Rollable Sensor Module for Smart Diapers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional smart diapers lack sensitivity to detect feces and require release papers, increasing production costs and user inconvenience, while relying on caregivers' judgment for diaper changes, which can be inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
A smart nursing consumable with a rollable sensor module comprising a first and second film sheet with pores, and conductive pads connected to wires, allowing for improved sensitivity and eliminating the need for release papers by integrating the sensor module above the absorbent body, enabling detection of both urine and feces without compromising skin sensation or comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a water-absorbing layer is placed on a waterproof layer with conductive tape, then urine sensing is enabled, but feces detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into separate conductive layers: a first conductive layer contacts the water-absorbing layer for urine detection, while a second conductive layer contacts the feces-absorbing layer for feces detection. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in detecting its target substance without interference from the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a vertical dimension to the sensing structure by stacking multiple conductive layers at different heights. The first conductive layer is positioned closer to the water-absorbing layer, while the second conductive layer is positioned closer to the feces-absorbing layer, enabling simultaneous detection of both urine and feces through impedance changes in respective layers.
2Ease of manufacture
If openings are created in the water-absorbing and permeable layers to expose connecting terminals, then electrical connection is achieved, but production cost increases and user convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connecting terminals from the interior of the diaper structure and relocates them to the outer surface. This allows the terminals to be directly accessible for electrical connection without requiring openings in the absorbent layers or release papers, eliminating the need for user intervention while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an elastic member as an intermediary component that provides a flexible connection path between the conductive layers and the external electrical interface. This elastic member allows electrical connection to be established without compromising the integrity or comfort of the absorbent layers.
3Ease of manufacture
If the waterproof layer is made smooth for conductive printing, then conductive tape connection is facilitated, but feces permeation to the conductive tape is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the waterproof layer into distinct functional zones: a first waterproof region with a smooth surface optimized for conductive printing and urine sensing, and a second waterproof region with a rough surface optimized for feces absorption and detection. This segmentation allows each region to excel at its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different surface qualities to different regions of the waterproof layer. The first waterproof region has a smooth surface quality suitable for conductive printing, while the second waterproof region has a rough surface quality that enhances feces adhesion and detection, allowing local optimization of properties for specific functions.
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 solution enhances the smart nursing consumable's sensitivity to detect urination and excretion events, reduces production costs by eliminating release papers, and improves user convenience by eliminating the need for paper removal, while improving manufacturing efficiency through direct integration of the sensor module.
Implementation Method 1
a transceiver assembly is used to sense the impedance changes of the conductive tape. When the water-absorbing layer absorbs certain amount of urine, some of the urine may permeate to the conductive tape and the impedance between the conductive tapes would change consequently
Implementation Method 2
Both of the first film sheet and the second film sheet include a plurality of pores... allowing for improved sensitivity and eliminating the need for release papers by integrating the sensor module above the absorbent body, enabling detection of both urine and feces
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A smart nursing consumable, which includes an absorbent body and a sensor module disposed on the absorbent body. The sensor module includes a first film sheet, at least one wire, a second film sheet and a conductive pad. The first film sheet is disposed on the absorbent body. The at least one wire is disposed on the first film sheet. The second film sheet is disposed on the first film sheet and covers the at least one wire. The conductive pad is connected to the at least one wire. Both of the first film sheet and the second film sheet include a plurality of pores. A rollable sensor module and a rollable method for manufacturing the smart nursing consumable are also provided.