Sensor-Integrated Menstrual Hygiene Product for Real-Time Fluid Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring menstrual fluid are inaccurate and invasive, relying on subjective manual tracking and lacking real-time quantitation of menstrual characteristics and treatment monitoring.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensors into menstrual hygiene products to collect data on weight, time, resistance, conductivity, viscosity, and biological properties of menstrual fluid, allowing for real-time monitoring and potential medication release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual tracking with menstrual charts and scoring systems is used, then users can monitor menstrual fluid, but the measurement is highly inaccurate due to subjective soak level and clot-size estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical tracking system with electronic sensors that automatically detect and quantify menstrual characteristics. Weight sensors measure fluid absorption objectively, optical sensors detect blood clot size and color, and conductive sensors monitor saturation levels, eliminating subjective human estimation entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The menstrual hygiene product performs self-monitoring through integrated sensors that automatically track fluid absorption, blood loss, and clot characteristics without requiring user intervention. The system self-quantifies menstrual characteristics and transmits data wirelessly, making the monitoring process autonomous and eliminating the need for manual charting.
2Measurement precision
If invasive blood draws are used for diagnosis, then accurate biological data can be obtained, but the process is inconvenient and invasive to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses menstrual fluid as an intermediary medium to obtain biological data that would otherwise require invasive blood draws. Sensors embedded in the hygiene product analyze blood components, hormone levels, and cellular material present in menstrual fluid, providing diagnostic information through a non-invasive alternative pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the invasive mechanical procedure of blood draws with non-invasive sensor-based detection. Electronic sensors, optical detectors, and biochemical sensors embedded in the hygiene product measure biological parameters directly from menstrual fluid, eliminating the need for needles and invasive sampling.
3Reliability
If the menstrual chart requires daily manual tracking, then users can monitor their period, but the effectiveness is dependent on user consistency and does not allow real-time monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time monitoring through sensors that constantly measure fluid absorption, weight changes, and biological parameters throughout the menstrual period. The system continuously collects and transmits data without interruption, eliminating the gaps and inconsistencies inherent in daily manual tracking while providing uninterrupted monitoring coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic self-monitoring and self-reporting, eliminating the need for user initiation of tracking activities. Sensors continuously measure parameters and automatically transmit data to healthcare providers or storage systems, making the monitoring process independent of user consistency or time investment.
4Ease of operation
If subjective determination of soak level and clot size is used, then the menstrual chart can be completed, but the estimates vary significantly person-to-person leading to misdiagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective human estimation with objective electronic measurement systems. Weight sensors provide precise quantification of fluid absorption, optical sensors objectively measure blood clot size and colorimetric properties, and conductive sensors detect saturation levels, eliminating inter-personal variability in estimation entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback through sensor measurements that objectively indicate menstrual characteristics. The sensors continuously monitor and report actual physical parameters such as weight change, optical density, and electrical conductivity, providing immediate objective feedback that replaces delayed and variable subjective human assessment.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an aspect of at least one embodiment, a method of monitoring menstrual fluid for diagnosis and treatment may include providing a menstrual hygiene product including a sensor. Data may be obtained from including data collected by the sensor. A menstrual characteristic may be determined based on the data. The menstrual characteristic may be monitored for a menstrual condition. A safety action may be performed based on fulfillment of the menstrual condition.