Absorbent Article Sensors for Impending Leakage Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional absorbent articles lack the ability to indicate impending leakage, leading to uncertainty about remaining absorbent capacity, which can result in undesirable leakage before the article is changed.
Innovation Solution
An absorbent article with a plurality of sensors integrated across its width, including a pH indicator, that can detect the presence or absence of urine and indicate impending leakage by correlating the liquid front position with absorbent capacity, allowing for accurate prediction of leakage probability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensors are used to detect urine presence, then urine detection is achieved, but remaining absorbent capacity cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent article is divided into multiple sensing zones with different sensor types positioned at strategic locations. The first sensor detects urine presence, while the second sensor detects when the liquid front reaches it, indicating remaining capacity. This segmentation allows simultaneous monitoring of multiple parameters without requiring a single complex sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point detection to multi-point spatial detection across the absorbent article. By positioning sensors at different locations and using pH indicators that change color based on urine concentration, the system adds spatial and chemical dimensionality to the detection process, enabling determination of both presence and remaining capacity.
2Productivity
If consumers continue using absorbent articles until full capacity is reached, then absorbent capacity is maximized, but leakage occurs before article change
Solution Approach 1:
The second sensor is positioned to detect the liquid front before it reaches the absorbent core's full capacity. When the liquid front contacts the second sensor, it triggers a visual indication that leakage is impending, allowing consumers to change the article proactively before actual leakage occurs, thus maintaining both high capacity utilization and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-sensor system provides continuous feedback to the consumer about the absorbent article's status. The first sensor indicates urine presence, and the second sensor indicates remaining capacity, enabling consumers to make informed decisions about when to change the article, thereby preventing leakage while maximizing absorbent capacity utilization.
3Loss of information
If multiple sensors are integrated across the article width, then remaining absorbent capacity can be determined, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive pH indicator sensors that change color in response to urine contact. These disposable indicators are integrated into the single-use absorbent article, eliminating the need for complex electronics, power sources, or sophisticated signal processing systems. The simplicity of the sensor design maintains low device complexity while providing valuable capacity information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pH indicator sensors that exhibit color changes when exposed to urine. This visual indication method eliminates the need for electronic displays, processors, or power sources, thereby maintaining simple device architecture. The color-changing sensors provide intuitive feedback about urine presence and remaining absorbent capacity without adding significant complexity to the overall system.
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 enables users to determine the remaining absorbent capacity and impending leakage, reducing the risk of leakage by providing a simple and cost-effective method for rapid determination of absorbent article fullness.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the sensors comprises a pH indicator
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure an absorbent article capable of indicating the presence or absence of urine as well as impending leakage of urine is disclosed. The absorbent article includes a substantially liquid impermeable layer, a liquid permeable layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the substantially liquid impermeable layer and the liquid permeable layer. A plurality of sensors are integrated into the article across the width of the article and positioned such that the sensors are in fluid communication with urine when provided by a wearer of the article. At least one of the sensors comprises a pH indicator. At least one of the sensors is capable of indicating the presence or absence of urine and at least one of the sensors is capable of indicating impending leakage of urine from the article.