Capacitive Moisture Sensing for Incontinence Event Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent articles require frequent manual checks for incontinence events, which is labor-intensive and disruptive to patients, and existing detection systems suffer from false positives and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using capacitive moisture sensors (CMS) with predefined reporting configurations and supplementary sensors to detect incontinence events in absorbent articles, reducing false positives by analyzing multiple signals and reporting only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual checks are performed frequently to detect incontinence events, then detection reliability is improved, but labor intensity increases and patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical checking with an automated electronic detection system comprising capacitive sensors, processors, and communication modules integrated into the absorbent article. The system automatically detects liquid presence through capacitive changes, processes signals, and communicates status without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining detection reliability while eliminating the discomfort of frequent manual checks.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent article with integrated sensors performs self-monitoring and self-reporting of incontinence events. The capacitive sensors continuously monitor liquid presence, the processor automatically evaluates detection criteria, and the system autonomously communicates status changes, eliminating the need for caregiver intervention and improving patient comfort while maintaining reliable detection.
2Ease of operation
If automated sensors are used to detect incontinence events, then patient comfort is improved, but false positives increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where detected liquid presence is continuously monitored and evaluated against predefined criteria. The processor receives sensor data, processes it according to established algorithms, and provides feedback to determine whether an incontinence event has occurred, thereby reducing false positives while maintaining patient comfort through automated monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes capacitive sensors that detect changes in electrical capacitance parameters in response to liquid presence. The system monitors specific parameter thresholds and uses these parameter changes to distinguish between actual incontinence events and false conditions, improving detection accuracy while maintaining the comfort benefits of automated monitoring.
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are integrated to reduce false positives, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions into an integrated system where capacitive sensors, processors, and communication modules are merged into a single unified absorbent article. This integration allows multiple detection capabilities to work together to reduce false positives while the compact design minimizes the increase in device complexity, making the system practical for real-world application.
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
Automatically detects incontinence events with reduced false positives, minimizing manual checks and optimizing absorbent article usage, enhancing patient comfort and caregiver efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a signal from a capacitive moisture sensor, CMS, attached to the absorbent article, the signal being dependent on the presence of liquid in an absorbent article
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The present disclosure concerns a method for detecting an incontinence event in an absorbent article (401), the method comprising the steps of: receiving (S101) a signal from a capacitive moisture sensor, CMS, (201) attached to the absorbent article (401), the signal being dependent on presence of liquid in the absorbent article (401); determining (S102) based on the signal and a predefined reporting configuration comprising a reference value associated with the signal, whether to report an incontinence event; and reporting (S103) an incontinence event based on the determination (S102). A corresponding system is also disclosed.