Flexible Textile Liquid Detection With Integrated Sensor Communication

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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, such as bedding and wound dressings, and lack efficient methods for communicating sensor data to computing devices.

Innovation Solution

Integration of flexible, washable 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 real-time monitoring and alert systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bulky and rigid sensors are used in textile articles, then liquid detection capability is achieved, but drapability and softness of the textile are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid detection capabilityVSAvoiddrapability and softness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies flexible sensors with thin-film structures that can be integrated into textile materials. These flexible sensors maintain the drapability and softness of the textile while providing liquid detection capability through conductive elements embedded in the flexible substrate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material structures where conductive elements are integrated into flexible substrates that are then incorporated into textile materials. This composite approach enables liquid detection while preserving the textile's mechanical properties including drapability and softness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Ease of operation

If flexible sensors with conductive elements are integrated into textile materials, then drapability and softness are maintained, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrapability and softnessVSAvoidsensor integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sensor functionality directly into the textile material structure. The conductive elements are integrated during the textile manufacturing process, combining the textile and sensor into a single unified structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible sensors are designed to serve multiple functions: they provide liquid detection capability while maintaining the textile's original mechanical properties. The interface element also handles both electrical connection and data communication functions, reducing the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If sensors are embedded in textile materials, then liquid detection is enabled, but efficient communication of sensor data to computing devices is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid detection capabilityVSAvoidsensor data transmission efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an interface element as an intermediary between the flexible sensor and the computing device. This interface element handles signal conditioning, data processing, and communication protocol management, ensuring efficient and reliable transmission of sensor data to external computing devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional textiles are modified with sensors, then liquid detection functionality is added, but the functionality of traditional textiles may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid detection functionalityVSAvoidtraditional textile functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies sensors and conductive elements only in specific localized regions of the textile material where liquid detection is needed. This localized approach allows the majority of the textile to maintain its original properties and functionality, while adding detection capability only where required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution provides a drapable and soft textile-based system capable of detecting liquids effectively, while maintaining the functionality of traditional textiles, and enables real-time data transmission to computing devices for monitoring and alerting purposes.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one flexible sensor includes a conductive element that is integrated into or disposed onto the textile material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10101289B2Textile articles and systems for liquid detection

Publication Date: 2018.10.16 WELSPUN INDIA LTD

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.