Smart diaper

Abstract

The present invention relates to a smart diaper comprising: a diaper having a plurality of detection lines traversing from the abdomen to the waist area; and a detection device that is electrically connected to the detection lines by being detachably coupled to the abdominal band portion of the diaper, and senses the presence or absence of urine or feces in the diaper through the detection lines, and when urine or feces is detected, displays an alarm to the outside or transmits to a management device via a wireless communication network to induce management; wherein the diaper comprises an outer skin and an inner skin; and an absorbent layer laminated and arranged at a position covering the area where urine or feces are concentrated between the outer skin and the inner skin; wherein the detection lines are arranged in a non-contact state with the wearer's skin between the outer skin and the absorbent layer, and the detection device is detachably attached to the diaper with a compression fixing force by a cover that opens and closes around a hinge on one side of the housing, and comprises a plurality of connection terminals arranged on one side of the housing to maintain electrical connection and a connection state by penetrating each of the detection lines; and a stopper arranged on one side of the cover corresponding to the connection terminals.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a smart diaper, and more specifically, to a smart diaper that detects the urination status of a pee pad without relying on visual information. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, infants who cannot manage their own bowel movements or patients with limited mobility wear diapers. However, if these diapers are not changed within a certain period after defecation, the excrement can cause rashes, eczema, or bedsores, so they must be changed promptly. Consequently, caregivers of infants or patients must frequently check for the presence of urine or feces using their sense of smell, sight, or touch, which is very inconvenient. Furthermore, it is difficult to easily detect small amounts of excretion, which is not only unhygienic but also poses a problem that can cause disease in the wearer.

[0004] As a solution to the aforementioned problem, Korean published patent No. 10-2004-0074806 discloses a urination alarm device for a diaper.

[0005] The above-described urination alarm device comprises: a diaper having a configuration in which conductive detection lines are provided at regular intervals on an inner surface corresponding to the skin, and extensions of the detection lines are connected to a detachable terminal made of a magnetic material on a band portion; and a detection device comprising a detachable terminal formed as one end so as to be attached to the detachable terminal of the diaper, a detection unit that detects a change in current of the detection line transmitted through the detachable terminal, a control IC that detects whether urination has occurred according to the change in current detected by the detection unit, a melody IC that generates a urination alarm as a melody through a speaker according to the control of the control IC, a volume control switch for adjusting the volume of the melody IC, and a battery having a replaceable structure.

[0006] At this time, the sensing device is composed of a body part and a cover part that open and close around a hinge on one side, and when closed, it is mounted on the band part of the diaper and becomes electrically conductive between the detachable terminals.

[0007] Although the urination alarm device of a conventional diaper described above has the advantage of being able to immediately detect and notify of urine and feces, there is a problem in that a detection line made of copper wire or conductive paint is formed on the inner surface of the diaper that comes into contact with the wearer's skin, causing skin irritation due to the detection line coming into contact with the human skin.

[0008] In addition, since detection lines formed of metal oxidize more easily when reacting with urine and feces, they not only cause serious adverse effects on the delicate skin of infants or patients but also pose a problem of contaminating the inner and outer surfaces of diapers.

[0009] In addition, when the above-mentioned sensing device is mounted on the band portion of the diaper, it protrudes toward the inner surface of the diaper, causing problems such as pressing on the wearer's skin and causing a foreign body sensation, which causes discomfort when worn. Prior art literature

[0011] Korean Published Patent No. 10-2004-0074806 The problem to be solved

[0012] The present invention aims to provide a smart diaper with a structure improved to minimize skin irritation to the wearer, increase electrical connection with the detection line of the diaper when the detection device is mounted on the diaper, and minimize foreign body sensation or discomfort to the wearer when the detection device is mounted on the diaper. means of solving the problem

[0014] The present invention may comprise: a diaper having a plurality of detection lines traversing from the abdomen to the waist area; and a detection device that is electrically connected to the detection lines by being detachably coupled to the abdominal band portion of the diaper, and senses the presence or absence of urine or feces in the diaper through the detection lines, and if urine or feces is detected, displays an alarm to the outside or transmits to a management device via a wireless communication network to induce management; wherein the diaper comprises an outer layer and an inner layer; and an absorbent layer laminated and arranged at a position covering the area where urine or feces are concentrated between the outer layer and the inner layer; wherein the detection lines are arranged in a non-contact state with the wearer's skin between the outer layer and the absorbent layer, and the detection device is detachably attached to the diaper with a compression fixing force by a cover that opens and closes around a hinge on one side of the housing, and may comprise a plurality of connection terminals arranged on one side of the housing to maintain electrical connection and a connection state by penetrating each of the detection lines; and a stopper arranged on one side of the cover corresponding to the connection terminals.

