Multi-Modal Diaper Saturation Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in accurately and cost-effectively estimating the saturation of disposable diapers, which is crucial for improving the quality of life for incontinent individuals by reducing skin irritation and urinary tract infections.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a front-end sensor placed within the diaper to simultaneously measure resistance and capacitance, enabling the estimation of diaper saturation through multi-sensing modality software and IoT messaging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single sensor modality is used to sense diaper saturation, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of saturation prediction deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor modalityVSAvoiddiaper saturation estimation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensing modalities (resistance sensing and capacitance sensing) into a single integrated sensor system. The sensor simultaneously measures both resistance and capacitance values, which are then processed together to determine diaper saturation level. This merging approach improves measurement precision and reliability without requiring separate independent sensor systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it simultaneously acts as both a resistance sensor and a capacitance sensor. This multi-functional sensor can detect different physical properties (electrical resistance and electrical capacitance) of the diaper material, enabling more comprehensive saturation detection through a single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple sensing modalities are implemented, then measurement precision and reliability improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediaper saturation estimationVSAvoidsensing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using separate independent sensor systems for resistance and capacitance measurement, the patent merges both sensing capabilities into a single integrated sensor. This reduces the overall device complexity while maintaining the benefits of multiple sensing modalities for improved measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If resistance and capacitance measurements are performed separately, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but response time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance and capacitance measurementVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor performs resistance and capacitance measurements in a continuous or near-continuous manner, allowing for real-time monitoring of diaper saturation. The system continuously collects both resistance and capacitance data streams, enabling timely detection of saturation changes without significant time delays.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary measurements and data collection continuously, so that when saturation detection is needed, the information is already available or can be quickly determined from recent measurements. This reduces the time required for accurate saturation assessment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution provides a reliable and accurate estimation of diaper saturation, enhancing the quality of life for incontinent individuals by enabling quick and effective diaper changes, thus reducing the risk of skin irritation and urinary tract infections.

Implementation Method 1

determining the resistance within the diaper... measuring the voltage of the diaper multiple times to create a voltage data set... calculating the diaper resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

determining the capacitance within the diaper... performing an RC waveform measurement... determining an RC time constant from the RC waveform measurement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20250107944A1Simultaneous resistance and capacitance measurement and inferencing algorithm enabling real time and improved incontinence wet sensing and diaper saturation estimation

Publication Date: 2025.04.03 ZEALACARE LLC

AI summary

A method for determining diaper saturation. The method for determining diaper saturation includes determining the resistance within the diaper and determining the capacitance within the diaper. The method also includes performing an ADC sample range check and filtering the data. The method further includes performing resistance and capacitance data inferencing.