Faecal Detection Sensor Using Conductive Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack a reliable and timely means for detecting faecal matter in incontinence garments, leading to potential skin irritation and infections due to prolonged contact, especially in vulnerable populations like the elderly and infants.
Innovation Solution
A faecal detection sensor system utilizing a conductive element insulated by faeces-sensitive materials that react to sulfur-containing compounds or enzymes in faecal matter, changing electrical properties to alert of faecal events, including a resonant circuit for wireless detection and differentiation from other bodily fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no detection sensor is used, then the incontinence garment remains simple and cost-effective, but faecal matter can remain in contact with skin for prolonged periods causing skin irritation and infections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical detection methods with chemical sensing. The conductive element reacts chemically with sulfur-containing compounds or enzymes in faecal matter, causing a change in electrical properties that can be detected electronically. This chemical substitution enables reliable detection without complex mechanical sensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in electrical parameters (conductivity, resistance, capacitance) as the detection signal. When the faeces-sensitive material reacts with faecal constituents, its electrical properties change, providing a measurable signal that indicates faecal presence. This parameter-based detection simplifies the overall system compared to mechanical or optical sensing approaches.
2Loss of time
If a faeces-sensitive material is used that reacts quickly, then the response time is reduced for timely alerting, but the material may also react to other bodily fluids causing false positives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different sensitive materials to different regions or types of detection. The conductive element can be designed with specific sensitivity to sulfur-containing compounds or enzymes that are characteristic of faecal matter but not present in urine or sweat. This localized specificity ensures fast response to faeces while avoiding false positives from other bodily fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite sensing structures where the conductive element is combined with faeces-sensitive materials having selective reactivity. This composite approach allows the system to detect faecal constituents specifically while maintaining rapid response time. The combination of materials provides both speed and specificity in the detection function.
3Measurement precision
If the conductive element is fully covered by faeces-sensitive material, then detection sensitivity is maximized, but the electrical conductivity may be compromised before reaction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial coverage of the conductive element with faeces-sensitive material rather than full coverage. This partial action maintains sufficient electrical conductivity pathways while still providing adequate detection sensitivity. The exposed portions of the conductive element ensure that electrical signals can be transmitted reliably even before the sensitive material reacts to faecal matter.
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 and timely detects faecal events, reducing skin irritation and infection risk by providing prompt alerts, with the ability to distinguish between faecal and urinary events, ensuring rapid intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a faeces-sensitive material that reacts to the presence of a constituent of faecal matter... the sensor exhibits an electrical property that changes following a reaction of the faeces-sensitive material
Implementation Method 2
the sensor exhibits an electrical property that changes following a reaction of the faeces-sensitive material to the presence of a constituent of faecal matter
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides the present invention provides a faecal detection sensor for an absorbent article. The sensor includes a faeces-sensitive material that reacts to the presence of a constituent of faecal matter, wherein the sensor exhibits an electrical property that changes following the reaction of the faeces-sensitive material. In embodiments of the invention the faeces sensitive material is a material that reacts due to the presence of a sulfur-containing compound in faecal matter, such as metallic faeces-sensitive materials, or is a material that reacts with a faecal enzyme and/or other constituents of faecal matter, such as organic faeces-sensitive materials.