specific length of the sensor strip 1 is intended to protrude from the front waistband of the diaper and be coupled to a wetness event warning device such as the pod device 2.

[0018] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, various features of the present disclosure are described in more detail with respect to a feces detection and warning system using a detection device inside the absorbent article 3. The feces detection system of the present invention warns a caregiver of the presence of urine and solid waste by analyzing gases and / or liquids discharged into the diaper 3. In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor strip 1 includes a sensor for detecting the presence of gases released during defecation of the wearer of the diaper 3. The sensor can detect the presence of odors associated with urine and solid waste. More specifically, the sensor is capable of detecting hydrogen gas, hydrogen sulfide gas (H from specific enzymes and bacteria 2S), and volatile hydrogen sulfide organic acid gas (RSH) can be detected, all of which are related to solid waste. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor is for H within the diaper 3 exceeding the threshold concentration 2 triggered by the presence of S gas. However, the sensor may be modified to trigger when these gases are detected individually or when a combination of these gases is detected, if desired. Further, to prevent false alarms, the pod device 2 may be configured (or programmed) not to indicate that waste has been detected unless the above-mentioned gases are detected over a predetermined period.

[0019] In another embodiment, the sensor strip 1 includes a thin pipe 6 extending along the length of the strip 1 for detecting the presence of one or more gases released during defecation of the wearer or the diaper 3. In a particular embodiment, the pipe 6 may have an opening at either end to allow gaseous substances to enter and pass through the pipe 6. In a preferred embodiment, the pipe 6 has a diameter of 1 - 2 mm and is made of a flexible material so that the pipe does not cause discomfort to the wearer of the diaper 3. In some embodiments, the pipe 6 is made of a rubber or plastic material. In an alternative embodiment, the pipe 6 may be inserted into the diaper 3. In another alternative embodiment, the pipe 6 may be disposed under the sensor strip 1 or attached to the strip 1 in another way.

[0020] Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views of the x - axis and y - axis cross - sections of the diaper 3 according to the present disclosure. The figures show an embodiment of the feces detection and warning system of the present invention. As shown in the figures, the pipe 6 and the cover sheet 4 are attached to each other to form the strip 1. In one embodiment, the cover sheet 4 is made of a flexible material comfortable for the wearer of the diaper 3. Such flexible materials may include plastic materials and / or non - woven materials. In a preferred embodiment, the cover sheet 4 is made of a hydrophobic non - woven material to prevent urine from entering the pipe 6.

[0021] The strip 1 also includes an adhesive on one side that forms a peeling and sticking mechanism. A caregiver, such as a hospital nurse, can attach the strip 1 to the diaper 3, and further, one end of the pipe 6 can be attached to the pod device 2 by a method disclosed in more detail elsewhere in this patent application. A person skilled in the art can use the strip 1 to detect other body fluids containing urine by printing a carbon line on the cover sheet 4 or another layer of the diaper 3.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the pipe 6 can be provided in various sizes (lengths) according to different embodiments of the present disclosure. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the pipe 6 is very short in length, for example, about 4 inches, and covers the area from the front waistband of the diaper 3 to the abdomen of the wearer of the diaper 3 during installation. In another preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the pipe 6 is long, about 25 - 30 inches, and covers the area from the front waistband of the diaper 3 to the back of the area near or beyond the anal region, thereby allowing gas within that area to enter the pipe 6 of the diaper 3. In both preferred embodiments, the end of the pipe 6 not connected to the pod device 2 is arranged to prevent urine from entering the pipe 6 during urination in the diaper 3. This makes it possible to maintain the state where the pipe 6 is not blocked in order to detect the presence of one or more gases released during a bowel movement event in the diaper 3. The end of the pipe 6 is described in more detail in FIG. 4.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the end of the pipe 6 not connected to the pod device 2 can have a plurality of provisions for allowing more air to flow into the pipe 6. In an alternative embodiment, both ends of the pipe 6 may have special provisions for allowing more air into the pipe 6.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4, hydrophobic material 5 may be applied to both ends of pipe 6 to prevent liquid from entering pipe 6. In one embodiment, hydrophobic material 5 may be composed of non-polar molecules that repel bodies of water. In the case of a urination event in diaper 3, hydrophobic material 5 repels the liquid generated during the event and prevents the liquid from entering and blocking pipe 6. In another embodiment, pipe 6 may have small perforations along its surface that allow only gaseous substances to pass through and enter pipe 6, preventing liquid from entering pipe 6.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 7, pod 2 may include a coupler 8 for connecting pipe 6 to the pod. Pod 2 may also include a forced intake device 13 that periodically draws air from pipe 6 and delivers the air to a gas sensor 9 provided within pod 2 to sense one or more gases released during a defecation event in diaper 3. In another embodiment, gas sensor 9 is connected to forced intake device 13 via a chamber (not shown). The chamber equalizes the pressure from forced intake device 13 before delivering the gas to gas sensor 9. In a preferred embodiment, a cavity is provided within the chamber and a low air suction pressure is applied to pipe 6 based on the sensitivity of gas sensor 9 to air pressure. This embodiment allows a small amount of air to enter the chamber without a significant change in air pressure.

[0026] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate the process of drawing air from pipe 6 and measuring sensor readings from gas sensor 9. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, a piezoelectric cantilever device 10 can be attached to pipe 6. Piezoelectric element 10 vibrates continuously and draws air out of pipe 6. Device 10 can continuously push on one side of pipe 6, causing pipe 6 to expel air in one direction while maintaining a constant air pressure.

