Smart absorbent articles and related devices based on a sensing film and an internal pocket

By integrating detection lines inside the diaper, incorporating a short-circuit protection mechanism, and utilizing a built-in pocket for sensor fixation, the challenges of existing smart absorbent articles are addressed, resulting in improved moisture detection accuracy and connection reliability.

JP7697623B2Active Publication Date: 2025-06-24SHENZHEN CDIAPER TECHNOLOGY LIMITED +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024512081
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-08-27
Filing Date
2022-05-06
Publication Date
2025-06-24
Estimated Expiration
2042-05-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing smart absorbent articles face issues such as detection lines affecting the appearance of diapers, vulnerability to external moisture, poor sensor fixation, unreliable electrical connections, and misalignment between sensors and detection lines.

Method used

The solution involves installing detection lines inside the diaper, incorporating a short-circuit protection mechanism, using a built-in pocket for sensor fixation, ensuring face-to-face contact between the sensor and detection lines, and utilizing the waist elasticity to secure the sensor, thereby enhancing the reliability and usability of the product.

Benefits of technology

This approach effectively addresses the deficiencies of prior art by ensuring accurate, reliable, and quantifiable moisture detection, improving the appearance of the diaper, and enhancing the reliability of electrical connections, while allowing for easier sensor insertion and removal.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A smart absorbent article (10) based on a capacitive sensing film (40) and a built-in pocket (26), a system device for realizing monitoring the wetness state of the smart absorbent article (10), and two kinds of capacitive sensing films (40) including a built-in pocket (26) suitable for making the smart absorbent article (10). The smart absorbent article (10) includes a disposable absorbent article, a capacitive sensing film (40), a built-in pocket (26), and a short circuit protection mechanism. The disposable absorbent article includes a surface layer (11), an absorbent layer, and a base film (15). The sensing film (40) includes a contact surface, a sensing surface (62), a dielectric layer, and at least two sensing lines (21, 22), the dielectric layer separates and insulates the sensing lines (21, 22) and the sensing surface (62) from each other, and when the sensing surface (62) is immersed in a liquid containing an electrolyte, the sensing lines (21, 22) can realize the wetness detection function of the sensing surface (62) in an electrolytic capacitance manner through the dielectric layer. A built-in pocket (26) is used to insert a sensor and the contact surface is convenient for face-to-face contact and electrical connection of the sensor and the sensing lines (21, 22). A short circuit protection mechanism is used to protect the sensing lines (21, 22) from the effects of moisture inside or outside the disposable absorbent article.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the priority of the patent application with application number 202110992486.1, titled "Smart Absorbent Article Containing a Detection Line and a Hidden Pocket", filed with the Chinese Patent Office on August 27, 2021, and all of the above content is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to absorbent articles, and particularly to smart absorbent articles and related devices based on a capacitance-type detection film and a built-in pocket.

Background Art

[0003] Disposable absorbent articles include sanitary products such as paper diapers, sheet-type paper diapers, sanitary napkins, and urine pads, and are disposable nursing products that need to be replaced as necessary during use. If the replacement is too early or too frequent, it will increase the trouble and cause waste. If the replacement is too late, it will be prone to leakage, and the excrement will stimulate the skin for a long time, so skin diseases are also likely to occur. Therefore, people are looking forward to smart disposable absorbent articles that can detect moisture in real time and notify the replacement at an appropriate time, which has a positive meaning for the scientific use of the products.

[0004] In terms of the prior art, Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article and a related method. By installing two detection lines (flexible electrodes) on the outer surface of the base film of the paper diaper, a urine wetness detection function based on capacitance, which is accurate, reliable, and quantifiable, is realized. This is one of the most representative solutions in the prior art. When in use, the sensor is attached to the outer surface of the paper diaper, then the operation button of the sensor is turned on, and the probe is aligned with and clamped on the detection line of the paper diaper. In this way, it can be connected to the detection line and detect the wet state of the paper diaper in real time.

[0005] The deficiencies existing in the above prior art mainly include: 1. The detection line is printed on the outer surface of the base film of the diaper using carbon-based ink, resulting in two black lines, which affects the appearance of the diaper. 2. The detection line installed on the outer surface of the base film of the diaper is easily affected by external moisture. For example, when touching the diaper with wet hands, it may react erroneously. 3. Since the sensor is pasted on the outer surface of the diaper, it is difficult to fix it effectively. 4. Since the sensor cannot be connected to the detection line unless it pierces through the outer non-woven fabric of the diaper with a probe, poor contact is likely to occur. 5. Since the alignment between the sensor and the detection line relies on visual inspection and experience, misalignment is likely to occur and connection failure is prone to happen, etc.

[0006] To solve the above problems, Patent Document 2 discloses a wetness detection device for diapers and a diaper having such a device. In this device, a detection line is installed on the back surface of the diaper, and a pocket is installed on the outer surface of the diaper. The elasticity of the pocket itself is utilized to fix the sensor, and the sensor outside the diaper communicates with the detection line inside the diaper in a capacitive coupling manner to realize the wetness detection function. However, it mainly has the following drawbacks: 1. Since the contact between the sensor and the detection line is not face-to-face, it is difficult to achieve a reliable electrical connection. 2. Since the pocket and the detection line are located on both the inner and outer sides of the diaper respectively, they are prone to misalignment. 3. Detecting urine wetness by the detection line coming into contact with urine is a conventional electrical resistance type urine wetness alarm system, so an accurate and reliable wetness detection function based on electrolytic capacitance cannot be realized. 4. The pocket installed outside the diaper cannot utilize the waist elasticity generated when the diaper is worn to fix the sensor, and the electrical connection between the contact point of the sensor and the detection line cannot be made more reliable.

[0007] All of the above drawbacks of the prior art need to be solved by new technical means.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] The main technical problems to be solved by the present invention are mainly the problems existing in the prior art mentioned in the background art. The measures adopted by the present invention to solve these problems mainly include the following. 1. By installing the detection line inside the diaper, the problems that the detection line affects the appearance of the diaper and is affected by external moisture are solved. 2. Install a short-circuit protection mechanism inside the diaper to prevent the detection line from being affected by the moisture inside the diaper, and at the same time, realize an accurate, reliable and quantifiable moisture detection function based on the electrolytic capacitor. 3. By installing a pocket inside the diaper, the problem of fixing the sensor is solved. 4. By bringing the contact point of the sensor and the detection line into face-to-face contact, the problem of the reliability of the electrical connection is solved. 5. By taking measures such as automatically centering and aligning the built-in pocket with the detection line, it is ensured that the sensor does not shift when inserted into the pocket. 6. Provide a detection film with a built-in pocket as a raw material for the production of smart diapers to facilitate the mass production of products. 7. Provide a means that the sensor can be fixed by utilizing the elasticity generated at the waist when wearing the diaper, making the electrical connection between the sensor and the detection line more reliable. Formula Provide a detection film with a built-in pocket as a raw material for the production of smart diapers to facilitate the mass production of products. 7. Provide a means that the sensor can be fixed by utilizing the elasticity generated at the waist when wearing the diaper, making the electrical connection between the sensor and the detection line more reliable.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides a smart absorbent article based on a capacitive detection film and a built-in pocket, which includes a disposable absorbent article, a capacitive detection film, a built-in pocket, and a short-circuit protection mechanism. The disposable absorbent article includes a surface layer, an absorption layer, and a base film. The detection film includes a contact surface, a detection surface, a dielectric layer, and at least two detection lines. The outer surface of the dielectric layer constitutes the detection surface. The dielectric layer separates and insulates the detection lines from the detection surface. When the detection surface is wetted by a liquid containing an electrolyte, the detection lines can realize the wetness detection function for the detection surface in a capacitive manner through the dielectric layer. The built-in pocket is used for inserting a sensor for performing wetness detection. The contact surface is convenient for the face-to-face contact and electrical connection between the sensor and the detection lines. The short-circuit protection mechanism is used to protect the detection lines from being affected by moisture inside and outside the disposable absorbent article.

[0011] At least a part of the detection lines is located within the contact surface and includes an exposed portion. The short-circuit protection mechanism includes a waterproof cover layer. The waterproof cover layer covers the contact surface. A separable portion is included between the contact surface and the waterproof cover layer to form the built-in pocket. The detection surface faces the absorption layer, enabling the detection lines to realize the wetness detection function for the absorption layer in a capacitive manner through the dielectric layer.

