Detachable Sensor Strip for Menstrual Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wearable health monitoring devices provide limited information and lack specific tools for women to monitor gynecologic health discreetly and non-invasively, as many gynecologic disorders can be asymptomatic and require costly or embarrassing medical screenings.
Innovation Solution
A smart feminine hygiene product system with embedded sensors in absorbent materials that absorb menstrual fluid, allowing for continuous health monitoring through capacitance, conductance, and biological sensors, which can detect various substances and transmit data to a processing unit for health-related information without the need for intrusive sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional medical screenings are used to detect gynecologic disorders, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but patient embarrassment and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables women to self-monitor their gynecologic health at home using a sanitary pad with embedded sensors that automatically detect and analyze substances in menstrual fluid, eliminating the need for embarrassing clinical screenings while maintaining diagnostic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary testing device that interfaces between the sanitary pad and the user's health monitoring needs, allowing indirect detection of health conditions through substances in menstrual fluid without direct medical examination
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are embedded in the main absorbing body, then health monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into a separate detachable strip that can be independently manufactured and then integrated with the sanitary pad, reducing the complexity of manufacturing the main absorbing body while preserving health monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The testing strip with embedded sensors is extracted as a separate component from the main absorbing body, allowing the sensors to be placed in optimal positions for detecting substances in menstrual fluid without complicating the overall device structure
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are embedded in the absorber, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in removing the absorber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor-containing testing strip from the main absorbing body, allowing the strip to be easily detached for testing purposes while the main absorber remains in place, thus maintaining both measurement precision and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The testing strip is designed with dynamic attachment and detachment capabilities, allowing it to be easily removed from the sanitary pad for testing and then reattached, providing flexibility in operation without compromising sensor functionality
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 women to monitor their health continuously and non-invasively, providing valuable health information without the need for regular medical visits, and can identify potential health issues early, while also being discreet and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
an absorber for absorbing the liquid
Implementation Method 2
both the main body and the detachable strip absorb the liquid
Implementation Method 3
sensors include one or more of: a capacitance sensor
Implementation Method 4
sensors include one or more of: a conductance sensor
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for analyzing substances included in a liquid. The apparatus includes an absorber for absorbing the liquid and a testing device separate from the absorber. The absorber includes a main body and a detachable strip embedded in the main body, and both the main body and the detachable strip absorb the liquid. The testing device includes one or more sensors positioned on a top surface of the testing device to provide information associated with the substances included in the liquid in response to the detachable strip being placed on the top surface of the testing device.