Enuresis Alert System Wireless Sensor Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enuresis alert systems face issues such as discomfort, high costs, noise interference, battery drain, corrosion from urine, inadequate recording of wetting events, and difficulty in obtaining customer service, which hinder effective patient care and training.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an alert processor that receives signals from sensors, determines wetting events, and sends alerts to appropriate recipients, including caregivers, while recording event data and adjusting sensor parameters for improved accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wired alert system is used to couple the sensor directly to the alerting device, then the system provides reliable alerting, but the patient experiences discomfort and the system requires a relatively loud alarm to inform the caregiver
Solution Approach 1:
A wireless transmitter is introduced as an intermediary between the sensor and alerting device, eliminating the need for direct wired coupling. The transmitter receives signals from the sensor and wirelessly transmits alert signals to the alerting device, thereby improving patient comfort by removing physical constraints while maintaining alerting reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical wired connection is replaced with a wireless electromagnetic communication system. The sensor, transmitter, and alerting device communicate through wireless signals rather than physical wire connections, eliminating the mechanical constraint on patient movement and comfort
2Ease of operation
If a wireless alert system is used to couple the sensor to the alerting device, then patient comfort is improved, but the system operates in a noisy EM spectrum portion, drains battery power, and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless transmitter operates in a periodic manner, remaining dormant during normal conditions and activating only when the sensor detects a wetting event. This periodic operation significantly reduces battery power consumption compared to continuous operation, while still providing timely alerting when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects wetting events through the sensor and triggers alert signals without requiring continuous power consumption for monitoring. The dormant transmitter only activates when triggered by the sensor, allowing the system to conserve battery power while maintaining functional readiness
3Device complexity
If the sensor uses an electrical circuit completed by urine presence to trigger the alert, then the alerting mechanism is simple and reliable, but urine causes corrosion with the sensor contacts when electrical current continues to be coupled
Solution Approach 1:
The system detects the wetting event using the electrical circuit completion mechanism, then immediately activates the wireless transmitter to send the alert signal. This preliminary action of quick detection and immediate alert transmission minimizes the duration of urine contact with the sensor contacts, thereby reducing corrosion while maintaining the simple circuit design
Solution Approach 2:
The system rapidly completes the detection and alerting process as quickly as possible after urine contact occurs. By rushing through the detection-to-alert sequence, the system minimizes the time that electrical current flows through urine-contacted contacts, thereby reducing corrosion damage while maintaining operational simplicity
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 enhances patient care by reducing discomfort, conserving battery life, accurately recording wetting events, and providing efficient alerting and training mechanisms, thus improving the management of enuresis.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor would detect the wetting event, and trigger the alerting device. For example, the sensor would include an electrical circuit that is completed by the presence of urine (or other electrolytes), thus providing an electrical trigger to the alert.
Data Source
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Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A wetting alert system having a sensor with a replaceable element, a transceiver with an input port for a legacy wireless receiver, an alert processor, an alert presenter, and a server. The replaceable element wicks fluid from a body exit, completing a circuit and sending an output signal. The alert processor determines if the output signal describes wetting; adjusts electrical properties of the sensor; turns off the sensor, preventing injury; and selects alert presenters to present alerts to caregivers, in series, parallel, or combinations. Alert presenters determine if caregivers are responding, and inform the alert processor. If caregivers fail to respond, the alert processor fails over the alert to other caregivers. The alert processor sends different alerts re different patients; caregivers can determine from the alert which patient the alert is for. The server maintains information re wettings and alerts, and is independently accessible by users.