[0012] The detection film includes a single-sided detection film. The dielectric layer includes a plastic film substrate. The detection lines are installed on one surface of the plastic film substrate and constitute the contact surface. The other surface of the plastic film substrate constitutes the detection surface. The base film constitutes the waterproof cover layer. The contact surface faces the base film, and a separable portion is included between the contact surface and the base film to form the built-in pocket. The absorption layer covers the detection surface, and the surface layer covers the absorption layer. The portions of the surface layer that extend beyond the absorption layer and the detection surface are bonded to the base film, thereby fixing the built-in Formula pocket, making its width consistent with that of the detection film, and centering and aligning it, or The detection film includes a composite detection film, the dielectric layer includes a plastic film substrate, the detection line is installed on one surface of the plastic film substrate and constitutes a contact surface, the other surface of the plastic film substrate constitutes a detection surface, the detection film includes a contact area and a detection area, the detection area includes a waterproof protection layer and protects the detection line, the base film constitutes a waterproof cover layer, the contact surface and the waterproof protection layer face the base film, the absorption layer covers the detection surface, the surface layer covers the absorption layer, and the part of the surface layer that extends beyond the absorption layer and the detection surface is bonded to the base film, thereby forming an internal Formula pocket is fixed, its width is made to match that of the detection film, and it is centered and aligned, or The detection film includes a composite detection film, the composite detection film includes a plastic film substrate and a waterproof protection layer, the detection line is installed on one surface of the plastic film substrate, the composite detection film includes a contact area and a detection area, the detection area includes a waterproof protection layer, the waterproof protection layer faces the absorption layer and constitutes a dielectric layer, the detection film is located between the surface layer and the base film and includes the parts that are bonded to the surface layer, the waterproof cover layer and the base film respectively, thereby forming an internal Formula pocket is fixed and its width is made to match that of the detection film, and it is centered and aligned, or The detection film is head-to-tail type of internal Formula including the detection film of the internal pocket, the detection film includes a plastic film substrate, the detection line is installed on one surface of the plastic film substrate, the waterproof cover layer covers the detection line, and between the waterproof cover layer and the plastic film substrate, there are both parts that are bonded to each other and parts that are separable from each other. The parts that are bonded to each other are located in the middle section of the detection film and constitute the detection area. The parts that are separable from each other are located at both the front end and the rear end of the detection film and include the contact surface to form an internal pocket. The outer surface of the plastic film substrate or the waterproof cover layer faces the absorption layer and its outer surface constitutes the detection surface, or The detection film is of the through type of Built-in Formula It includes a detection film in a pocket. The detection film includes a plastic film substrate. The detection line is installed on one surface of the plastic film substrate and constitutes a contact surface. The other surface of the plastic film substrate faces the absorption layer and constitutes a detection surface. The plastic film substrate constitutes a dielectric layer. The waterproof cover layer covers the contact surface. The edge portions on both sides of the waterproof cover layer and the plastic film substrate include portions that are bonded to each other and constitute a boundary to prevent the penetration of liquid. The hollow portion included between the waterproof cover layer and the plastic film substrate is a through-type built-in Formula Pocket, or The detection film includes a composite base film type detection film. The detection line is installed on the outer surface of the base film and constitutes a contact surface. The inner surface of the base film faces the absorption layer and constitutes a detection surface. The base film constitutes a dielectric layer. The waterproof cover layer includes an outer non-woven fabric without flaws cut integrally. The outer non-woven fabric covers the contact surface. Between the outer non-woven fabric and the base film, there are separable portions without adhesive that constitute a built-in pocket, or The detection film includes a composite base film type detection film and an outer non-woven fabric. The detection line is installed on the outer surface of the base film and constitutes a contact surface. The inner surface of the base film faces the absorption layer and constitutes a detection surface. The base film constitutes a dielectric layer. The waterproof cover layer covers the detection line. The outer non-woven fabric covers the waterproof cover layer, and the portion that extends beyond the waterproof cover layer is bonded to the base film, thereby forming a built-in Formula Pocket is fixed and its width is made to match that of the waterproof cover layer.

[0013] One hidden opening is included in the double-layer gap at the front edge portion of the disposable absorbent article. The hidden opening leads to the built-in pocket and is used for inserting a sensor to realize the wetness detection function, or In the gaps of the double layers between the front edge part and the rear edge part of the disposable absorbent article, there is one hidden opening respectively. Each hidden opening leads to one built-in pocket. The built-in pocket located at the front edge part constitutes a functional pocket and is used for inserting a sensor to realize moisture detection. The built-in pocket located at the rear edge part constitutes a margin pocket, which provides a margin for errors in the cutting at a fixed position in the production of the smart absorbent article, or The outer surface of the disposable absorbent article or the inner surface of the front edge of the disposable absorbent article includes a notch, and the notch leads to a built-in pocket and is used for inserting a sensor to realize the moisture detection function.

[0014] The disposable absorbent article includes a front abdominal seal and left and right seals. At least a part of the built-in pocket is located within the orthographic projection range of the front abdominal seal. When the disposable absorbent article is in a worn state, the elastic force generated on its waist can be converted into an acting force that makes the built-in pocket close to the user's front abdomen, thereby pressing the sensor in the built-in pocket and making the contact between the contact point of the sensor and the detection line more reliable. When the disposable absorbent article is not in a worn state, the acting force that makes it close to the user's front abdomen automatically disappears, making the sensor easier to take out, or The disposable absorbent article includes an elastic waist, and the built-in pocket is installed on the elastic waist. When the smart absorbent article is in a worn state, the elastic force generated on its waist can be converted into an acting force that makes the built-in pocket close to the user's body, thereby pressing the sensor in the built-in pocket and making the contact between the contact point of the sensor and the detection line more reliable.

[0015] Disposable absorbent articles include paper diapers, sheet-type paper diapers, sanitary napkins or urine pads. The surface layer includes a hydrophilic non-woven fabric. The absorbent layer includes a polymer absorbent material. The base film includes a PE film that allows air to pass through or not. The detection line includes an ink line printed with conductive ink and a metal line, aluminum foil line or copper foil line deposited by physical vapor deposition. The plastic film substrate includes a PE, PP, CPP, BOPP or PET film. The waterproof cover layer includes a plastic film, waterproof paper or water-repellent non-woven fabric. The waterproof protection layer includes a polymer waterproof coating layer or a polymer waterproof composite layer, and When the absorbent layer of the disposable absorbent article is infiltrated with a liquid containing an electrolyte, the detection line, the dielectric layer and the liquid jointly form an electrolytic capacitor. The detection line forms the electrode of the electrolytic capacitor, the dielectric layer forms the dielectric of the electrolytic capacitor, and the liquid forms the electrolyte of the electrolytic capacitor. The degree of wetness of the disposable absorbent article is proportional to the capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor. The capacitance is proportional to the area corresponding to the liquid and the detection line, proportional to the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer, and inversely proportional to the thickness of the dielectric layer.

[0016] On the other hand, the present invention provides a capacitive detection film suitable for manufacturing smart absorbent articles, including a head-tail type of built-in Formula pocket. The capacitive detection film includes a plastic film substrate, a waterproof cover layer and at least two detection lines. The detection lines are installed on one surface of the plastic film substrate. The waterproof cover layer covers the detection lines. Between the waterproof cover layer and the plastic film substrate, there are simultaneously included a part that is bonded to each other and a part that is separable from each other. The part that is bonded to each other constitutes a short-circuit protection mechanism to prevent the liquid from penetrating and causing a short circuit of the detection line. The separable parts respectively constitute a functional pocket and a margin pocket at the positions of the tip and the end of the detection film. The detection line is exposed in the functional pocket to form a contact surface and is used to make face-to-face contact with the contact point of the sensor inserted into the built-in pocket for electrical connection, and The plastic film substrate or the waterproof cover layer constitutes a dielectric layer, and its outer surface constitutes a detection surface. The detection line can realize the detection of the wet state of the detection surface through the dielectric layer by means of a capacitance method. Its detection sensitivity is proportional to the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer and inversely proportional to the thickness of the dielectric layer, and The detection line includes an ink line printed with conductive ink, a metal line or an aluminum foil line formed by physical vapor deposition, and a copper foil line. The plastic film substrate includes a PE, PP, CPP, BOPP or PET film, and the waterproof cover layer includes a plastic film, waterproof paper, water-repellent non-woven fabric or hot-melt adhesive film.

