Gas-Emitting Absorbent Article for Non-Contact Liquid Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent articles, such as diapers and training pants, often fail to promptly notify caregivers of liquid insults, leading to delayed detection and missed opportunities for effective toilet training, as they rely on conductive materials that require direct contact with body fluids, and visual indicators can be difficult to observe without undressing the child.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a gas emitting substance within the absorbent article that releases a gas upon contact with liquid insults, coupled with a non-contact gas sensor and signaling device, allowing for immediate detection and notification through auditory, vibratory, or visual signals, even when the device is not attached to the article, enabling continuous monitoring of dry time and fullness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conductive materials are used to detect liquid insults, then detection can occur, but the insult must come into close contact with the conductive materials which delays detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces gas as an intermediary medium between the liquid insult and the sensor. The liquid insult converts to gas phase, which then interacts with the gas sensor, eliminating the need for direct contact between the liquid and conductive materials while enabling rapid detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical contact-based detection system (conductive materials requiring direct contact) with a chemical sensing system that detects gas phase substances, allowing for non-contact and faster detection
2Loss of information
If visual indicators are used on the absorbent article, then detection is possible, but they are difficult to observe without undressing the child
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses gas as an intermediary to transmit information from the absorbent article to an external sensor system, allowing the caregiver to detect insults without needing to visually inspect the article or undress the child
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces visual inspection (mechanical observation) with electronic gas sensing, allowing for remote and convenient monitoring of the absorbent article's condition
3Loss of information
If existing training aids are used that alert only the wearer or only the caregiver, then notification is provided, but prolonged debates occur as to whether an accident has occurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dual-notification system that simultaneously alerts both the wearer and the caregiver, making the system universal in its notification capability and eliminating the need for debates about whether an accident occurred
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
This system enables rapid and reliable detection of liquid insults, allowing for timely reinforcement of potty training and improved monitoring of absorbent article dry time, facilitating more effective interactive toilet training.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one gas emitting substance can emit at least one gas when the absorbent article is contacted with a liquid insult
Implementation Method 2
the at least one device in association with the absorbent article, which can comprise at least one gas sensitive composition, can change appearance when the device is contacted with the at least one gas
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for detection and monitoring of body exudates includes an absorbent article and at least one gas emitting substance incorporated within the absorbent article that can emit a gas after a liquid insult. After an insult, a device incorporating at least one gas sensitive composition can detect the gas and signal that an insult has occurred. The gas may also be detected by a non-contact gas sensor linked to a controller and signaling device which can send visual, auditory, and/or vibratory alerts. The alerts may be perceptible in an area outside the wearer's clothing or at a remote location, such as a watch, radio, computer device and/or smart phone. The system can also determine the fullness of an absorbent article and monitor dry time. The system can be used for interactive toilet training or for caring for an infant, a disabled person, an incontinent youth, or an elderly person.