Conductive Thread Textile Sensor for Biological Liquid Drying
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional moisture monitoring systems in smart clothing only detect the presence of moisture and do not characterize biological liquids based on their drying behavior.
Innovation Solution
A sensor unit with conductive threads integrated into textiles, utilizing a microcontroller to apply test signals and record feedback signals to determine drying metrics by comparing electrical properties and timing, enabling characterization of biological liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional moisture monitoring systems use electrodes to detect potential difference changes, then moisture presence can be detected, but the drying behavior and characterization of biological liquids cannot be evaluated
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is divided into multiple conductive threads (first conductive thread and second conductive thread) spaced apart from each other. This segmentation allows the system to measure electrical properties at different locations and over time, enabling characterization of drying behavior while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular thread design
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller applies test signals to the conductive threads at multiple time points (first time, second time, etc.). This periodic measurement approach enables the system to track changes in electrical properties over time, providing drying behavior data without requiring a completely complex sensor architecture
2Measurement precision
If multiple test signals are applied at different times to measure drying behavior, then liquid characterization is enabled, but the measurement time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies test signals at discrete time points (first time, second time) rather than continuously. This periodic measurement approach provides sufficient drying behavior data while minimizing measurement time and energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses electrical property measurements (voltage, current, resistance) to characterize drying behavior instead of mechanical or physical measurement methods. This substitution enables precise drying metrics to be obtained through simple electrical measurements taken at multiple time points, avoiding complex measurement mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If conductive threads are spaced apart to enable electrical measurement, then drying behavior can be characterized, but the sensor unit size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit consists of multiple thin conductive threads spaced apart, rather than requiring a large continuous conductive area. This segmented approach provides the necessary electrical measurement capability while minimizing the overall sensor unit area, as each thread can be positioned optimally for measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters (applying test signals at different times, measuring voltage and current at multiple time points) to extract drying behavior information from the spaced conductive threads. This allows precise characterization without requiring the conductive threads to be in close contact or form a large continuous structure
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
Enables precise characterization of biological liquids by measuring drying time and rate, allowing for reproductive status monitoring and disease condition detection.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor unit includes a plurality of conductive threads incorporated into a textile, including at least a first conductive thread and a second conductive thread spaced from the first conductive thread. A microcontroller is electrically connected to the plurality of conductive threads. The microcontroller is configured to apply a test signal to the first conductive thread at a plurality of times
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor unit for characterizing a biological liquid includes a plurality of conductive threads incorporated into a textile and a microcontroller electrically connected to the threads. The microcontroller is configured to apply a test signal to a first conductive thread and receive feedback signals from a second conductive thread. The feedback signals indicate that a biological liquid is electrically connecting the conductive threads. By comparing the feedback signals received at two or more time points, the microcontroller can compute a drying metric for the biological liquid. Additional features include monitoring the change in voltage of the feedback signal over time and estimating the volume of the liquid. The sensor unit may be incorporated into a wearable garment or included in a fertility monitoring system. In the fertility monitoring system, a computing device receives and compares the feedback signals to determine the drying metric for the biological liquid.