[0017] On the other hand, the present invention further provides a capacitive detection film including a through-type of built-in Formula pocket, which includes a plastic film substrate, a waterproof cover layer, and at least two detection lines. The detection lines are installed on one surface of the plastic film substrate. The waterproof cover layer covers the detection lines and the plastic film substrate. Both sides of the waterproof cover layer and the plastic film substrate include a part that is adhered to each other at the edge part, and thereby generates a boundary that can prevent the penetration of liquid, constitutes a short-circuit protection mechanism, effectively protects the detection lines. The hollow part between the waterproof cover layer and the plastic film substrate constitutes a through-type built-in pocket. The detection lines are exposed in the built-in pocket to form a contact surface, and are used to make face-to-face contact with the contact points of the sensors inserted into the built-in pocket for electrical connection, and The plastic film substrate constitutes a dielectric layer, and its outer surface constitutes a detection surface. The detection line can realize the detection of the wet state of the detection surface through the dielectric layer by means of a capacitance method. Its detection sensitivity is proportional to the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer and inversely proportional to the thickness of the dielectric layer, and Both ends of the through-type built-in pocket respectively constitute a functional pocket and a spare pocket. The detection line includes an ink line printed with conductive ink, a metal line or an aluminum foil line formed by physical vapor deposition, and a copper foil line. The plastic film substrate includes a PE, PP, CPP, BOPP or PET film. The waterproof cover layer includes a plastic film, waterproof paper, a water-repellent non-woven fabric or a hot-melt adhesive film.

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention provides a system device for realizing the monitoring of the wet state of smart absorbent articles, including sensor-type smart absorbent articles. The sensor includes at least two contact points for making electrical connection in contact with the detection line in the built-in pocket. The sensor further includes a capacitance detection device for realizing the wet detection function of the disposable absorbent article in an electrolytic capacitor mode.

[0019] The sensor includes at least three contact points, two of which constitute an insertion detection device. When the sensor is inserted into the built-in pocket and the two contact points simultaneously contact the same detection line, the insertion detection device is triggered to make the sensor enter the operating state. The sensor further includes a wireless transmission device and a wireless reception device for transmitting and receiving the information of the wet state of the disposable absorbent article in a wireless manner. The wireless reception device includes an audio or light presentation device, a smartphone or a personal computer.

[0020] The beneficial effects of the present invention lie in that it solves one by one the deficiencies of the prior art mentioned in the background art, including the following. 1. It has successfully installed the detection line inside the diaper and eliminated the impact of the color of the detection line on the appearance of the diaper. 2. It provides short-circuit protection for the detection line to prevent it from being affected by the moisture inside and outside the diaper. 3. The storage pocket installed inside the diaper enables the sensor to be more effectively stored and fixed. 4. It realizes face-to-face contact between the sensor and the detection line to make the connection more reliable. 5. It realizes automatic centering and alignment between the built-in pocket and the detection film to avoid the occurrence of displacement. 6. The detection film can be used as a common production material, having broader versatility and convenience. 7. When wearing the diaper, it skillfully utilizes the elasticity generated at the waist to fix the sensor and make the connection between the sensor and the detection line more reliable.

[0021] The technical method of the present invention effectively improves the reliability and usability of the product, creating favorable conditions for the development and smart upgrade of the diaper industry.

[0022] To more clearly explain the technical method of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings necessary for use in the embodiments are briefly introduced below. However, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings on the premise of not performing creative labor.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The following description of each embodiment shows specific embodiments that can be used in the implementation of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The directional and positional terms referred to in the present invention, such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", "top", "bottom", "side", etc., only refer to the directions or positions in the drawings. That is, the directional and positional terms used are for the purpose of explaining and understanding the present invention, and do not limit the protection scope of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the external structure when the smart absorbent article in the embodiment of the present invention is used in combination with a sensor, and the appearance is substantially the same as that of a conventional disposable absorbent article. Among disposable absorbent articles, disposable diapers are the most representative. In the embodiment of the present invention, disposable diapers are mainly used as an example for explanation. However, the related explanations are also applicable to disposable absorbent products such as pant-type diapers, training pants, pant-type diapers, sheet-type disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, maternity pads, and urine pads. In many cases, the disposable diapers discussed in the embodiment of the present invention have the same meaning as disposable absorbent articles.

[0026] The smart absorbent article 10 in the embodiments of the present invention is realized by adding several materials or devices capable of detecting (detecting) urine wetness (wetting) based on conventional disposable diapers. Since these materials and devices make the disposable diaper smart, it can be called a smart disposable diaper. Disposable diapers usually include components such as a base film (leak-proof layer), an absorbent layer (double layer), a surface layer (dry layer), and an outer non-woven fabric (composite layer). The base film usually includes a polyethylene film (PE) that allows or does not allow air to pass through. The absorbent layer usually includes a superabsorbent polymer material (SAP) and pulp. The surface layer usually includes a soft and comfortable hydrophilic non-woven fabric. The outer non-woven fabric usually composes a composite base film in combination with the base film, which can give the base film a better touch and increase the strength of the base film.

[0027] The front part / front end 18 of the disposable diaper can also be referred to as the front abdomen, the front waist, or in front of the pants. The rear part / rear end 19 of the disposable diaper can also be referred to as the back, the rear waist, or behind the pants. A typical disposable diaper may further include left and right seals / tapes / Hook and loop fastener 16, 17, which are respectively located on both the left and right sides of the front abdomen of the disposable diaper and can be pasted on the front abdomen seal / front waist seal 25 during use to tighten the waist of the disposable diaper and prevent the disposable diaper from slipping off.

[0028] In terms of moisture detection, in the embodiments of the present invention, it is mainly realized by a method of installing a capacitance-type detection film (abbreviated as detection film) material including detection electrodes inside the disposable diaper. The detection film includes at least two detection electrodes / flexible electrodes / urine wetness detection lines (collectively referred to as detection lines). For example, the detection film 40 in this embodiment includes a first detection line 21 and a second detection line 22. The detection line usually starts from the front edge of the disposable diaper, crosses the area (the flange part) of the absorption layer 12 of the disposable diaper, and reaches or approaches the rear edge of the disposable diaper, thereby realizing the detection of the wetness of the entire disposable diaper. The smart absorbent article of the embodiment of the present invention further includes a built-in pocket 26 capable of accommodating the sensor 30 on the lower surface of the front abdominal seal 25. At least a part of the detection film / detection line is located in the pocket, so that it can contact the sensor inserted into the pocket to make an electrical connection.

[0029] The detection film 40 and the built-in pocket 26 can be installed between the base film and the surface layer of the disposable diaper, or between the base film and the outer non-woven fabric. In this embodiment, the gap between the double layers at the front edge part of the disposable diaper is used as the opening of the built-in pocket 26, and the sensor is inserted. The sensor 30 in the figure includes two contact points 31, 32, each of which is in face-to-face contact with the first and second detection lines 21, 22 exposed in the built-in pocket and makes an electrical connection, and further detects the wet state of the absorption layer by the electrolytic capacitance method, thereby realizing the wetness detection function of the disposable diaper.

[0030] The detection film of the embodiment of the present invention is a kind of flexible film, including two outer surfaces, and the surface in contact with excrement / unmeasured liquid is called the detection surface. The detection film can usually be divided into a contact area and a detection area. The detection area usually corresponds to the absorption layer of the disposable diaper and is mainly used to detect the wet state of the disposable diaper. The contact area is mainly used to contact the contact points of the sensor to make an electrical connection. The plane in contact with the contact points of the sensor is called the contact surface. At least a part of the contact surface is located in the built-in pocket 26, and at least a part of the detection line is exposed on the contact surface, so that it can make an electrical connection with the contact points of the sensor.

[0031] There is no contact between the detection line of the embodiment of the present invention and the unmeasured liquid, and the detection line performs wetness detection of the diaper by a non-contact capacitance detection (capacitance coupling) method. In order to prevent the liquid from penetrating into the detection line area, the embodiment of the present invention further includes a short-circuit protection mechanism, the purpose of which is to prevent the detection line from contacting a liquid containing an electrolyte and causing a short circuit, resulting in detection failure or error. Since the detection film is installed inside the diaper, the diaper of the embodiment of the present invention is indistinguishable from a conventional diaper when viewed from the outside, and the detection film / detection line hardly affects the appearance of the diaper. In order to explain the relationship between the detection film, detection line, contact surface, detection surface of the embodiment of the present invention and the surface layer, absorption layer, base film and outer non-woven fabric of the diaper, in the following several diagrams, the A-A' and A-B' cross-sections related to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are further described.