[0015] The diaper of the present invention may comprise a pad extending long from the abdominal area to the waist area; and Velcro fasteners correspondingly provided on both sides of the abdominal area and the waist area of ​​the pad.

[0016] The diaper of the present invention may be a panty type having a tightening band portion provided at the top, which wraps around the waist area from the abdominal area, and at the bottom, which is located at both leg areas.

[0017] In the present invention, the outer shell of the diaper may be the waterproof layer itself or a cover layer laminated on the outer surface of the waterproof layer.

[0018] In the present invention, the absorbent layer of the diaper may be formed of a plant-based absorbent (Celtella) or a petroleum-derived chemical absorbent (SAP) with a predetermined thickness.

[0019] The absorbent layer of the present invention may be laminated and provided in a portion excluding the border portions where the abdominal area, waist area, and both leg areas are located.

[0020] The detection lines of the present invention may be 2 to 4 detection lines formed by applying a conductive ink, which changes resistance and capacitance in response to urine and feces, to the waterproof layer.

[0021] The connection terminal of the sensing device of the present invention may be composed of a plurality of spike blocks.

[0022] The stopper of the sensing device of the present invention may be made of a flexible material that provides frictional force or adhesive force to the surface in contact with the diaper when mounted on the diaper, and prevents damage to the tip of the connection terminal penetrating the surface in contact with the diaper.

[0023] The absorbent layer of the present invention may extend and protrude to a region excluding the edge of the abdominal area of ​​the diaper and the region where the sensing device is mounted.

[0024] In the portion of the extended absorption layer of the present invention, the portion where the sensing device is mounted may have a mounting groove formed to the width into which the sensing device is inserted. Effects of the invention

[0026] The present invention performs the basic function of a smart diaper in which, when a detection device detects that the resistance and capacitance of the diaper's detection line changes due to urine or feces, it displays an alarm externally or transmits the information to a management device via a wireless communication network, thereby inducing a guardian or manager to perform management actions such as replacing the diaper and washing the wearer's body.

[0027] In addition to the basic urine and feces management function of the smart diaper, the present invention has the effect of preventing skin irritation or trouble caused by the detection line by positioning the detection line between the outer layer and the absorbent layer, rather than on the inner layer of the diaper that comes into contact with the wearer's skin, so that it does not come into direct contact with the wearer's skin.

[0028] In addition, the present invention achieves the effect of preventing contamination of the inner and outer surfaces of the diaper by positioning the metallic detection line between the outer layer and the absorbent layer, rather than on the inner layer of the diaper where the detection line comes into contact with the wearer's skin, so that the detection line, oxidized upon reaction with urine and feces, melts, peels off, or detaches and leaks out to the outside of the diaper, thereby preventing adverse effects on the delicate skin of infants or patients.

[0029] The present invention provides a connection terminal formed in the shape of a spike, and when electrically connected to a detection line, the electrical connection is established by embedding or penetrating the detection line, thereby achieving the effect of maintaining a robust electrical connection state.

[0030] By extending the absorbent layer to the edge portion of the abdominal area of ​​the diaper, and providing a mounting groove having a width equal to or slightly wider than the width of the sensing device in the extended portion where the sensing device is mounted, the effect of increasing comfort is achieved by minimizing skin pressure caused by external pressure and the feeling of unfamiliarity caused by wearing when the diaper equipped with the sensing device is worn.

[0031] As described above, the present invention has a mounting groove formed with a width equal to or slightly wider than the width of the sensing device, so that when the sensing device is mounted on a diaper, it slides along the mounting groove to mount, thereby accurately guiding the sensing device toward the detection line of the mounting groove, and thereby achieving the effect of enabling easy and accurate electrical connection. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the schematic configuration of the smart diaper of the present invention and an example applied to a urination management system. FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the diaper body of the smart diaper of the present invention (inner lining located at the top). FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of the diaper body of the smart diaper of the present invention in more detail. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the A_A line portion in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the BB line portion in Figure 3. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the external configuration of a sensing device among the smart diapers of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view illustrating the external configuration of a sensing device among the smart diapers of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a side partial cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which a sensing device is mounted on a diaper of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view illustrating the configuration of another example of the smart diaper of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line CC of FIG. 9) illustrating the configuration and skin contact state of another example of the smart diaper of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0034] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components regardless of drawing symbols are assigned the same reference number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0035] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0036] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0037] In this application, each step described may be performed regardless of the order listed, except where it must be performed in the order listed by a particular causal relationship.

