Rotatable Clip Detection Device With Polygonal Charging Station

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current detection devices for absorbent articles are costly, prone to dislodging during wearer movements, and generate waste, as they are not effectively secured to the articles and lack user-friendly charging solutions.

Innovation Solution

A detection device with a rotatable clip element and non-contact sensors that securely attach to absorbent articles, combined with a polygonal charging station design for efficient charging, allowing for easy attachment and reduced waste.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If detection devices are secured to absorbent articles using existing pocket arrangements, then the devices can be attached to monitor voiding events, but the devices are prone to dislodging during wearer movements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidattachment simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clip element is designed to be rotatable between an open position for easy attachment and a closed position for secure retention. This dynamic mechanism allows the user to simply rotate the clip to secure the detection device to the absorbent article, providing both ease of operation and reliable attachment during wearer movements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of substance

If detection devices are disposed of with absorbent articles, then waste is generated, but reusing sensors requires complex moisture sensing and signal processing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectronic wasteVSAvoidsensing and processing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device is extracted from the disposable absorbent article system. Instead of being disposed of with the article, the detection device is designed as a separate reusable component that can be attached to multiple absorbent articles, thereby reducing electronic waste while avoiding the complexity of moisture sensing and signal processing required for sensor reuse.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention separates the detection device from the disposable absorbent article, allowing the detection device to be recovered and reused across multiple articles. This recovery approach reduces electronic waste generation while maintaining simple operation without requiring complex moisture sensing capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Volume of moving object

If detection devices are made compact for insertion into absorbent article pockets, then they are easier to retain, but reading information from the screen becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice compactnessVSAvoidinformation readability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device features a foldable screen that can be extended outward from the compact housing. This allows the screen to be viewed in an extended dimension when needed for reading information, while maintaining a compact form factor for easy insertion and retention in absorbent article pockets when the screen is folded in.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional charging methods are used for detection devices, then charging is possible, but the process is not user-friendly and efficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging implementationVSAvoidcharging user-friendliness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The charging station automatically detects when a detection device is placed in the charging slot and initiates charging without requiring user intervention. The system self-activates the charging process, making it highly user-friendly and efficient while simplifying the charging implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The charging system replaces manual connection mechanisms with automatic detection and charging activation. The charging station uses sensors to detect the presence of the detection device and automatically establishes electrical connection and initiates charging, eliminating the need for manual plug-in operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 provides a cost-effective, secure, and user-friendly detection system that minimizes accidental dislodging and promotes reusability, reducing electronic waste by enabling efficient charging and easy attachment to absorbent articles.

Implementation Method 1

said housing comprises at least one or more non-contact sensor(s) (11) arranged to automatically trigger a detection signal according to whether the clip element (6) is in closed or open position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNon-contact sensing: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

said housing comprises a clip element (6) rotatably connected to the housing (2); wherein said clip element (6) can be rotated from an open position to a closed position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4483854A1Detection device and charging station
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 ONTEX BV
  • EP4483854A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4483854A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4483854A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A detection device and complementary charging station for charging the detection device. The detection device comprises at least one or more non-contact sensor(s) arranged to automatically trigger a detection signal according to whether the clip element is in closed or open position. The charging station has a cross-section that is polygonal in shape forming a plane having three or more sides and wherein at least two of said sides together form an angle of at most about 90° and in that said at least two sides are arranged to come into contact with said detection device in an open position to activate charging.