[0032] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are a schematic three-dimensional structure diagram, a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram / equivalent circuit diagram of a single-sided detection film suitable for use in a smart absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention. The detection film 40 of this embodiment is a single-sided capacitance type detection film, and includes a film substrate 45, a first detection line 21 and a second detection line 22 installed on one surface in the film substrate. The detection line separates / permeates / passes through the film substrate 45 and detects the wet state of the other surface of the film substrate by a capacitance method.

[0033] In the detection line of the embodiment of the present invention, there are usually an ink line (conductive film) printed with a conductive ink (such as carbon paste or silver paste), a metal line (metal film) by physical vapor deposition (such as vacuum evaporation of aluminum), or an aluminum foil line, a copper foil line, etc. In this embodiment, the surface where the detection line of the film substrate 45 is installed is the contact surface 61, the other surface is the detection surface 62, and the film substrate 45 in which the detection line and the detection surface are separated and insulated from each other is called a dielectric layer. Commonly used film substrates include plastic films such as PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), CPP (cast polypropylene), BOPP (biaxially oriented polypropylene), and PET (polyester), so it can also be called a plastic film substrate, and its thickness is generally between 5 micrometers and 50 micrometers.

[0034] When a liquid 14 containing an electrolyte (such as a liquid containing salt such as urine, watery feces, sweat, menstrual blood, blood, etc., abbreviated as liquid) accumulates on the detection surface 62, the detection lines 21, 22 and the liquid 14 and the plastic film substrate 45 together form an electrolytic capacitor C1, the detection lines 21, 22 therein form the electrodes of C1, the plastic film substrate 45 forms the dielectric of C1, and the liquid 14 forms the electrolyte (electrolyte solution) of C1. The capacitance of C1 is inversely proportional to the thickness of the dielectric, proportional to the dielectric constant of the dielectric, and proportional to the area corresponding to the liquid and the electrode (detection line). Therefore, by reading the capacitance value of C1, the quantified (quantitative) wet state on the detection surface can be accurately known.

[0035] The electrolytic capacitance of the embodiments of the present invention is generated based on the conductivity of human excrement, and it should be noted that this is essentially different from the capacitance generated by some prior arts that regard urine as a non-conductive liquid with a high dielectric constant (for example, 80). In fact, some capacitances unrelated to the electrolytic capacitance are also generated between the first and second detection lines of the embodiments of the present invention. However, in the wet situation of the disposable diaper, these capacitances are much smaller than the electrolytic capacitance. Therefore, in the embodiments of the present invention, these capacitances are ignored, and the discussion is only carried out on the electrolytic capacitance generated from the electrolyte liquid.

[0036] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are schematic cross-sectional structure diagrams of A-A' and B-B' and equivalent circuit diagrams related to FIG. 1 of a smart absorbent article employing a single-sided detection film according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figures, the first and second detection lines 21 and 22 are installed on a plastic film substrate 45 to form a single-sided detection film, and are installed between the surface layer 11 and the base film 15 of the disposable diaper. From the A-A' cross-section (FIG. 3A), it can be seen that the contact surface 61 faces the base film 15 and includes a separable part between it and the base film to form a built-in pocket 26. The sensor 30 can be installed in the built-in pocket 26, the surface including the contact points 31 and 32 is attached to the contact surface 61, and is in face-to-face contact with the detection lines 21 and 22 exposed on the contact surface for electrical connection.

[0037] Since there is no absorption layer 12 in the portion of the built-in pocket 26 of this embodiment near the front edge 18 of the disposable diaper, the surface layer 11 is directly attached onto the detection surface 62. The portion that extends beyond the detection surface / detection film in terms of its width is bonded onto the base film 15 by an adhesive 28 (including hot melt adhesives, structural adhesives, etc.), and forms the bonding boundary of the built-in pocket 26. This can prevent moisture from penetrating into the contact surface 61 and causing a short circuit of the detection lines 21 and 22. At the same time, it can effectively fix the detection film, automatically align and hold the widths of the built-in pocket 26 and the plastic film substrate 45, and realize automatic centering and alignment between the detection film and the built-in pocket. By doing so, it ensures that the contact points 31 and 32 of the sensor inserted into the pocket are aligned with the detection lines 21 and 22 on the contact surface 61, thus realizing a reliable electrical connection.

[0038] In this embodiment, the built-in pocket 26 is installed on the lower surface of the front abdominal seal 25, and at least a part of the built-in pocket 26 is located within the orthographic projection range of the front abdominal seal 25. When the disposable diaper is in the worn state, the elastic force generated on its waist can be converted into a force that makes the built-in pocket 26 closely adhere to the user's front abdomen by the left and right seals 16 and 17 (the downward force in the figure). Thereby, the sensor 30 in the pocket can be pressed to make the contact between its contact point and the detection line more reliable. When the disposable diaper is in the non-worn state, the force that makes it closely adhere to the user's front abdomen automatically disappears, making the sensor 30 easier to take out. This is one of the technical features achieved by attaching the built-in pocket to the front abdomen in the embodiment of the present invention, which cannot be achieved in the pocket installed on the outer surface of the disposable diaper.

[0039] From the B - B' cross-section (Figure 3B), the absorption layer 12 and the detection surface 62 are integrally bonded, and the detection lines 21 and 22 are capacitively coupled through the plastic film substrate 45 as a dielectric layer onto the absorption layer 12 LiquidIt is found that 14 is detected, thereby realizing the wetness detection function for the absorption layer of the diaper, and the degree of wetness is proportional to the electrolytic capacitor C1. It is built in the cross-section Formula Since there is no pocket 26, the contact surface 61 is bonded to the base film 15 by the adhesive 28, thereby effectively preventing the moisture in the absorption layer 12 from penetrating into the contact surface 61 and short-circuiting the detection lines 21 and 22. In this embodiment, since the base film 15 covers the entire contact surface 61 of the detection film, the base film 15 can be regarded as a waterproof cover layer and also constitutes one component of the short-circuit protection mechanism of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIGS. 4A and 4B are schematic views of the external structure when using a smart absorbent article employing a single-sided detection film according to an embodiment of the present invention in combination with a sensor, and include components such as a diaper, a single-sided detection film 40, a built-in pocket 26, and a short-circuit protection mechanism. The diaper includes a surface layer 11, an absorption layer 12, and a base film 15, and the surface layer 11 and the base film 15 have the same dimensions and overlap integrally. The contact surface 61 of the detection film 40 is attached to the base film 15, the detection surface 62 of the detection film 40 faces the absorption layer, and the detection lines 21 and 22 can detect the wet state of the absorption layer 12 by the electrolytic capacitance method.

[0041] In this embodiment, the base film 15 is used as a waterproof cover layer, and short - circuit protection is implemented for the detection lines 21 and 22 on the contact surface 61. In addition, the front and rear edges 18 and 19 of the diaper between the contact surface 61 and the base film 15 each include a separable part to form built - in pockets 26 and 26'. The front - end edge 18 part of the diaper forms a functional pocket 26, which is used to insert a sensor and make electrical connection between the contact point of the sensor and the detection line. The rear - end edge 19 part forms a margin pocket 26', which can provide an error margin for cutting at a fixed position in the production of smart diapers. In the production process of diapers, the front and rear ends of each diaper are originally connected. In the later stage of production, two adjacent diapers are cut to obtain a single independent diaper finished product. One original built - in pocket is separated into two parts, each located at the front and rear edge parts of the diaper to form pockets 26 and 26'.

[0042] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, since there is no detection line in the margin pocket 26', even if the liquid infiltrates the margin pocket 26', it will not affect the normal operation of the detection lines 21 and 22, and this can also be regarded as part of the short - circuit protection mechanism. Since the detection line is asymmetric front - to - back, in order to place the detection film at the correct position of the diaper, the detection film 40 further includes a color positioning mark (color mark) 42. The detection film in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4B is completely symmetric. In such a situation, there is no need for positioning, and the detection film only needs to be placed in a specific layer of the diaper for use. Therefore, this symmetric structure can increase the versatility and convenience of the detection film and can be adapted to the production of smart diapers with different standard lengths.