[0038] In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0040] The present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0041] The smart diaper (100) of the present invention comprises, as illustrated in the attached drawings FIGS. 1 to 7, a diaper (110) equipped with a plurality of detection lines (120) traversing from the abdomen to the waist area; and a detection device (130) that is electrically connected to the detection lines (120) by being detachably coupled to the abdominal band portion of the diaper (110), and senses the presence or absence of urine or feces in the diaper (110) through the detection lines (120), and if urine or feces is detected, displays an alarm to the outside or transmits to a management device via a wireless communication network to induce management; wherein the diaper (110) comprises an outer layer (111) and an inner layer (112); and an absorbent layer (113) laminated and provided at a position covering the area where urine or feces are concentrated between the outer layer (111) and the inner layer (112). It may include: a detection line (120) which is provided in a non-contact state with the wearer's skin between the outer skin (111) and the absorbent layer (113); a sensing device (130) which is attached to and detached from the diaper with a compression fixing force by a cover (130B) that opens and closes around a hinge on one side of the housing (130A); a plurality of connection terminals (131) provided on one side of the housing (130A) to maintain electrical connection and a connection state by penetrating each of the detection lines (120); and a stopper (132) provided on one side of the cover (130B) corresponding to the connection terminals (131).

[0042] The present invention performs the basic function of a smart diaper, which, when the detection device (130) detects that the resistance and capacitance of the detection line (120) of the diaper (110) change due to urine and feces, displays an alarm externally or transmits it to a management device via a wireless communication network, thereby inducing a guardian or manager to perform management such as replacing the diaper (110) and washing the wearer's body.

[0043] In addition to the basic urine and feces management function of the smart diaper as described above, the present invention is positioned between the outer layer (111) and the absorbent layer (113) rather than the inner layer (112) of the diaper (110) that comes into contact with the wearer's skin, thereby preventing skin irritation or trouble caused by the detection line (120) by not coming into direct contact with the wearer's skin.

[0044] In addition, the present invention makes it possible to prevent contamination of the inner and outer surfaces of the diaper (110) by positioning the metallic detection line (120) as described above between the outer layer (111) and the absorbent layer (113) rather than the inner layer (112) of the diaper (110) that comes into contact with the wearer's skin, so that the detection line (120), which is oxidized in response to feces and urine, dissolves in the feces and urine or peels off or detaches from the outer layer (111) and leaks out to the outside of the diaper, thereby preventing adverse effects on the delicate skin of infants or patients.

[0045] Here, the diaper (110) of the present invention may comprise a pad extending from the abdominal area to the waist area, as illustrated in the attached drawings FIG. 2 and FIG. 3; and Velcro fasteners (not shown) correspondingly provided on both sides of the abdominal area and the waist area of ​​the pad.

[0046] The present invention, formed in the form of a pad as described above, allows the producer to package and distribute it in a thin, flat state, and also enables the user to store and use it in a thin, flat state.

[0047] In addition, the diaper (110) of the present invention may be a panty type having a tightening band portion provided at the top, which wraps around the waist area from the abdominal area, and at the bottom, which is located at both leg areas.

[0048] The present invention, formed in this manner as a panty type, provides ease of wearing and longevity.

[0049] Meanwhile, the outer shell (111) of the diaper (110) of the present invention may be a waterproof layer (111a) itself made of a non-breathable or breathable material, or a cover layer (111b) may be laminated and bonded to the outer surface of such a waterproof layer (111a).

[0050] In the above, the waterproof layer (111a) prevents urine and feces from penetrating and seeping out, and the cover layer (111b) protects the waterproof layer (111a) while increasing the durability of the entire diaper.

[0051] In addition, the absorbent layer (113) of the diaper (110) of the present invention may be formed with a predetermined thickness of a plant-based absorbent (Celtella) or a petroleum-derived chemical absorbent (SAP).

[0052] In the above, the plant-based absorbent layer (113) is exemplified as being made of cotton and edible tapioca starch, but any absorbent made of natural ingredients or materials can also be applied.

[0053] At this time, the absorbent layer (113) of the present invention may be laminated and provided in a portion excluding the upper and lower edge portions located on both sides where the wearer's abdominal area, waist area, and both leg areas are located.

[0054] For example, the absorbent layer (113) is provided between the outer layer (111) on which the detection line (120) is formed on one side and the inner layer (112) which is laminated and bonded to the outer layer (111), but is not provided on the upper and lower edges where the wearer's abdomen, waist, and both legs are located.

