Reusable Electronics for Diaper Wetness Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote monitoring systems for articles like diapers, bandages, and sanitary napkins are limited as they typically use single-use sensors that are not reusable and may not effectively detect wetness at multiple locations.

Innovation Solution

A reusable electronic device detachably coupled with a harness having legs configured to detect wetness at different locations, utilizing a set of first conductors on the harness and a set of second conductors on the device for electrical contact, allowing for notification of wetness based on voltage changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If single-use sensors are used in diapers, then wetness monitoring is achieved, but the device cannot be reused and generates waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewetness monitoring reliabilityVSAvoidsensor waste

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two segments: a reusable electronic device that remains clean and a disposable harness that contacts the diaper. This segmentation allows the electronic components to be reused while only the harness is discarded, reducing waste of valuable electronic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic device is extracted from direct contact with the diaper environment and placed in a protective pouch. Only the harness legs extend into the diaper to make contact, separating the reusable components from the contaminated environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Duration of action of moving object

If reusable wetness sensors are placed in contact with body fluid, then device reusability is achieved, but hygiene is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice reusabilityVSAvoidhygiene contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the reusable electronic device from the disposable harness, allowing the electronic components to remain clean and reusable while the harness is discarded after single use, eliminating hygiene concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The harness acts as an intermediary between the reusable electronic device and the diaper. It transfers the sensing function to the disposable component, protecting the reusable device from direct contact with body fluids and maintaining hygiene.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple sensors are placed at different locations, then wetness detection coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewetness detection coverageVSAvoidsensor arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reusable electronic device is designed with universal conductivity contacts that can interface with multiple harness configurations. The same device can work with different numbers and arrangements of legs, making it adaptable to various monitoring needs without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of integrating multiple sensors directly into the electronic device, the system uses multiple simple conductive legs in the disposable harness that replicate the sensing function. Each leg is a simple conductor rather than a complex sensor, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

Enables effective remote monitoring of wetness at multiple locations on articles, ensuring timely changes while maintaining hygiene by keeping the device reusable and free from soiling.

Implementation Method 1

change in voltage across at least one pair of first conductors above a threshold value is detected by the electronic device to transmit a notification indicating wetness of said article

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity change: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3720402B1Remote detectionof wetness in diapers and bandages using reusable electronics

Publication Date: 2025.02.05 SOBTI ARUN

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Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A re-usable electronics device is disclosed, which is detachably coupled with a harness, said harness having physical connectivity with an article whose wetness condition is to be detected. The harness comprises a set of first conductors, and the re- usable electronics device comprises a set of second conductors on its outer surface such that when the re-usable electronics device is operatively coupled with the harness by insertion in a pouch of the harness, the set of first conductors make electrical contact with the set of second conductors enabling detection of change in voltage across at least one pair of the first conductor above a threshold value. The change in the voltage takes place due to change in resistance of resistance based wetness sensors configured with the harness and operatively coupled to the set of first conductors. Upon detection of the change, the device transmits a notification indicating wetness of the article.Prior to changing the soiled article, the electronics can be safely removed from the pouch and re- inserted (re-used) into a new harness.