[0043] In the production process of the smart diaper, usually, first, the detection film 40 is attached to the base film 15, then the absorption layer 12 is covered and bonded to the detection film 40, and further, the surface layer 11 is covered and bonded to the absorption layer 12, and the surface layer that extends beyond the absorption layer 12 is directly bonded to the base film 15. Through all these bondings, a bonding boundary can be generated to prevent the moisture in the absorption layer from penetrating and entering. For example, the bonding region 28 / 28’ in FIG. 4A is generated between the absorption layer 12 and the base film 15, and constitutes one bonding boundary on each side of the detection film 40. Also, for example, the bonding region 28 / 28’ in FIG. 4B is generated by the bonding between the edge portions on both sides of the detection film and the base film 15. It not only constitutes a bonding boundary on both sides of the detection film, but also generates a hollow portion that is separable from each other without an adhesive between the contact surface 61 and the base film 15. This hollow portion constitutes one continuous built-in pocket, and one functional pocket 26 and one spare pocket 26’ are respectively manufactured at both the front and rear ends of the diaper.

[0044] In actual applications, the detection film in the region outside the range where the built-in pockets 26 / 26’ are located (for example, the region from 41 to 41’) can be bonded to the base film 15. Through these bondings, the detection lines 21, 22 can be more effectively protected. In this embodiment, when there are detection lines in the region inside the built-in pocket, a contact region can be constituted for making electrical connection by contacting the contact points of the inserted sensor. When there are detection lines in the region outside the built-in pocket (for example, the region from 41 to 41’ in FIG. 4B), a detection region can be mainly constituted for performing wet detection on the absorption layer of the diaper.

[0045] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B are a schematic three-dimensional structure diagram, a schematic cross-sectional structure diagram / equivalent circuit diagram of a composite detection film suitable for use in a smart absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention. Different from the aforementioned single-sided detection film, the detection line in this embodiment is at least partially located in a waterproof double layer composed of two types of waterproof materials to form a composite film, which can be called a composite capacitive detection film. For example, in this embodiment, in addition to the plastic film substrate 45 and the first and second detection lines 21, 22, a waterproof protection layer 46 is further included, which covers the detection lines 21, 22 and forms a waterproof double layer together with the plastic film substrate 45 to sandwich the detection lines therein. The waterproof protection layer 46 in the embodiment of the present invention includes a polymer waterproof coating layer or a polymer waterproof composite layer / coating layer.

[0046] The area 47 where the detection line is covered up and down by the plastic film substrate 45 and the waterproof protection layer 46 is the detection area of the detection film. The detection line can not only realize wet detection on its outer surface 62 through the plastic film substrate 45, but also realize wet detection on its outer surface 63 through the waterproof protection layer 46. That is, the composite detection film in this embodiment has a double-sided detection ability. In actual applications, usually, the surface facing the absorption layer is regarded as the detection surface, and the material that separates and insulates the detection line and the detection surface from each other is regarded as the dielectric layer.

[0047] When a liquid 14A containing an electrolyte accumulates on the detection surface 62, an electrolytic capacitor C1 is generated between the detection lines 21, 22. Its capacitance value is inversely proportional to the thickness of the plastic film substrate 45, proportional to the dielectric constant of the plastic film substrate 45, and proportional to the area corresponding to the liquid 14A and the electrode (detection line). When a liquid 14B containing an electrolyte accumulates on the detection surface 63, an electrolytic capacitor C2 is generated between the detection lines 21, 22. Its capacitance value is inversely proportional to the thickness of the waterproof protection layer 46, proportional to the dielectric constant of the waterproof protection layer 46, and proportional to the area corresponding to the liquid 14B and the electrode (detection line).

[0048] In this embodiment, an area 43 without the waterproof protection layer 46 on the detection line is used as the contact area of the detection film. The detection lines 21 and 22 are exposed at the contact area 43 and form a contact surface 61 for making electrical connection by contacting the contact points of the sensor face to face. In this embodiment, the directions of the contact surface 61 and the detection surface 63 are the same. Since the waterproof protection layer 46 is very thin, the contact surface 61 and the detection surface 63 can be regarded as being on the same plane, only with different positions / areas.

[0049] FIGS. 6A and 6B are a schematic cross-sectional structure view of A-A' related to FIG. 1 and a schematic cross-sectional structure view / equivalent circuit diagram of B-B' of a smart absorbent article adopting the composite detection film of the embodiment of the present invention. The detection film in the figure includes constituent parts such as a plastic film substrate 45, a contact surface 61, a detection surface 62, a waterproof protection layer 46, a detection surface 63, a first detection line 21, and a second detection line 22.

[0050] As seen in the A-A cross-section (FIG. 6A), this embodiment further includes a waterproof cover layer 24 that covers the contact area of the detection film, corresponds to the contact surface 61 of the detection film, and includes a separable part between the contact surface 61 and the waterproof cover layer 24 to form a built-in pocket 26. In order to prevent moisture in the absorption layer 12 from entering the built-in pocket 26 and short-circuiting the detection lines 21 and 22, the waterproof cover layer 24 needs to have good waterproof performance and is usually composed of materials such as plastic film, waterproof paper, and water-repellent non-woven fabric. The width of the waterproof cover layer 24 usually does not fall below the plastic film substrate 45 so as to effectively cover the entire contact surface 61.

[0051] The surface layer 11 covers the waterproof cover layer 24, and the portion that extends beyond the waterproof cover layer 24 is integrally bonded to the base film 15 by the adhesive 28. The portion that extends beyond the plastic film base material 45 in the width of the waterproof cover layer 24 is also bonded to the base film 15. By all these bonds, not only can a boundary for preventing the penetration of moisture be generated, but also the width of the built-in pocket 26 and the width of the detection film / plastic film base material 45 can be automatically made to coincide and held, and centered and aligned. This is the technical feature and beneficial effect that the embodiment of the present invention adopts the detection film method to generate the built-in pocket.

[0052] The outer surface 62 of the plastic film base material 45 of this embodiment faces the base film 15. Since there is no liquid between the plastic film base material 45 and the base film 15, the plastic film base material 45 mainly serves to support and protect the detection lines in this embodiment. From the cross-section B-B' (FIG. 6B), it can be seen that the absorption layer 12 covers the waterproof protection layer 46, and the portion that extends beyond the waterproof protection layer 46 in width is bonded to the base film 15. The outer surface 63 of the waterproof protection layer 46 faces the absorption layer and constitutes the detection surface. Therefore, the waterproof protection layer 46 serves as a dielectric layer that separates and insulates the detection lines from the detection surface in this embodiment. The detection lines detect the moisture of the absorption layer 12 by the capacitance method through the waterproof protection layer 46, and realize the function of detecting the wetness of the absorption layer of the disposable diaper.

[0053] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the external structure when using a smart absorbent article employing the composite detection film of an embodiment of the present invention in combination with a sensor, and includes components such as a paper diaper, a composite detection film 40, a built-in pocket 26, and a short-circuit protection mechanism. The paper diaper includes a surface layer 11, an absorption layer 12, and a base film 15. The detection film 40 includes first and second detection lines 21, 22. The portion of the detection film not covered by the waterproof cover layer 24 / 24' constitutes a detection area, and the surface facing the absorption layer 12 in the detection area constitutes a detection surface. The surface layer 11 and the base film 15 cover the detection film 40 and the absorption layer 12 up and down. The detection lines 21, 22 can detect the wet state of the absorption layer 12 of the paper diaper through the detection surface of the detection film 40.

[0054] The waterproof cover layer 24 / 24' covers the contact surface of the detection film, includes a separable portion between it and the contact surface, and each constitutes a functional pocket 26 and a margin pocket 26'. The functional pocket 26 is located at the front end of the paper diaper, and its opening is flush with the front edge 18. The sensor 30 can be inserted from the opening portion. The contact points 31, 33 of the sensor are electrically connected to the detection line 21, and the contact points 32, 34 of the sensor are electrically connected to the detection line 22. The margin pocket 26' is located at the rear edge 19 portion of the paper diaper, mainly providing a margin for the cutting error of the paper diaper. The positioning mark 42 is for positioning in the production of the smart paper diaper. The portion where the waterproof cover layer 24 / 24' extends beyond the contact surface is bonded to the base film 15 and constitutes a boundary to prevent the moisture of the absorption layer from penetrating and entering as shown by the shaded portion in the figure.

