Defecation Detection Device Using Resilient Conductive Sheets

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wetness indicators in diapers are inadequate for detecting defecation, as they do not reliably notify caregivers when a patient defecates without urinating, leading to potential health issues and quality of life concerns for elderly patients in care homes.

Innovation Solution

A defecation detection device comprising a positioning member, resilient member, conductive sheets, transmitter module, and protection member, which forms a closed circuit upon defecation to wirelessly notify caregivers through a receiver, ensuring timely diaper changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wetness indicator is used on the diaper, then the caregiver can be notified of urination, but the indicator cannot reliably detect defecation especially when the stool is dry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device is segmented into multiple functional components: a resilient member that makes contact with stool, conductive sheets for circuit formation, and a transmitter module for signal transmission. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the resilient member specifically designed to detect both wet and dry stool contact

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detection device is designed to universally detect both urination and defecation events. The resilient member can be compressed by both urine and stool, and the circuit formation mechanism works for both liquid and solid waste, making the device versatile for detecting all types of bowel and bladder movements regardless of moisture content

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the diaper is not changed promptly after defecation, then the patient's health issues worsen, but the wetness indicator fails to provide timely notification for dry stool

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenotification reliabilityVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device performs preliminary detection action by having the resilient member positioned to immediately contact stool upon defecation. The circuit is pre-configured with conductive sheets and wiring so that upon contact, the transmission signal is immediately generated and sent to the receiver, enabling timely notification before health issues can develop

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device establishes a feedback loop where the resilient member detects stool contact, triggers circuit formation, activates the transmitter module, and sends signals to the receiver which notifies the caregiver. This closed-loop feedback system ensures that defecation events are promptly detected and communicated, enabling timely diaper changes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If the resilient member is exposed without protection, then the detection function is simple, but the components are vulnerable to contamination by feces and moisture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidcontamination resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A protection member made of flexible material is provided to cover the resilient member and other internal components. This protective shell or film barrier prevents direct contact between feces/moisture and the detection components while allowing the resilient member to still detect stool contact through the protective layer, thus protecting components without significantly compromising detection function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 device effectively detects defecation and notifies caregivers, preventing health issues and improving patient quality of life by providing reliable alerts for diaper changes, while protecting its components from contamination and moisture.

Implementation Method 1

When the free end of the resilient member is pressed to move toward the mounting seat, the first conductive sheet is in contact with the second conductive sheet, and the transmitter module is activated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11801171B2Defecation detection device

Publication Date: 2023.10.31 I DING MEDICAL EQUIP

AI summary

A defecation detection device (2) is adapted to communicate with a receiver (4) and includes a mounting seat (21), a resilient member (22) having a fixed end (221) that is connected to the mounting seat (21) and a free end (222) that is spaced apart from the mounting seat (21), a first conductive sheet (51) that is disposed on the free end (222) of the resilient member (22), a second conductive sheet (52) that is disposed on the mounting surface (211) of the mounting seat (21), and a transmitter module (6). When the free end (222) of the resilient member (22) is pressed to move toward the mounting seat (21), the first conductive sheet (51) is in contact with the second conductive sheet (52), and the transmitter module (6) is configured to wirelessly transmit a signal to the receiver (4) to allow the receiver (4) to output a notification.