Non-Contact Moisture Sensor Pad Using Interdigitated Leads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current clinical moisture detection systems are not easy to use, are costly, and often require contact with patients or moisture, leading to skin irritation and increased maintenance, while failing to provide comprehensive data on patient movement and respiratory rates, making them unsuitable for real-time monitoring in healthcare settings.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact moisture detection system using a sensor pad with interdigitated conductive leads connected to a processing unit, which communicates wirelessly and includes sensors for impedance measurement, allowing for real-time detection and notification of moisture events without direct contact, and can track patient movement and respiratory rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If commercially-available moisture detection systems contact the patient or moisture directly, then detection accuracy is improved, but skin irritation and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary absorbent layer (incontinence pad or bedsheet) positioned between the moisture source and the sensor. This layer allows moisture to pass through to the sensor while preventing direct contact between the sensor and the patient's skin or the moisture itself, thereby eliminating skin irritation and reducing maintenance requirements while preserving detection accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If moisture sensing bed pads are used, then moisture detection is achieved, but compatibility with disposable incontinence pads is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is designed to detect moisture through the absorbent material of disposable incontinence pads, allowing the system to work with standard of care products. The sensor pad can be placed underneath the incontinence pad, and moisture absorbed by the incontinence pad still reaches the sensor through the pad material, maintaining both detection capability and compatibility.
3Measurement precision
If contact-based moisture detection systems are used, then moisture events are detected, but system cleaning and sterilization time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By using the incontinence pad or bedsheet as an intermediary barrier, the sensor never directly contacts moisture or bodily fluids. This eliminates the need for cleaning and sterilization of the sensor components after each use, allowing for rapid replacement or disposal of only the disposable pad layer while the sensor remains clean and ready for immediate reuse.
4Loss of information
If integrated patient monitoring is implemented, then comprehensive patient data is collected, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions using the same hardware platform: moisture detection through impedance sensing, movement detection via accelerometers, and respiratory rate monitoring through chest wall motion detection. This multi-functional approach enables comprehensive patient monitoring while minimizing system complexity by consolidating multiple sensing capabilities into a single integrated device.
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 detects moisture events without contacting the patient or moisture, reducing skin irritation and maintenance costs, while providing integrated data on patient movement and respiratory rates, enhancing patient care and reducing healthcare burdens.
Implementation Method 1
sensors for impedance measurement
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a system and apparatus for detecting moisture or fluid using a processing unit and a sensor pad comprising interdigitated conductive leads connected to a coupling unit. The processing unit and coupling unit may be connected wirelessly or via wires. The presence of moisture or fluid may be determined as a function of at least one aspect of the complex impedance as determined by a signal analysis unit.