One-Handed Garment Clip Locking Mechanism for Wetness Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current incontinence management in elderly patients is inadequate, leading to skin issues, infections, and increased healthcare costs due to the lack of effective monitoring and timely intervention for urinary incontinence, which is common and severely impacts quality of life and healthcare resources.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring device with a locking mechanism that allows one-handed attachment to a garment, featuring a clip and locking mechanism transitionable between closed and open positions, equipped with sensors to detect moisture and transmit data to a computer system, facilitating timely and efficient incontinence management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional clip attachment mechanism is used, then the monitoring device can be attached to the garment, but it requires two hands to operate and secure
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism automatically engages with the clip arms when the clip is closed, locking itself without requiring manual intervention. The release button provides simple one-handed operation to unlock and open the clip, allowing the device to serve itself in the attachment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip arms are designed to be movable between open and closed positions, with the locking mechanism transitioning between locked and unlocked states dynamically. This dynamic design allows easy attachment by simply closing the clip and automatic locking, followed by simple one-handed release using the release button.
2Measurement precision
If manual monitoring of incontinence is performed, then caregivers can detect wetness, but it requires frequent checking and increases healthcare costs
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture-detecting sensor continuously monitors the garment for wetness and provides immediate feedback through the wireless transmitter when moisture is detected. This automatic feedback system eliminates the need for manual checking and enables timely intervention, reducing healthcare costs and improving patient care.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical checking process is replaced with an electronic sensor system that automatically detects moisture. The sensor substitutes for the manual visual and tactile inspection, providing continuous, precise monitoring without requiring caregiver time and effort.
3Ease of operation
If the clip remains in open position during attachment, then the garment can be inserted, but the device cannot be secured
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage in the locked position when the clip arms are closed, preparing the attachment for secure retention before the user even releases the button. This preliminary locking action ensures the garment will remain securely attached during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition from open to closed clip position dynamically triggers the locking mechanism to engage, providing both ease of insertion and secure attachment. The system moves from a state allowing garment insertion to a state ensuring secure retention through automatic locking.
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring device for detecting wetness in a garment is disclosed. The monitoring device of the present disclosure includes a locking mechanism that slides back and forth relative to a clip that is removably attachable to a garment between a first position in which the locking mechanism locks the clip in a closed position and a second position in which the clip is in an open position. As the locking mechanism transitions from the first position to the second position, the locking mechanism opens the clip. Advantageously, the monitoring device of the present disclosure allows a caregiver to align and secure the monitoring device to a garment using only one hand.