[0055] That is, as shown in the attached drawing Fig. 4, only the bonding layer of the outer skin (111) and the inner skin (112) exists in the abdominal, waist, and leg areas of the diaper (110), and in the area where urine and feces are concentrated, as shown in the attached drawing Fig. 5, the absorbent layer (113) is laminated and bonded between the outer skin (111), on which the detection line (120) is formed on one side, and the inner skin (112) laminated and bonded to the outer skin (111), thereby forming a relatively thick layer to absorb urine and feces and suppress external leakage.

[0056] In this way, the area of ​​the absorbent layer (113) is minimized and the amount of material added to the diaper (110) is minimized, thereby reducing manufacturing costs as well as making it lighter and slimmer, and increasing price competitiveness.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, the detection device (130) is mounted on the bonding layer of the outer skin (111) and inner skin (112) from which the absorption layer (113) described above is excluded, and the connection terminal (131) of the detection device (130) penetrates the detection line (120) of the diaper (110) to establish an electrical connection.

[0058] On the other hand, the detection line (120) of the present invention may be 2 to 4 detection lines formed by applying a conductive ink, which changes resistance and capacitance in response to feces and urine, to the waterproof layer.

[0059] In addition, as illustrated more specifically in FIG. 6 of the attached drawings, the sensing device (130) of the present invention may have a plurality of connection terminals (131) arranged in one row or multiple rows on the upper surface of the housing (130A), and the connection terminals (131) may have a plurality of spike structures.

[0060] At this time, the aforementioned connection terminal (131) may be inserted into a part of the detection line (120) to establish an electrical connection, as shown in the right side of the attached drawing Fig. 4 previously illustrated, or it may be inserted into a part of the detection line (120) and the outer shell (111), such as the waterproof layer (111a) or the waterproof layer (111a) and the cover layer (111b), to establish an electrical connection.

[0061] The connection terminal (131) of the present invention, as described above, performs a multifunctional function of electrically connecting to the detection line (120), as well as being embedded in or penetrating the detection line (120) to maintain a solid electrical connection state.

[0062] In addition, the stopper (132) of the sensing device (130) of the present invention may be made of a flexible material, and thus, as shown in FIG. 7 of the attached drawings, it is provided on the lower surface of the cover (130B), and as shown in FIG. 8 of the attached drawings, when mounted on the diaper (110), the stopper (132) provides frictional force or adhesive force to the surface of the diaper (110) that contacts it.

[0063] The stopper (132) thus provided frictional or adhesive force to the surface in contact with the diaper (110), thereby preventing the sensing device (130) from easily detaching from the diaper (110), and preventing or cushioning the connection terminal (131) penetrating the surface in contact with the diaper (110) from being deeply embedded and pressed against the surface of the cover (130B), thereby preventing the tip of the connection terminal (131) from being damaged.

[0064] In addition, the absorbent layer (113) of the present invention may extend and protrude to a portion excluding the edge of the abdominal portion of the diaper (110) and the portion where the sensing device (130) is mounted, as shown in the attached drawing Fig. 9.

[0065] At this time, the part where the sensing device (130) is mounted among the parts where the absorbent layer (113) is extended to the edge portion of the abdominal area of ​​the diaper (110) as described above may have a mounting groove (114) formed therein having a width equal to or slightly wider than the width of the sensing device (130).

[0066] In this way, the sensing device (130) is mounted in the mounting groove (114) formed in the extended portion of the absorbent layer (113). That is, as shown in the attached drawing Fig. 10, the sensing device (130) is inserted and mounted into the mounting groove (114), which has a height equal to the thickness of the absorbent layer (113). Therefore, when the diaper (110) with the sensing device (130) mounted is worn, the skin pressure caused by external pressure is minimized, thereby minimizing the feeling of unfamiliarity during wear and increasing the comfort of wearing.

[0067] At this time, the present invention, as described above, has the mounting groove (114) formed with a width equal to or slightly wider than the width of the sensing device (130), so that when the sensing device (130) is mounted on the diaper (110), it is mounted by sliding along the mounting groove (114).

[0068] The present invention, in this manner, makes it possible for the mounting groove (114) to accurately guide the sensing device (130) in the direction of the detection line (120) formed on the diaper (110), thereby enabling easy and accurate electrical connection.

[0070] For reference, the sensing device (130) of the present invention can detect physical information that can be quantified from the diaper (110) being worn, and can provide information for determining whether urine or feces has occurred based on the detected information. To this end, configurations for acquiring and detecting physical information, and then analyzing and storing it, may be included.

[0071] For example, the detection device (130) may include a processor, memory, a communication unit, an input / output unit, a sensor unit, a power supply unit, and a bus system that supports communication between each of the above units.

[0072] In the above, the processor receives information related to urine and feces detected through the sensor unit and processes it to check whether a predetermined condition is satisfied.