[0027] Figure 9 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a mechanical intermittent means 15 similar to that used in a hospital system for forcibly pumping a liquid into the bloodstream is used in pipe 6 to draw air from the pipe and transfer the air to pod 2. Preferably, a motor is attached to pipe 6 to push pipe 6 from the outside, thereby bending pipe 6 and pushing the air inside pipe 6 into pod 2.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the air in pipe 6 is detected to move within the body of the wearer of diaper 3 and is only sent into pod 2 when it indicates defecation within diaper 3. This embodiment reduces the battery consumption of pod 2.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 7, a humidity sensor may be included in pod 2 to detect humidity and remove false positives from the signal generated by gas sensor 9. A urination event within diaper 3 can generate water vapor within diaper 3, which can be erroneously detected as defecation by gas sensor 9. In one embodiment of the present invention, the humidity sensor may calibrate the signal generated by gas sensor 9 based on its own measurement of the humidity within pipe 6. If gas sensor 9 erroneously detects the vapor generated by a urination event within diaper 3 as defecation, the humidity sensor may reduce the signal level of the signal generated by gas sensor 9 or reject the signal generated by gas sensor 9 as a false positive.

[0030] Figure 10 shows an exemplary structure of the pod device 2 and the pipe 6 according to the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 10, the pipe 6 can be connected to the pod device 2 by inserting an end portion of the pipe 6 into the hole 14 of the pod device 2. Further, a pod cover 11 may be included in the pod device 2 to prevent contaminants from entering the pod device 2. In a preferred embodiment, the pod cover 11 is provided inside or outside the pod device 2 and can automatically cover the pod hole 14 when the pod device 2 is not connected to the pipe 6. In an alternative embodiment, a button may be provided on the side surface of the pod device 2 that is pressed to open the pod hole 14, and the pipe 6 may be connected to the pod 2 by passing the pipe 6 through the hole 14. Similarly, after pressing the button to pull the pipe 6, the pod 2 can be removed from the pipe 6 by automatically closing the pod cover 11.

[0031] Furthermore, the pipe 6 may include a liquid-impermeable material 12 near the end portion of the pipe 6 connected to the pod 2. The liquid-impermeable material 12 can prevent contamination of the pod 2 by allowing only gaseous substances to pass through and blocking any non-gaseous substances, as well as microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses generated during urination and / or defecation events in the diaper 3.

[0032] Figure 11 shows another exemplary structure of the V-shaped pod device 15 and the pipe 6 according to the present disclosure. In this embodiment, the end portion of the pipe 6 connected to the pod device 15 is closed and has a small hole 7 that allows gaseous substances to enter the pod 15 through the pipe 6. The V-shaped pod 15 can be attached to this end portion of the pipe 6, for example, by pressing the pod 15 to snap onto the pipe 6, thereby automatically opening the hole of the pod device 15 and allowing gaseous substances to enter the pod 15 through the hole 7 of the pipe 6.

[0033] The detailed description provided above in connection with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of the examples and is not intended to represent the only form in which the examples may be constructed or utilized. It is to be understood that the configurations and / or approaches described herein are exemplary in nature, and that the described embodiments, implementations, and / or examples are not to be considered in a limiting sense, as numerous variations are possible.

[0034] The specific processes or methods described herein may represent one or more of any number of processing strategies. Accordingly, the various acts illustrated and / or described may be executed in other orders, in parallel, or omitted, in the order illustrated and / or described. Similarly, the order of the above-described processes may be changed. It is to be understood that although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the above-described specific features and acts are presented as exemplary forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A system for detecting defecation in an absorbent article, comprising: an adhesive strip including a pipe attached to the absorbent article; a pod device removably attached to the absorbent article and connected to the pipe; mechanical means disposed within the pod device for periodically drawing air from the pipe; and at least one gas sensor disposed within the pod device for detecting gases released during defecation A system comprising.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one gas sensor is configured to detect the presence of a gas released during defecation, including hydrogen sulfide gas, within the absorbent article.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the pipe is made of a flexible material selected from the group consisting of rubber and plastic materials.

4. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a cover sheet attached to the pipe forming the strip.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the cover sheet is made of a hydrophobic nonwoven material.

6. The system according to claim 4, wherein the strip includes an adhesive on one side.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein a hydrophobic material is applied to at least one end of the pipe.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the pipe has perforations along its surface such that gaseous substances enter the pipe but liquid substances do not.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one pod device includes a coupler for connecting the pipe to the pod device.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one pod device includes one or more forced intake devices for periodically drawing air from the pipe and sending the drawn air to the at least one gas sensor.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the at least one gas sensor is connected to the one or more forced intake devices via one or more chambers for equalizing the air pressure from the one or more forced intake devices.

12. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a piezoelectric cantilever device attached to the pipe for drawing air from the pipe and sending the drawn air to the at least one gas sensor.

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein when movement is detected on the body of the wearer of the absorbent article, air in the pipe is drawn into the at least one gas sensor.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one pod device comprises a humidity sensor for removing false positive measurement signals from the at least one gas sensor.

15. The system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one pod device is a V-shaped device connected to the pipe.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein an end of the pipe connected to the at least one V-shaped pod device has one or more holes that allow gaseous substances to pass through the pipe and enter the at least one V-shaped pod device.

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