RFID Incontinence Monitoring for Predictive Moisture Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional incontinence monitoring systems lack efficient data capture and analysis for urinary incontinence, requiring manual observation and binary wet/dry determinations, and often lack integration with power sources and complex fabrication techniques, leading to suboptimal care for nursing home residents.

Innovation Solution

An IoT system with RFID sensors integrated into absorbent articles that analyze energy levels to detect moisture and motion events, predicting incontinence and bed movements, and providing predictive analytics through edge computing for timely care interventions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual observation and binary wet/dry determinations are used for incontinence monitoring, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of incontinence detection deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidmoisture detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual observation (mechanical/human system) with RFID sensors that detect moisture through electromagnetic field interactions. The sensors measure energy levels in the electromagnetic field, which change when moisture is present, providing automated and precise detection without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces RFID sensors as an intermediary between the moisture (urine) and the monitoring system. These sensors detect moisture indirectly by measuring changes in electromagnetic field energy levels caused by the presence of moisture, enabling precise detection while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If RFID sensors with energy level analysis are implemented, then measurement precision and predictive analytics are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveincontinence event detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor integration difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The RFID sensors serve multiple functions: they detect moisture presence, measure energy levels, distinguish between urine and other liquids, and provide data for predictive analytics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing despite the advanced capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID sensors are passive devices that harvest energy from the electromagnetic field for their operation, eliminating the need for separate power sources or complex wiring. This self-powered capability simplifies integration into absorbent articles and reduces manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If real-time predictive analytics are provided through edge computing, then productivity and care efficiency are improved, but use of energy and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecare efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of sensor data at the edge computing level, identifying patterns and predicting incontinence events before they occur. This allows care providers to take preventive actions, improving efficiency while reducing the need for continuous high-energy monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The edge computing system processes data in periodic intervals rather than continuously, analyzing energy level patterns over time to predict events. This periodic processing significantly reduces energy consumption while maintaining high productivity through timely predictions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enhances urinary incontinence management by providing real-time, predictive insights into incontinence events and bed movements, reducing skin irritation and improving care efficiency in nursing homes.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor, that detects changes in an environment in which the sensor is deployed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field interaction with moisture: Dielectric Permittivity

Data Source

PatentUS12551381B2Internet of things (IoT) solution for management of urinary incontinence

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 DRIQ HEALTH INC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an intelligent internet of things (IoT) monitoring system, and in particular to techniques (e.g., systems, methods, computer program products storing code or instructions executable by one or more processors) for the implementation of an IoT solution to manage urinary incontinence. Some aspects are directed to the concept of a management platform that allows for end users such as health care providers, caretakers, or medical personnel to manage and monitor one or more subjects through one or more client devices using a network of sensors and IoT devices. Other aspects are directed the concept of a data analysis system configured to train and deploy one or more prediction models for analysis and tracking metrics of health or wellbeing for the one or more subjects.