Reusable Data Logger with Identified Sensor Units for Absorbent Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing absorbent articles with integrated sensors and data logging electronics are resource-intensive and often perform poorly when used with different types or sizes of absorbent articles, leading to reduced sensing capability and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system involving a data logger unit and interchangeable sensor units with a flexible substrate and conductive plates, allowing for electrical measurements via terminal portions to identify a characteristic property of the sensor unit, enabling flexible and efficient monitoring of absorbent articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If absorbent articles are equipped with integrated sensors and data logging electronics, then the absorbent state can be monitored automatically, but the unit cost increases significantly and resource intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring function into separate components: a reusable data logger unit and disposable sensor units. The sensor unit is integrated into the absorbent article while the data logger remains external, allowing the expensive electronic components to be shared across multiple articles rather than embedded in each one.
Solution Approach 2:
The data logger unit is designed as a universal device that can monitor multiple different types and sizes of absorbent articles. A single data logger can be reused with various sensor units, eliminating the need for dedicated electronics in each article and reducing overall system cost.
2Device complexity
If a single logging package is provided for one absorbent article, then the monitoring system can be simplified, but the sensing capability is reduced when used with different types or sizes of articles
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into a universal data logger and article-specific sensor units. This allows the sensor unit to be optimized for specific article types while the data logger remains general-purpose, achieving both simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The data logger acts as an intermediary between different sensor units and the monitoring system. It provides a standardized interface that can accommodate various sensor types, enabling a single logging package to work with multiple article configurations without compromising sensing capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are made interchangeable and removable, then the system becomes more flexible and cost-effective, but the sensing capability may be reduced due to integration difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is designed as a separate, removable component that can be easily attached and detached from the data logger. This segmentation maintains sensing precision by allowing optimized sensor design for specific applications while enabling interchangeability and system flexibility.
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 provides flexible and efficient monitoring of absorbent articles, reducing resource intensity and costs while maintaining effective sensing capabilities across various article types and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The measurement module is configured to perform an electrical measurement of the identification terminals. The measurement is performed to identify a characteristic property of the sensor unit. The characteristic property of the sensor unit is encoded in the electrical potentials of the identification terminals.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to data logger units, sensor units, and in particular those which are suitable for sensing the hygienic state of an absorbent article. The present disclosure also relates to a method of identifying a sensor unit for an absorbent article performed by a data logger unit adapted to cooperate with the sensor unit, as well as an absorbent article management system. The data logger unit and the sensor have identification terminals. A characteristic property of the sensor unit is encoded in the potentials at each of the identification terminals. The data logger unit can decode the potentials at each of the identification terminals to determine the characteristic property of a connected sensor unit.