Non-Contact Sensor Array for Body Exudate Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent articles face challenges in detecting urine and bowel movement insults without conductive leads, which can trigger metal detectors and fail to discriminate between the two, leading to misidentification and potential skin irritation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic discriminating device with a non-contact sensor array, controller, and signaling device that monitors gas concentration levels and humidity to differentiate between urine and bowel movement insults, using sensors for volatile compounds and a multicomponent data analyzer to classify the type of insult.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conductive materials are incorporated into the absorbent article to detect urine insults, then the detection capability is improved, but metal detectors are triggered during shipping and safety monitoring becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conductive materials (metal-based detection systems) with a non-contact optical sensor system. The sensor detects urine insults by measuring changes in optical properties (reflectivity, absorption) of the absorbent core material when saturated with urine, eliminating the need for conductive leads that trigger metal detectors while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light) as the detection medium between the sensor and the urine insult. Instead of direct electrical contact through conductive materials, the system uses light interaction with the absorbent material to indirectly detect urine presence, avoiding metal detector issues while preserving detection function
2Measurement precision
If wetness sensing is used to detect bowel movements, then the detection capability is improved, but discrimination between urine and bowel movement cannot be achieved leading to misidentification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by detecting different spatial and optical characteristics of urine versus bowel movement within the absorbent core. The sensor array measures variations in optical properties at different locations and depths, where bowel movement and urine exhibit distinct absorption and reflectivity patterns, enabling discrimination based on local optical quality differences
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in optical properties (reflectivity, absorption coefficients, colorimetric changes) that occur when the absorbent material contacts different types of insults. By monitoring multiple optical parameters simultaneously, the system distinguishes between urine and bowel movement based on their unique spectral and spatial signatures
3Ease of operation
If conductive leads are used for signaling device operation, then the device functionality is improved, but the complexity of ensuring product safety and freedom from foreign objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical system of conductive leads with a wireless or integrated electronic system. The optical sensor connects to a processing unit that wirelessly transmits alerts to a receiver, eliminating the need for physical conductive leads and simplifying safety verification by removing foreign object concerns while maintaining full signaling functionality
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 device effectively alerts users to the presence and type of insult, reducing skin contact risks and eliminating false alarms, while being reusable and free from conductive materials.
Implementation Method 1
monitors gas concentration levels of the gas emitting substance within the absorbent article
Implementation Method 2
monitors gas concentration levels and humidity to differentiate between urine and bowel movement insults
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic discriminating device incorporating a non-contact electronic sensor array, a controller, and a signaling device that may indicate the presence of urine and/or bowel movement is disclosed. In particular, the electronic discriminating device can discriminate between an insult of urine only and an insult containing bowel movement. The device can then generate different alerts based on the type of insult. The electronic discriminating device may also emit a signal at or near the opening of an absorbent article or transmit the alert wirelessly to a radio, computer device, or smartphone.