Absorbent Article Conductive Patterns for Urine and Stool Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent articles for personal hygiene lack cost-effective and accurate monitoring of stool and urine detection, often leading to false positives due to complex and costly sensor systems that are not suitable for disposable use.
Innovation Solution
The absorbent article incorporates a first indicator on the body-facing side and a second indicator on the garment-facing side, both using electrically conductive materials with distinct application patterns, allowing for accurate urine and stool detection through capacitance and resistance measurements, minimizing interference and false positives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex sensor systems with signal processing units and batteries are used for moisture detection, then detection capability is improved, but cost increases and device complexity increases making it unsuitable for disposable use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensing function from complex electronic sensor systems and implements it through simple electrically conductive indicator patterns that can be directly integrated into the absorbent article structure. The indicators use basic electrical properties (conductivity, capacitance) rather than complex sensor assemblies with signal processing units and batteries, enabling detection functionality in a disposable context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive electrically conductive materials (such as conductive inks or coatings) applied as patterns on substrates within the absorbent article, replacing expensive reusable sensor systems. These indicators are designed to be disposable with the absorbent article itself, eliminating the need for complex electronics while maintaining detection functionality for the intended use period.
2Device complexity
If single indicator systems are used for exudate detection, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision decreases leading to false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple separate indicator patterns (first indicator pattern, second indicator pattern, and optionally third indicator pattern) with different application configurations. Each pattern is positioned and configured differently within the absorbent article to detect specific types of exudates, enabling differentiation between urine and stool without requiring complex sensor systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies electrically conductive materials in specific local patterns with different geometries and positions tailored to detect different exudate types. The first indicator pattern may be positioned to detect urine, while the second pattern is configured for stool detection, with each pattern having optimized local characteristics for its specific detection function.
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
This design enables reliable and cost-effective detection of urine and stool in absorbent articles, reducing the risk of false alarms and ensuring timely replacement, while maintaining breathability and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The absorbent article incorporates a first indicator on the body-facing side and a second indicator on the garment-facing side, both using electrically conductive materials with distinct application patterns, allowing for accurate urine and stool detection through capacitance and resistance measurements
Implementation Method 2
allowing for accurate urine and stool detection through capacitance and resistance measurements
Data Source
AI summary
An absorbent article for personal hygiene comprising: a topsheet; a backsheet, wherein the topsheet is liquid permeable and the backsheet is substantially liquid impermeable; an absorbent core positioned between said topsheet and backsheet; a first indicator for indicating the presence of exudates and being positioned on a body-facing side of said backsheet, said first indicator comprising an electrically conductive material, wherein said article comprises a second indicator for indicating the presence of exudates and being positioned on a garment-facing side of said backsheet such that the first and second indicators are separated from each other at least in a thickness direction, said second indicator comprising an electrically conductive material, and wherein said first indicator comprises a first application pattern and said second indicator comprises a second application pattern, wherein said first and second application patterns are different.