Rotatable Clip Attachment for Secure Absorbent Article Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent articles with integrated detection devices are costly, complex, and prone to accidental dislodging during wearer movements, lacking effective and user-friendly means for secure attachment and positioning.
Innovation Solution
A detection device with a housing and rotatable clip element that mechanically engages with the absorbent article, ensuring secure fit and intuitive attachment, featuring conductive terminals for seamless electrical connection and a display for easy information reading, along with a detachable clip element for easy cleaning and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor with signal processing unit, transmitter and battery is integrated into the absorbent article, then monitoring capability is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into two separate parts: a reusable detection device containing the sensor, signal processing unit, transmitter and battery, and a disposable absorbent article. This segmentation allows the complex monitoring components to be reused across multiple articles, reducing the complexity and cost of each individual absorbent article while maintaining reliable monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex electronic components (sensor, signal processing unit, transmitter, battery) are extracted from the disposable absorbent article and placed in a separate reusable detection device. This extraction eliminates the need to integrate complex electronics into each disposable article, thereby reducing device complexity and cost per article while preserving the monitoring function.
2Reliability
If a sensor is integrated into the absorbent article, then monitoring capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a reusable detection device and a simple absorbent article. The expensive electronic components are confined to the reusable part, which is purchased once, while the disposable article remains simple and inexpensive to manufacture. This segmentation reduces the per-unit cost of the absorbent article while maintaining monitoring capability through the reusable device.
Solution Approach 2:
The expensive sensor and electronic components are extracted from the disposable absorbent article and placed in a separate reusable detection device. This extraction reduces the manufacturing cost of each absorbent article to minimal levels (essentially just the physical article without integrated electronics), while the monitoring capability is maintained through the reusable device that can be used with multiple articles.
3Reliability
If the detection device is securely attached to the absorbent article, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clip element is designed to be dynamically adjustable, allowing the user to easily open and close it for attachment and removal. The clip provides secure attachment when closed but can be quickly opened with one hand, combining security with ease of operation. This dynamic design allows the attachment mechanism to adapt between two states: securely fastened during use and easily opened for replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent article is designed as a disposable component that is replaced frequently, while the detection device with the clip is a reusable component. The simple clip mechanism on the reusable device is designed for ease of use and durability, allowing quick attachment to new disposable articles and easy removal, combining security with operational simplicity.
4Strength
If the clip element is permanently fixed to the housing, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clip element is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently replaced. This segmentation allows the clip to be detached and replaced without replacing the entire detection device, maintaining structural integrity during use while enabling easy repair by simply swapping the clip element when worn or damaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip element is designed to be replaceable rather than permanently fixed, allowing it to be discarded when worn or damaged and replaced with a new one. This design enables easy maintenance and repair of the detection device by simply replacing the clip element, extending the overall life of the detection device while maintaining structural integrity during normal use.
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
Provides a cost-effective, reliable, and user-friendly solution for attaching detection devices to absorbent articles, minimizing dislodging and ensuring accurate exudate detection while allowing easy assembly and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the clip element comprises one or more locking elements arranged to mechanically engage with at least a portion of the side edge when in a closed position
Implementation Method 2
at least one layer of said absorbent article is interposed between said housing and said clip element
Data Source
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AI summary
A detection device comprising: a housing comprising a front face, a back face, and side edges connecting the front and back faces and disposed therebetween; and a clip element rotatably connected to the housing, wherein the clip element comprises one or more locking elements arrange to mechanically engage with at least a portion of the side edge when in a closed position, and wherein said clip element can be rotated from an open position, where the locking elements do not mechanically engage with said side edge, to said closed position, and wherein said detection device is suitable for coupling to an absorbent article and arranged such that when in said closed position at least one layer of said absorbent article is interposed between said housing and said clip element.