[0055] In this embodiment, the contact points 31, 33 (or the contact points 32, 34) can constitute an insertion detection device, and the sensor 30 is built-in FormulaWhen inserted into the pocket 26 and two contact points simultaneously contact the same detection line, the insertion detection device is triggered, enabling the sensor to enter an operating state. When the sensor 30 is removed from the pocket 26, the insertion detection device is shielded, putting the sensor in a sleep / off state to conserve electrical energy.

[0056] Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C are schematic cross-sectional structure diagrams of a C-C' related to Figure 7 of a smart absorbent article employing a composite detection film according to an embodiment of the present invention, and are several specific examples when the composite detection film is applied to a smart diaper. The figures include a diaper composed of a surface layer 11, an absorption layer 12, and a base film 15, and a composite detection film 40 installed in the diaper. The detection film includes a plastic film substrate 45 and a waterproof protective layer 46, forming a waterproof double layer to protect the detection lines 21, 22. The detection lines can use the plastic film substrate 45 or the waterproof protective layer 46 as a dielectric layer and detect the wet state of the absorption layer 12 in a capacitance method.

[0057] Since there is no waterproof protective layer 46 on the contact surface 61 of the detection film, the detection lines are exposed on the contact surface. To protect the detection lines, the contact surface 61 can be covered with a waterproof cover layer 24, including a mutually separable part between them to form a built-in pocket 26 (as shown in Figures 8A and 8B). At this time, the waterproof cover layer 24 plays a role in preventing moisture in the absorption layer 12 from penetrating to the contact surface 61, constituting a short-circuit protection mechanism of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] In actual applications, the detection film 40 may be installed between the base film 15 and the absorption layer 12 (as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C), or may be installed between the surface layer 11 and the absorption layer 12 (as shown in FIG. 8B). At the same time, the outer surface 63 of the waterproof protection layer 46 may face the absorption layer 12 to form a detection surface (as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B), or the outer surface 62 of the plastic film substrate 45 may face the absorption layer to form a detection surface (as shown in FIG. 8C). Not only is the contact surface 61 covered with the waterproof cover layer 24 to form the built-in pocket 26 (as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B), but the base film 15 of the disposable diaper can also be used as the waterproof cover layer to cover the contact surface 61, and a separable part can be included between the base film 15 and the contact surface 61 to form the built-in pocket 26 (as shown in FIG. 8C).

[0059] FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic cross-sectional structure diagrams of A-A' and B-B' related to FIG. 1 and equivalent circuit diagrams of a smart absorbent article employing the composite base film type detection film of an embodiment of the present invention. Different from the case where the detection lines are installed between the base film and the surface layer of the disposable diaper in the above-mentioned other embodiments, the detection lines 21 and 22 of this embodiment are installed on the outer surface of the base film 15 (facing away from the absorption layer). In order to protect the detection lines, in this embodiment, the outer surface of the base film 15 is covered with the outer nonwoven fabric 13, and this outer nonwoven fabric 13 serves as the waterproof cover layer. Furthermore, the outer nonwoven fabric 13 is integrally laminated with the base film 15 by an adhesive to form a composite base film. Therefore, the detection film of this embodiment can be called a composite base film type detection film.

[0060] To accurately control the dimensions of the built-in pocket 26, in the A-A cross-section (Figure 9A), a further added waterproof cover layer 64 is included between the base film 15 and the outer non-woven fabric 13. In the actual production process of the smart diaper, generally, first, the detection lines 21, 22 are printed on the outer surface of the base film 15 to form the contact surface 61. Then, the waterproof cover layer 64 is pasted on the detection lines 21, 22, and a built-in pocket 26 is formed including a separable part between the waterproof cover layer 64 and the contact surface 61. Further, the outer non-woven fabric 13 covers the waterproof cover layer 64 and is bonded to each other by the adhesive 28, and the part exceeding the waterproof cover layer 64 in its width is bonded to the base film 15. Thereby, not only can a boundary for preventing the penetration of liquid be formed and a short-circuit protection mechanism be constituted, but also the width of the built-in pocket 26 and the width of the waterproof cover layer 64 are automatically made to coincide and held.

[0061] The waterproof cover layer 64 of this embodiment is selectable. When the waterproof cover layer 64 is not used, in the production process of the diaper, it is necessary to create an area where no adhesive is sprayed between the outer non-woven fabric 13 and the base film 15 by a partial adhesive spraying process to form a separable part, and thereby constitute the built-in pocket 26. In such a situation, the outer non-woven fabric 13 can be regarded as a waterproof cover layer and play the role of a short-circuit protection mechanism. It should be noted that since the partial adhesive spraying process usually has a certain degree of divergence, there is a possibility of a certain error in the dimensions of the produced built-in pocket, but it is completely usable in situations where the requirements are not high.

[0062] In this embodiment, the surface (inner surface 62) of the base film 15 on which no detection lines exist faces the absorbent layer and serves as the detection surface, and the base film 15 itself serves as a dielectric layer that separates and insulates the detection lines 21, 22 from the detection surface 62. When liquid 14 containing an electrolyte is present in the absorbent layer 12, the liquid 14 constitutes an electrolytic capacitor C1 together with the dielectric layer 15 and the detection lines (electrodes) 21, 22, so that the wetness state on the detection surface can be known simply by detecting the size of C1, thereby achieving a function for detecting the wetness state of the absorbent layer of a disposable diaper.

[0063] The outer layer nonwoven fabric 13 of this embodiment can be selected from defect-free nonwoven fabrics cut into one piece, and can be made of composite nonwoven fabrics, hydrophobic nonwoven fabrics, water-repellent nonwoven fabrics, etc. The built-in pocket 26 can be installed at the front end of the disposable diaper and extends to the edge, so that a hidden opening is made at the edge of the front end, and the sensor 30 can be inserted into the built-in pocket 26 through the hidden opening. In this embodiment, the outer layer nonwoven fabric 13 and the waterproof cover layer 64 cover the detection lines 21 and 22, so that the effect of the color of the detection lines on the appearance of the disposable diaper can be reduced or eliminated, and at the same time, the effect of moisture outside the disposable diaper on the detection lines can be eliminated, thereby avoiding the generation of false alerts.

[0064] 10A and 10B show head-to-tail configurations suitable for use in smart absorbent articles according to embodiments of the present invention. of Built-in Formula 1 is a schematic front view of a capacitive sensing film including a pocket and a corresponding schematic cross-sectional view taken along line D-D'. In the above embodiment, the sensing film does not have a pocket, so it is necessary to form a built-in pocket together with other materials, such as a waterproof cover layer 24, a base film 15 or an outer nonwoven fabric 13. In this embodiment, the waterproof cover layer is pre-aligned onto the sensing film to form a sensing film with a pocket and a short circuit protection mechanism, which is useful for the application of the sensing film and the production of smart disposable diapers.

[0065] The detection film 40 of this embodiment includes a plastic film substrate 45, detection lines 21 / 22 installed on one surface of the plastic film substrate, and a waterproof cover layer 64 covering the detection lines, completely protecting the detection lines 21, 22. Between the waterproof cover layer 64 and the plastic film substrate 45, there are included a portion (intermediate area) bonded to each other and a portion (both the front end and the end that can be separated from each other). The portion that can be separated from each other included in the front edge 68 part constitutes a functional pocket 26, and the portion that can be separated from each other included in the rear edge 69 part of the detection film constitutes a margin pocket 26'. The detection lines 21, 22 are exposed within these two pockets, and the plane where they are located constitutes a contact surface 61, which can contact the contact points of the sensor inserted into the pocket to make an electrical connection. The corresponding area simultaneously constitutes the contact area of the detection film.

[0066] In the area from the bottom boundary 66 of the pocket 26 to the bottom boundary 66' of the pocket 26', the waterproof cover layer 64 is integrally bonded to the plastic film substrate 45, constitutes a part of the short-circuit protection mechanism, and constitutes the detection area of the detection film for detecting the wet state on the outer surface 62 of the plastic film substrate 45 or the outer surface 63 of the waterproof cover layer 64. This embodiment further includes a break point 65, which can prevent the short circuit of the detection line in the margin pocket 26' from affecting the operation of the detection line in the functional pocket 26 by not communicating the front end and the end of the detection lines 21, 22 with each other. Also, the break point 65 can also be used as a positioning mark, which helps to install the detection film at an appropriate position on the diaper.

