Diaper Excrement Detection Using Adaptive Sensor Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing excrement alarming systems for diapers are unreliable due to environmental changes in temperature and humidity, leading to false or missed detections, and they consume excessive power.

Innovation Solution

An excrement alarming apparatus equipped with temperature and humidity sensors, a controller, and a communication unit that uses differential humidity and temperature thresholds adjusted by reference humidity, location, date, and weather information to accurately detect excrement and reduce power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If simple sensor detection is used to determine excrement presence, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of detection deteriorates due to environmental changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection mechanismVSAvoidexcrement detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using multiple detection parameters (temperature, humidity, conductivity) instead of a single parameter. The controller analyzes changes in these parameters over time and compares them against threshold values to determine excrement presence, making the detection system more reliable without significantly increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring temperature and humidity sensors and using this information to adjust detection thresholds and reduce false alarms. The controller processes sensor data in real-time and provides feedback to the detection algorithm, improving reliability while maintaining manageable device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If frequent sensor monitoring is performed to ensure accurate detection, then the reliability of detection is improved, but the power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexcrement detection accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by having the controller monitor sensor data at specific intervals rather than continuously. The system wakes up to take measurements, processes the data, and then enters a low-power state, achieving reliable detection while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies dynamics by adjusting the monitoring frequency and threshold values based on environmental conditions and detection history. When excrement is detected or suspected, the system increases monitoring frequency; when conditions are stable, it reduces frequency to save power, optimizing both reliability and energy usage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If fixed detection thresholds are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to environmental changes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethreshold adjustment mechanismVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making detection thresholds adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The controller modifies threshold values based on environmental conditions, detection history, and sensor calibration data, enabling the system to adapt to different environments without requiring complex manual configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by automatically calibrating and adjusting its detection thresholds based on environmental sensor data and usage patterns. The controller performs self-calibration and adapts to environmental changes without user intervention, maintaining low device complexity while achieving high environmental adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system provides reliable excrement detection across varying environmental conditions while minimizing power usage, ensuring timely alerts and extended operational life.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature sensor provided on one side of the excrement alarming apparatus and configured to measure temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 2

a humidity sensor provided on one side of the excrement alarming apparatus and configured to measure humidity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHumidity sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS20200060884A1Apparatus for informing excretions and control method thereof

Publication Date: 2020.02.27 LITTLEONE INC

AI summary

Disclosed are an excrement alarming apparatus and an excrement alarming method, the excrement alarming apparatus includes: a temperature sensor provided on one side of the excrement alarming apparatus and configured to measure temperature; a humidity sensor provided on one side of the excrement alarming apparatus and configured to measure humidity; a controller configured to detect excrement using temperature information measured by the temperature sensor, first humidity information measured by the humidity sensor, and second humidity information received from an external device; and a communication unit configured to transmit an excrement detection signal indicative of the detection of the excrement.