Sensor Fastening for Nappies Using Wedged Electronic Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems for detecting liquid in nappies are often designed for specific types and cannot be reused with different nappy types due to difficulties in mechanical fastening.
Innovation Solution
A flexible sensor system where a sensor element with a contact area is fastened to the nappy using adhesive attachment parts, and an electronic unit is positioned between these parts to create a stable and adjustable configuration, allowing the system to be used with various nappy types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor system is designed for a specific type of nappy with integrated fastening, then the mechanical fastening is stable and reliable, but the system cannot be reused with other nappy types
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into separate components: a sensor element with attachment parts and an electronic unit. This segmentation allows the sensor element to be fastened to the nappy while the electronic unit can be attached or removed independently, enabling reuse with different nappy types while maintaining stable fastening during use
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment parts are designed with universal fastening capability that can secure the sensor element to various nappy types. The electronic unit serves multiple functions including data reception, logging, and wireless transmission, making the system adaptable to different applications and nappy configurations
2Reliability
If the electronic unit is directly integrated within the nappy structure, then the fastening is mechanically stable, but the system complexity increases and reusability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the electronic unit from the sensor element, allowing the sensor element to be simply fastened to the nappy while the electronic unit communicates wirelessly or via removable connection. This reduces integration complexity while maintaining fastening stability through the sensor element's attachment parts
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element acts as an intermediary between the nappy and the electronic unit. It is directly fastened to the nappy for stable positioning, while the electronic unit interacts with it through electrical contacts or wireless communication, simplifying the overall system architecture
3Reliability
If electric connectors are used to connect the electronic unit to the sensor element, then the electrical connection is reliable, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are integrated directly into the sensor element structure, merging the sensing function with the electrical connection function. This eliminates the need for separate electric connectors while maintaining reliable electrical contact between the sensor element and the electronic unit
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element serves multiple functions: detecting liquid presence, providing electrical connection, and potentially serving as part of the fastening structure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining connection reliability
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A method is disclosed for fastening an electronic unit (1) to a nappy (10), said method comprising the steps of fastening the sensor element to the surface of the nappy, leaving a contact area (7) of the sensor element free from being fastened directly to the surface of the nappy, placing a first part (3) of the electronic unit between the contact area and the surface of the nappy, and placing a second part (2) of the electronic unit in close contact with a second side of the contact area opposite the first side thereof, so that the contact area of the sensor element is wedged in between the first and the second part of the electronic unit, whereby the electronic unit is attached to and held in a fixed position in relation to the sensor element. Furthermore, a sensor element and an electronic unit for being used in such a method are disclosed.