Flexible Sensor Integration in Textiles for Liquid Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing textile-based liquid detection systems rely on bulky and rigid sensors, which limit their drapability and usability in various applications, and lack efficient methods for communicating sensor data to computing devices.
Innovation Solution
Integration of flexible sensors with conductive elements into textile materials, allowing for the detection of liquids and communication of sensor data to computing devices via wireless or wired links, enabling the system to determine the presence of moisture or fluids through electrical properties and criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid sensors are used for liquid detection, then detection functionality is achieved, but drapability and comfort of the textile article deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible sensors with conductive elements integrated into the textile material, replacing traditional rigid sensors. The flexible sensor includes a flexible substrate with conductive traces that can bend and conform to the textile, maintaining both detection functionality and drapability. This directly resolves the contradiction by enabling the sensor to flex with the textile while still detecting liquid through changes in electrical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure by integrating conductive elements (such as conductive yarns, coatings, or printed traces) into the textile material itself. This composite approach allows the textile to maintain its inherent flexibility and comfort while gaining liquid detection capabilities through the conductive properties of the integrated elements.
2Ease of operation
If flexible sensors are integrated into textile materials, then drapability is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor functionality directly into the textile material by integrating conductive elements during the textile manufacturing process. This combining of sensor and textile into a single unified structure reduces the number of separate components and simplifies integration, as the sensor becomes an inherent part of the textile rather than an add-on component.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive elements integrated into the textile serve multiple functions: they provide structural support as part of the textile while simultaneously enabling liquid detection through their electrical properties. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensor components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If conductive elements are integrated into textile material, then liquid detection capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates conductive elements into the textile material during the initial textile manufacturing process, such as during knitting, weaving, or nonwoven formation. By performing the integration preliminarily during standard textile production rather than as a post-processing step, the manufacturing complexity is minimized and the conductive elements are uniformly distributed throughout the textile structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the electrical parameters (conductivity, resistance) of the textile material to enable liquid detection. By integrating conductive elements that alter the electrical properties of the textile in response to liquid presence, the system achieves detection capability through parameter changes rather than complex mechanical or optical sensor systems, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
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 provides a drapable and soft textile article capable of detecting liquids, such as water or bodily fluids, while transmitting data to computing devices for analysis, enhancing the functionality of textiles in applications like bedding and wound dressings without compromising their intended use.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one flexible sensor includes a conductive element that is integrated into or disposed onto the textile material... obtain sensor data that is indicative of fluid in the textile material that is in contact with the at least one flexible sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for detecting liquid in a textile article using one or more flexible sensors integrated in the textile article. The sensor data is forwarded to a computing device via a communication link by an interface element associated with the textile article. The computing device detects a location of liquid in the textile article proximate to the one or more flexible sensors based on a determination that a criterion is met.