Dual-Electrode Incontinence Sensing for Urinary and Faecal Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing incontinence detection systems for absorbent articles are costly and not suitable for full-time use, leading to inaccurate incontinence management and increased manual checks, particularly in care facilities, and lack the ability to reliably detect both urinary and faecal incontinence events.

Innovation Solution

A system with dual sets of electrodes embedded in absorbent articles, one set for urinary incontinence detection on a water-impermeable layer and another for faecal incontinence detection on a water-permeable layer, which monitor changes in electrical properties to detect and quantify incontinence events, providing real-time alerts and data for care recommendations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing incontinence detection systems are used, then detection capability is provided, but cost is high making full-time use impractical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveincontinence detection capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive disposable electrodes integrated into absorbent articles, replacing expensive reusable sensor systems. Each article contains simple conductive elements that can be discarded after use, eliminating the need for costly reusable sensor assemblies while maintaining detection functionality throughout the article's wear period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor systems with simple electrical conductivity-based detection using basic electrodes and conductive materials. This substitution of sophisticated mechanical sensing with elementary electrical principles dramatically reduces manufacturing costs while preserving detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing detection systems are used, then some detection is provided, but they cannot reliably detect both urinary and faecal incontinence events

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection coverageVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the detection system into separate functional zones within the absorbent article - distinct urinary detection regions and faecal detection regions with different electrode configurations and sensitive materials. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific detection task, improving overall reliability for both incontinence types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates composite sensing layers combining different materials with specific properties - such as metallic faeces-sensitive materials that react to sulfur-containing compounds in faecal matter, and conductive hydrogels for urinary detection. These composite materials enable simultaneous reliable detection of both incontinence types within a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Loss of time

If existing systems are used, then assessment is conducted for short periods, but this leads to inaccurate incontinence characterization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassessment durationVSAvoidincontinence characterization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous detection and monitoring throughout the entire wear period of the absorbent article, providing uninterrupted data collection on incontinence events. This continuous action replaces short-term intermittent assessment, allowing accurate characterization of incontinence patterns over extended periods and eliminating gaps in measurement data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful 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

Enables reliable, cost-effective, full-time incontinence detection and management, reducing manual checks and improving care schedules by accurately detecting and quantifying urinary and faecal events, facilitating timely article changes and toileting.

Implementation Method 1

The system is configured to measure an electrical variable, such as resistance, of a wetness sensor in the absorbent article

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

WO 2015/003712 discloses a sensor for detecting urine and faeces in a diaper comprising a first pair of electrodes and measuring the capacitance between the two electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3706693B1A system for managing incontinence

Publication Date: 2025.12.24 FRED BERGMAN HEALTHCARE PTY LTD

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AI summary

The invention relates to an incontinence monitoring system including a plurality of electrodes on an absorbent article including an absorbent core and a device for electrical connection with the electrodes and monitoring one or more electrical properties of the electrodes. A first set of the electrodes are adapted for detection of wetness associated with urinary incontinence events, and a second set of the electrodes are adapted for detection of faecal incontinence events. The invention also relates to an absorbent article, sensor and device as well as methods for monitoring incontinence.