Absorbent article with sensing means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current absorbent articles with integrated sensors for monitoring moisture or pressure are costly and not easily reusable, making them impractical for disposable use, and there is a need for an affordable and efficient sensing solution that can be produced on commercial equipment at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
An absorbent article with a color-changing indication means and a detachable indication device that includes a color sensor, allowing for reusable and cost-effective monitoring of bodily exudates, which can be efficiently produced on commercially available equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an integrated sensor with signal processing unit, transmitter and battery is used to monitor moisture or pressure, then sensing capability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing system is divided into two separate parts: a disposable absorbent article containing only the color-changing indication means, and a reusable indication device containing the color sensor, signal processing unit, and transmitter. This segmentation allows the complex electronic components to be reused across multiple articles while the simple color indicator remains with the disposable article, significantly reducing per-unit cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex electronic sensing components (color sensor, signal processing unit, transmitter, battery) are extracted from the disposable absorbent article and placed in a separate reusable indication device. Only the simple color-changing indication means remains in the disposable article, enabling it to be manufactured at low cost and disposed of after use.
2Reliability
If an integrated sensor is disposed of with the absorbent article, then sensing function is provided, but cost becomes unacceptable for disposable products
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable absorbent article with color-changing indication means is discarded after use, while the reusable indication device with color sensor and electronics is recovered and can be attached to subsequent absorbent articles. This allows the expensive electronic components to be reused multiple times, dramatically reducing the cost per sensing unit while maintaining continuous sensing functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If a reusable indication device with color sensor is used, then cost-effectiveness and reusability are improved, but the sensing area must be protected from moisture exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The color-changing indication means acts as an intermediary between the moisture environment and the color sensor. It is positioned in direct contact with bodily exudates and undergoes a color change in response, while the color sensor remains protected in the reusable indication device. The intermediary transfers the moisture information through color change without exposing the sensor to harmful moisture.
4Measurement precision
If complex sensor integration is implemented, then sensing accuracy is improved, but production speed and manufacturing efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into two independent streams: simple production of disposable absorbent articles with color-changing indication means using existing high-speed diaper manufacturing equipment, and separate production/reuse of indication devices with color sensors. This segmentation allows both to be manufactured efficiently without interfering with each other's production speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The color-changing indication means is designed to be automatically integrated into the absorbent article during existing manufacturing processes without requiring additional complex equipment or slowing down production. The indication device is then simply attached to the finished article, maintaining high production throughput while enabling precise sensing.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides reliable and affordable monitoring of absorbent article status, enabling reuse of the sensing device and efficient production, addressing the cost and practicality issues of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an indication means (60) for indicating the presence of such bodily exudates, the indication means (60) comprising a color-changing indication means (60)
Implementation Method 2
the indication device (70) comprises a color sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an absorbent article comprising an indication means for indicating the presence of bodily exudates, the indication means comprising a color-changing indication means, wherein the absorbent article and the indication means form one integral unit, the article further comprising a indication device, which comprises a housing and a connection means, such that the indication device can be attached to the absorbent article and be detached from the absorbent article, wherein the indication device comprises a color sensor.