Monitoring Device Attachment Verification Using Conductive Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring systems for incontinence face inaccuracies due to improper attachment of transmitters and sensors with absorbent articles, leading to measurement errors and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A monitoring device with a conductive pattern and at least three terminals arranged in a predefined matrix, connected to a processing unit, which verifies proper attachment, identifies the absorbent article type, and determines wetness/saturation status by measuring resistance, capacitance, or inductance, ensuring high efficiency and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transmitters and continence sensors are attached to absorbent articles without verification, then the system can operate, but measurement errors occur leading to inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing attachment verification measurements before actual continence monitoring measurements. The system checks whether the transmitter and sensor are properly attached to the absorbent article by measuring electrical properties (capacitance, resistance, impedance) of conductive patterns on the article. This preliminary verification prevents inaccurate monitoring data by ensuring proper attachment before beginning monitoring, thereby improving measurement accuracy without requiring complex mechanical verification mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If multiple terminals are used for measurement, then measurement accuracy increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a matrix arrangement of multiple terminals (e.g., 3x3 or 4x4 grid) that serves multiple functions simultaneously. The same set of terminals is used for both attachment verification measurements and actual continence monitoring measurements. Different measurement configurations can be selected from the same terminal set, allowing the system to perform various types of measurements (capacitance, resistance, impedance) without requiring separate terminal sets for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the measurement function into multiple independent terminal contacts within a matrix arrangement. Instead of using a single contact point, the system uses multiple segmented terminals that can be individually or collectively engaged with corresponding conductive patterns on the absorbent article. This segmentation allows for more precise measurement by averaging multiple contact points or detecting attachment quality across different locations, thereby improving measurement precision while distributing the complexity across simple, identical terminal elements.
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 allows for accurate and efficient verification of attachment, identification of absorbent article type, and determination of wetness/saturation status, reducing measurement errors and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The acquired information comprises at least one measurement value of at least one of resistance, capacitance, inductance, impedance, or any combination thereof
Implementation Method 2
The acquired information comprises at least one measurement value of at least one of resistance, capacitance, inductance, impedance, or any combination thereof
Implementation Method 3
The acquired information comprises at least one measurement value of at least one of resistance, capacitance, inductance, impedance, or any combination thereof
Data Source
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AI summary
A monitoring device (10) attachable to an absorbent article (14) comprising a conductive pattern is provided. Said monitoring device (10) comprises at least two terminals (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f) contactable to the conductive pattern, and a processing unit (12) connected to the at least two terminals (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f). In this context, in the case that the monitoring device (10) is attached to the absorbent article (14) and the at least two terminals (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f) contact the conductive pattern at least partly, on the basis of the contact between at least a part of the at least two terminals (11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e, 11f) and the conductive pattern. The processing unit (12) is configured to acquire information for verifying a proper attachment of the monitoring device (10) to the absorbent article (14) and/or for identifying a type of the absorbent article (14) and/or for determining a wetness and/or saturation status of the absorbent article (14).