[0073] The above memory stores information (e.g., data, program code, and / or other suitable information of a temporary or permanent basis), and can store information related to urine and feces detected through the sensor unit, or store processing instructions for the processor regarding said information.

[0074] The communication unit supports communication with other systems or devices. For example, the communication unit may include a network interface card or a wireless transceiver that facilitates communication over a network. The communication unit will support communication through any suitable physical or wireless communication link(s).

[0075] The above input / output (I / O) unit allows for the input and output of data. For example, the input / output unit can receive information from the outside to determine whether urine or feces has occurred, and can transmit this to the sensor unit via a bus system. Additionally, the input / output unit may include a terminal for supplying power to the detection device (130).

[0076] The sensor unit can receive information related to the occurrence of urination and defecation based on information (e.g., electrical signals) received more specifically through the input / output unit, specifically through the electrode unit. For example, the sensor unit can detect at least one of resistance or capacitance based on the electrical signals received through the electrode unit.

[0077] The sensor unit may further include at least one sensor for detecting temperature, gas components, and rotational angular velocity.

[0079] The technical features disclosed in each embodiment of the present invention are not limited to that embodiment only, and as long as they are not mutually incompatible, the technical features disclosed in each embodiment may be combined and applied to different embodiments.

[0080] Therefore, in each embodiment, the technical features are described primarily, but as long as the technical features are not mutually incompatible, they may be combined and applied together.

[0081] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and the attached drawings, and various modifications and variations may be possible from the perspective of those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be defined not only by the claims of this specification but also by equivalents thereof. Explanation of the symbols

[0083] 100: Smart Diaper 110: Diaper 111: Outer layer 112: Inner layer 113: Absorbent layer 114: Mounting groove 120: Detector line 130: Detector device 130A: Housing 130B: Cover 131: Connection terminal 132: Stopper

Claims

Claim 1 A diaper equipped with a plurality of detection lines traversing from the abdomen to the waist area; and a detection device that is electrically connected to each detection line by being detachably coupled to the diaper, senses the presence or absence of urine or feces in the diaper through the plurality of detection lines, and when urine or feces is detected, displays an alarm externally or transmits to a management device via a wireless communication network to induce management, wherein the diaper includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and an absorbent layer laminated at a position covering an area where urine or feces are concentrated between the outer layer and the inner layer, and the plurality of detection lines are positioned between the outer layer and the absorbent layer so as to be in a non-contact state with the wearer's skin, and the detection device comprises: a housing; a cover coupled to one side of the housing to be openable and closable and applying a compression fixing force to the diaper; and a plurality of connection terminals located on one side of the housing, penetrating each of the detection lines to maintain electrical connection and a connection state with the plurality of detection lines. A smart diaper comprising a stopper located on one side of the cover corresponding to the plurality of connection terminals, and further comprising a mounting groove into which the housing of the sensing device is inserted, located in the edge portion of the abdominal area of ​​the diaper, among the portions where the absorbent layer is extended, and the housing of the sensing device is mounted therein. Claim 2 The smart diaper according to claim 1, further comprising: a pad extending from the abdominal area to the waist area; and Velcro fasteners provided correspondingly to the abdominal area and the waist area of ​​the pad, respectively. Claim 3 In claim 1, the diaper is a panty-type smart diaper having a tightening band portion provided at the top, which wraps around the waist area from the abdominal area, and at the bottom, which is located on both leg areas. Claim 4 In claim 1, the outer shell is a smart diaper having a waterproof layer or a cover layer laminated on the outer surface of the waterproof layer. Claim 5 In claim 1, the absorbent layer is a smart diaper formed with a predetermined thickness of a plant-based absorbent or a petroleum-derived chemical absorbent. Claim 6 In claim 1, the absorbent layer is provided in a smart diaper that is laminated and bonded to a portion excluding the border portions where the abdominal area, waist area, and both leg areas are located. Claim 7 In claim 4, the plurality of detection lines is a smart diaper comprising 2 to 4 detection lines formed by applying a conductive ink, which changes resistance and capacitance in response to urine and feces, to the waterproof layer. Claim 8 In claim 1, the connection terminal is a smart diaper composed of a plurality of spike blocks. Claim 9 In claim 1, the stopper is a smart diaper made of a flexible material that provides friction or adhesive force to the contact surface when mounted on the diaper. Claim 10 In claim 1, the absorbent layer is a smart diaper that extends and protrudes to a portion excluding the edge of the abdominal portion of the diaper and the portion where the sensing device is mounted. Claim 11 In claim 10, the mounting groove has a width equal to or slightly wider than the width of the sensing device in a smart diaper.

Images