Absorbent Article Data Logger for Saturation Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing the absorbent capacity of disposable absorbent articles, such as diapers and sanitary towels, is challenging due to their finite absorption capacity, leading to administrative burdens in institutional settings, and predicting when replacement is needed is difficult without accurate monitoring systems.
Innovation Solution
A data capture and management system with embedded sensors and a logger unit that connects to a data receiver via a wireless network, allowing for real-time monitoring and notification of saturation, using unique device identifiers for data correlation and user-friendly identifiers to simplify data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If absorbent articles are used in institutional settings with many users and fewer carers, then the care coverage is improved, but the administrative burden of managing article capacity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent article itself performs the monitoring function through embedded sensors that automatically detect saturation levels and transmit data, eliminating the need for carers to manually check and record the status of each article. The system self-monitors and self-reports, transforming the article from a passive absorbent product to an active monitoring device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by having sensors monitor absorbent capacity in real-time and automatically transmit status information to carers through a communication interface. This feedback loop enables carers to receive timely notifications about article saturation without manual intervention, optimizing the caregiver-to-user ratio.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual monitoring and record-keeping is used to track absorbent article capacity, then no additional hardware is required, but accurate prediction of replacement timing becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical monitoring methods with electronic sensing and automated data transmission. Sensors embedded in the absorbent article detect saturation levels electronically and communicate this data wirelessly or through docking interfaces, eliminating the need for manual inspection and record-keeping while providing precise, objective measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary data logging and communication unit that acts as a mediator between the absorbent article and the carer. This intermediary automatically captures sensor data, stores it, and transmits it to the communication interface, providing accurate capacity information without requiring direct manual measurement or prediction by carers.
3Reliability
If absorbent articles have embedded sensors and data logging capabilities, then real-time monitoring of capacity is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into distinct functional modules: sensors embedded in the absorbent article for detection, a data logging unit for storage, and a communication interface for data transmission. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently and enables flexible configuration where not all features need to be present in every article type.
Solution Approach 2:
The data logging unit serves multiple functions: it stores sensor data from the absorbent article, manages communication protocols, interfaces with different transmission methods (wireless or wired), and can provide power to the sensors. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining monitoring reliability.
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 system effectively monitors and manages absorbent article usage, providing timely alerts and data analysis for improved care, reducing administrative burdens and ensuring accurate data management without requiring users to remember complex identifiers.
Implementation Method 1
a data link between the data logger and a data collection hub
Data Source
AI summary
A data capture and management system for providing an absorbent article, such as a diaper, a sanitary towel, an incontinence garment, a medical dressing and the like, with sensing and/or data logging capabilities is provided. The system includes a data logger configured to be detachably attached to or located in the vicinity of an absorbent article, a data link between the data logger and a data collection hub, and a user interface for permitting an operator to access the data collection hub from a remote location. For ease of identification, each data logger is provided with a user-friendly identifier, and the data collection hub includes a correlator that correlates the user-friendly identifier of the data logger with an IMEI number or other unique device identifier of that data logger. A method of capturing and managing incontinence data using the above system is also provided.