[0067] When the detection film is installed and used inside a disposable diaper, its front edge 68 usually lies flush with the front edge 18 of the disposable diaper, and the detection area corresponds to the absorbent layer of the disposable diaper. In this embodiment, not only can a dielectric layer be formed with the plastic film substrate 45 facing the absorbent layer and the outer surface 62 be configured as the detection surface, but also a dielectric layer can be formed with the waterproof cover layer 64 facing the absorbent layer and the outer surface 63 be configured as the detection surface. The detection lines 21, 22 can detect the wet state of the absorbent layer corresponding to the detection surface in a capacitance method through the corresponding dielectric layer, and its detection sensitivity (the ability to generate capacitance) is proportional to the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer and inversely proportional to the thickness of the dielectric layer.

[0068] Figures 11A, 11B and 11C are schematic front views of a capacitive detection film including a through-type of Built-in Formula pocket, a schematic cross-sectional structure view corresponding to E-E', and a schematic view of the positional relationship during sensor insertion, which are suitable for the use of the smart absorbent article of the embodiment of the present invention. Different from being bonded in the middle area of the detection film in the embodiment shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the plastic film substrate 45 and the waterproof cover layer 64 of this embodiment are bonded at the edge portions on both sides, each constituting bonding regions 28 and 28', and bonding by an adhesive or heat pressing can be selected. When heat pressing bonding is selected, a hot melt adhesive film such as EVA, TPU, PES, or PVC can be selected as the waterproof cover layer. In this embodiment, by bonding at the edge portions on both sides of the detection film, a boundary capable of preventing the penetration of liquid is formed, and at the same time, the short-circuit protection mechanism of the embodiment of the present invention is formed to effectively protect the detection lines 21, 22. The hollow portion constitutes a through-type built-in pocket, and the through pocket also forms open pockets as functional pockets 26 and spare pockets 26' at both the left and right ends of the detection film.

[0069] On the plastic film substrate 45 of this embodiment, the surface where the detection lines 21 and 22 are installed is the contact surface 61, and the surface of the plastic film substrate 45 where there is no detection line is the detection surface 62. The plastic film substrate 45 constitutes a dielectric layer, and the detection lines 21 and 22 detect the wet state on the detection surface 62 by means of a capacitance method through the dielectric layer 45. The detection film of this embodiment is such that the detection area and the contact area are not separated, or any area of the detection film includes both the detection area and the contact area at the same time. Also, the waterproof cover layer 64 of this embodiment is only used as a protective layer for the detection lines and is not used as a dielectric layer. The detection film of this embodiment has a built-in pocket and a short-circuit protection mechanism, can be easily installed on any layer surface of the disposable diaper, and only needs to face its detection surface 62 towards the absorption layer 12 of the disposable diaper. At the same time, since the detection film of this embodiment is completely symmetric, there is no need to perform positioning in the production process of smart absorbent articles. Due to these features, it has higher versatility and convenience in application.

[0070] The detection film of this embodiment can be cut to any length for use. For example, the same length as the disposable diaper can be selected, and its front edge 68 can be flush with the front edge 18 of the disposable diaper, or it can be made longer than the disposable diaper so that its front edge 68 protrudes from the front edge 18 of the disposable diaper, and the sensor can be inserted and used from the protruding part. For easy production, the detection film can also be packaged in the form of a large roll material. Thousands of different smart disposable diapers can be produced with each roll-shaped detection film, and the detection film can be used as a common raw material for smart disposable diaper production.

[0071] Since the pocket of this embodiment is a through pocket, in order to be able to fix the sensor in the pocket, a sensor design with a flip shown in Fig. 11C can be adopted. In the figure, the sensor 30 includes an insertion part 301 and a flip 302, each of which is connected via a hinge 303 ConnectionIt is as follows. When in use, first open the flip 302, then insert the insertion part 301 into the built-in pocket 26, bring the contact points 31 / 32 into face-to-face contact with the detection lines 21 / 22, and then close the flip 302 to sandwich the plastic film base material 45. By doing so, not only does the contact between the contact points of the sensor and the detection lines become more reliable, but also the sensor does not slip down from within the through pocket to a deeper position. Such a sensor design is not only applicable to this embodiment but also suitable for application to other embodiments of the present invention.

[0072] FIG. 12 is a schematic external structure view of a smart absorbent article according to an embodiment of the present invention, including a built-in pocket on an elastic waist. The difference from the disposable diapers of the other embodiments described above is that the disposable diaper of this embodiment is a pant-type disposable diaper including an elastic waist 27, such as a pant diaper, a training pant, or a pant diaper. The built-in pocket 26 is installed within the double layer of the elastic waist 27. When the diaper is in a worn state, the elastic force generated on the elastic waist can be converted into a vertical acting force that presses the built-in pocket 26 against the user's body, effectively pressing and fixing the sensor 30 within the pocket 26, and making the contact between the contact points of the sensor 30 and the detection lines 21, 22 on the contact surface of the detection film 40 more reliable.

[0073] The detection area of the detection film 40 in this embodiment corresponds to the absorbent layer 12 of the diaper, and the contact area of the detection film 40 is located within the built-in pocket 26 of the elastic waist of the diaper. That is, since they are spatially separated from each other, it is further possible to prevent the moisture in the absorbent layer 12 from penetrating into the contact area and causing a short circuit in the detection lines, which can also be regarded as a kind of short-circuit protection mechanism. The detection film 40 may adopt any of the embodiments described above. The built-in pocket 26 extends toward the waist edge of the diaper and includes an opening leading to the built-in pocket in the gap of the double layer at the edge portion, so that the sensor 30 for performing wetness detection can be inserted through the opening.

[0074] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of the external appearance structure of the smart absorbent article according to the embodiment of the present invention, including a notch leading to the built-in pocket. In the above-described embodiment, the opening of the functional pocket 26 is generally located at the front edge portion of the disposable diaper, and utilizes the double-layer gap between the contact surface 61 of the detection film and the base film 15 or the waterproof cover layer 24 / 64 as a hidden opening. In actual applications, a notch can be formed on the outer surface or the inner surface of the disposable diaper, and the sensor can be placed in the built-in pocket for use.

[0075] The smart disposable diaper 10 of this embodiment includes components such as a surface layer 11, an absorbent layer 12, a base film 15, a detection film 40, and a waterproof cover layer 24. The detection film includes detection lines 21 and 22, and a built-in pocket 26 is formed between the contact surface of the detection film 40 and the waterproof cover layer or the base film, including a separable part. The outer surface or the inner surface of the front edge portion of the disposable diaper further includes a notch 23, and the notch 23 leads to the built-in pocket 26. The sensor 30 can be placed in the built-in pocket 26 through the notch 23 for use.

[0076] FIGS. 14 and 15 are schematic diagrams of the external appearance structure of the detection film having a loop detection line design and a multi-detection line design suitable for the use of the smart absorbent article according to the embodiment of the present invention. The detection film 40 in the figure includes a contact area 43, a detection area 47, and a margin area 48. During application, the contact area 43 corresponds to the front edge of the disposable diaper, includes the exposed detection line, and constitutes the contact surface, which can be used for the contact and electrical connection with the contact point of the sensor inserted by making a functional pocket in this part. The margin area 48 corresponds to the rear edge of the disposable diaper, and a margin pocket can be made in this part to provide a margin for cutting the diaper. The detection area 47 corresponds to the crotch position of the disposable diaper and is used to detect the wet state of the absorbent layer of the disposable diaper.

[0077] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14, the detection area 47 includes a loop detection line design, including six detection lines from top to bottom. The odd-numbered detection lines are connected to the detection line 22, and the even-numbered detection lines are connected to the detection line 21. By this method, the coverage area and the detection range of the detection area 47 can be effectively expanded. The detection area 47 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 15 includes seven mutually parallel detection lines (from 51 to 57). Even with such a design, the coverage range of the detection lines can be effectively expanded, and more wet state information at different positions can also be provided. Since the tip and the end of these detection line patterns in this embodiment are asymmetric, a positioning mark 42 is further included on the detection film 40 so that the detection film can be accurately fitted into a specific position of the diaper.

[0078] In addition, the detection film of the embodiment of the present invention can have more structural forms and more detection line pattern designs. Based on the foregoing embodiments, corresponding changes can also be made in combination with actual needs. Also, in the foregoing embodiments, the built-in pocket is installed on the front end of the diaper. However, in actual applications, as long as the detection film / detection line can pass through, the pocket can also be installed at other positions of the diaper, such as the crotch part, the back or the side of the diaper.

