Dimensionally-Sensitive Moisture Sensor for Diaper Alarm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disposable absorbent articles like diapers face challenges in timely detection of moisture, leading to skin irritation and contamination due to prolonged exposure to bodily exudates, especially feces, which can cause rashes and messy clean-ups.
Innovation Solution
A moisture detection system comprising a moisture-resistant layer, dimensionally-sensitive sensors, and an alarm system that detects moisture changes and provides alerts through various indicators, allowing for timely diaper changes and reducing skin irritation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable absorbent articles are used to prevent body exudates from soiling clothing, then protection against contamination is improved, but timely detection of moisture is not achieved, leading to skin irritation and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating dimensionally-sensitive moisture sensors into the absorbent article before use. These sensors are pre-positioned within the absorbent material to detect moisture changes as they occur, enabling early warning before contamination spreads or skin irritation develops. The sensor is activated in advance when moisture is first detected, allowing timely intervention.
2Measurement precision
If dimensionally-sensitive moisture sensors are integrated into the absorbent material, then moisture detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the moisture sensing function directly into the absorbent material structure. The dimensionally-sensitive sensor is integrated within the absorbent core, combining the detection function with the absorbent function in a single unified component. This integration eliminates separate detection devices and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining precise moisture detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor utilizes the natural dimensional changes of the absorbent material itself when it absorbs moisture. The absorbent material's expansion and contraction provide the mechanical actuation for the sensor, eliminating the need for external power sources, complex electronics, or additional actuation mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the absorbent material's inherent properties to drive detection.
3Loss of information
If multiple alarm indicators are provided to indicate specific locations or types of moisture, then information accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by providing different alarm indicators at different locations within the absorbent article. Each indicator is positioned to respond to moisture at its specific location, allowing the system to differentiate between moisture sources (e.g., urine vs. feces) based on which indicator activates. This spatial differentiation provides accurate information about moisture location and type without requiring complex centralized processing.
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 effectively alerts caregivers to moisture presence, enabling timely changes and reducing skin irritation and contamination risks, while also being cost-effective due to reusable alarm components and low-cost disposable sensors.
Implementation Method 1
one or more dimensionally-sensitive, or dimensionally-changing, sensors, or moisture sensors, for detecting the presence of moisture, disposed in or on the absorbent material
Implementation Method 2
the moisture sensor detects moisture in the absorbent article by changing a state of the electrical contacts from a normally open position to a closed position, or from a normally closed position to an open position, under a force of mechanical expansion or contraction of the sensor in the presence of moisture
Implementation Method 3
an absorbent material disposed on the moisture-resistant layer
Implementation Method 4
a moisture-resistant layer
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for detecting moisture in a diaper is disclosed. A moisture sensor apparatus is comprised of a housing made of material dimensionally-sensitive to moisture, such that the housing will expand or contract. Electrically conductive contacts disposed on/in the housing, are selectively coupled to, or decoupled from, each other based on a dimensional change of the sensor device when it comes into contact with moisture. An electrical signal routable through the electrically conductive contacts detects a change in state, e.g., from open to closed, and activates a local or remote alarm to indicate the presence of moisture. The consumable low-cost sensor and the optional non-metallic leads and contacts, that are at least partially biodegradable, are coupled via a convenient slidable brush connector to a resusable alarm system having optional low duty cycle transmitting capability to a receiver base station, thereby providing a cost-effective, eco-friendly and user-friendly system.