[0079] Since the smart absorbent article 10 of the embodiment of the present invention has a smart wetness detection function, a smart wetness monitoring system can be configured simply by inserting the sensor 30 into the built-in pocket 26. In such a monitoring system, the sensor includes at least two contact points so that it can contact the first and second detection lines to make an electrical connection. The sensor further includes a capacitance detection device capable of detecting the wetness state of the absorbent article by an electrolytic capacitance method. In actual applications, the sensor preferably has four or more contact points, and an insertion detection device can be configured by two of these contact points. The sensor can usually include a wireless transmission device, or a wireless reception device can be installed and combined with it. By doing so, the wetness state information of the absorbent article can be transmitted and received using a wireless method. The wireless reception device usually includes an acoustic-optical alarm device, a smartphone, or a personal computer.

[0080] What is disclosed above is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and of course, the scope of the rights of the present invention cannot be limited thereby. Therefore, equivalent changes made based on the claims of the present invention also continue to fall within the scope covered by the present invention.

Claims

1. In a smart absorbent article based on a capacitive detection film and a built-in pocket, it includes a disposable absorbent article, a capacitive detection film, a built-in pocket, and a short-circuit protection mechanism, wherein the disposable absorbent article includes a surface layer, an absorption layer, and a base film, the capacitive detection film includes a contact surface, a detection surface, a dielectric layer, and at least two detection lines, at least a part of the detection line is located within the contact surface, the dielectric layer separates and insulates the detection line from the detection surface, and its outer surface constitutes the detection surface, the detection surface faces the absorption layer, and when wetted by a liquid containing an electrolyte, the detection line can realize the wetness detection function of the detection surface in a capacitance method through the dielectric layer, the short-circuit protection mechanism is used to protect the detection line from being affected by moisture inside and outside the disposable absorbent article, the short-circuit protection mechanism includes a waterproof cover layer covering the contact surface, the built-in pocket is a head-tail type or through type built-in pocket used for inserting a sensor for performing wetness detection, which is configured by including a separable part between the contact surface and the waterproof cover layer, the detection line includes an exposed part within the contact surface and is configured to be in face-to-face contact and electrical connection with the sensor, a smart absorbent article, the capacitive detection film having the head-tail type built-in pocket, includes a plastic film substrate, the detection line is installed on one surface of the plastic film substrate, the waterproof cover layer covers the detection line, a part that is adhered to each other is included at the middle position between the waterproof cover layer and the plastic film substrate to form a detection area, and separable parts are included at both ends of the tip and the end to form the head-tail type built-in pocket, the plastic film substrate or the waterproof cover layer constitutes the dielectric layer, and its outer surface faces the absorption layer and constitutes the detection surface, the capacitive detection film having the through type built-in pocket, includes a plastic film substrate, the detection line is installed on one surface of the plastic film substrate and constitutes the contact surface, The plastic film substrate constitutes the dielectric layer, and one of its surfaces faces the absorption layer to form the detection surface. The waterproof cover layer covers the contact surface. Both edge portions of the waterproof cover layer and the plastic film substrate include portions that are bonded to each other and form a boundary that prevents the penetration and entry of liquid. A hollow portion is further included between the waterproof cover layer and the plastic film substrate to form the through-type built-in pocket. This is the characteristic. Smart absorbent articles.

2. One hidden opening is included within the double layer of the front edge portion of the disposable absorbent article. The hidden opening communicates with the built-in pocket and is used for inserting a sensor to realize the wetness detection function. The smart absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. One hidden opening is included within the double layer of the front edge portion and the rear edge portion of the disposable absorbent article respectively. The hidden openings respectively communicate with one built-in pocket. The built-in pocket located at the front edge portion constitutes a functional pocket and is used for inserting a sensor to realize the wetness detection. The built-in pocket located at the rear edge portion constitutes a margin pocket, which provides a margin for error in the cutting at a fixed position in the production of the smart absorbent article. The smart absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that.

4. The disposable absorbent article includes an elastic waist. The built-in pocket is installed on the elastic waist. When the smart absorbent article is in a worn state, the elastic force generated on the elastic waist can be converted into an acting force that makes the built-in pocket adhere closely to the user's body, thereby pressing the sensor installed in the built-in pocket to make the contact between the contact point of the sensor and the detection line more reliable. The smart absorbent article according to claim 2, characterized in that.

5. The disposable absorbent article includes a paper diaper, a sheet-type paper diaper, a sanitary napkin, a maternity napkin or a urine pad. The surface layer includes a hydrophilic non-woven fabric. The absorption layer includes a high molecular absorption material. The base film includes a PE film that allows air to pass through or does not allow air to pass through. The detection line includes an ink line printed with conductive ink, a metal line or an aluminum foil line deposited by physical vapor deposition, and a copper foil line. The plastic film substrate includes a PE, PP, CPP, BOPP or PET film, The waterproof cover layer includes a plastic film, waterproof paper or water-repellent non-woven fabric, The liquid containing the electrolyte is characterized by containing urine containing salts, watery feces, sweat or blood. The smart absorbent article according to claim 4.

6. In a capacitance-type detection film including a head-tail type built-in pocket suitable for manufacturing the smart absorbent article according to claim 1, it includes a plastic film substrate, a waterproof cover layer, and at least two detection lines. The detection lines are installed on one surface of the plastic film substrate, the waterproof cover layer covers the detection lines, and a portion where the waterproof cover layer and the plastic film substrate are bonded to each other is included at the middle position between them, constituting a protected detection area to prevent the detection lines from being short-circuited due to the penetration of liquid. The waterproof cover layer and the plastic film substrate include separable portions at both the front end and the rear end to form a contact area. The contact area located at the front edge portion constitutes a functional pocket, the detection lines are exposed within the functional pocket to form a contact surface, and are used to make face-to-face contact with the contact points of the sensors inserted into the pocket for electrical connection. The contact area located at the rear edge portion constitutes a margin pocket, which can provide a margin for error in the fixed-position cutting during the production of the smart absorbent article. The plastic film substrate or the waterproof cover layer constitutes a dielectric layer, and its outer surface constitutes a detection surface. The detection lines can detect the wet state on the detection surface in a capacitance manner through the dielectric layer. The detection sensitivity is proportional to the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer and inversely proportional to the thickness of the dielectric layer. Capacitance-type detection film.

7. In a capacitance-type detection film including a through-type built-in pocket suitable for manufacturing the smart absorbent article according to claim 1, it includes a plastic film substrate, a waterproof cover layer, and at least two detection lines. The detection line is installed on one surface within the plastic film substrate, the waterproof cover layer covers the detection line, both sides of the waterproof cover layer and the plastic film substrate include portions joined to each other at the edge part, and thereby generate a boundary for preventing the penetration and entry of liquid and constitute a short-circuit protection mechanism. A hollow part is included between the waterproof cover layer and the plastic film substrate to constitute a through-type built-in pocket. The detection line is exposed within the built-in pocket to form a contact surface and is used to make face-to-face contact with the contact points of the sensor inserted into the built-in pocket for electrical connection. The plastic film substrate constitutes a dielectric layer, and its outer surface constitutes a detection surface. The detection line can detect the wet state on the detection surface in a capacitance method through the dielectric layer. Its detection sensitivity is proportional to the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer and inversely proportional to the thickness of the dielectric layer. Capacitive detection film.

8. In a system device for realizing the monitoring of the wet state of smart absorbent articles, it includes a sensor and the smart absorbent article according to claim 1. The sensor includes at least two contact points for making electrical connection by contacting the detection line within the built-in pocket. The sensor further includes a capacitance detection device for realizing the wet detection function of the disposable absorbent article in a capacitance method. A system device characterized by this.

9. The sensor includes at least three contact points, two of which constitute an insertion detection device. When the sensor is inserted into the built-in pocket and the two contact points simultaneously contact the same detection line, the insertion detection device is triggered to put the sensor into an operating state. The system device according to claim 8, characterized by this.

10. The sensor further includes a wireless transmission device and a wireless reception device for transmitting and receiving information on the wet state of the smart absorbent article by a wireless method. The wireless reception device includes an acoustic-optical alarm device, a smartphone or a personal computer. The system device according to claim 9, characterized by this.

Citation Information

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