Disposable Sensor Pad Layout for Incontinence Type Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid detecting systems for urinary and fecal incontinence, particularly electrical approaches, struggle to accurately measure the degree of wetness and differentiate between urine and fecal incontinence due to variable urine salinity and lack of response to fecal properties, while optical methods are costly and less proven.
Innovation Solution
A wearable disposable sensor pad with multiple urine sensing cells and a controller that measures conductivity through absorbable wicks, allowing for real-time detection of incontinence type and urine salinity, featuring electrodes and absorbable material layers with optional barriers to distinguish between urine and fecal matter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If electrical conductivity measurement is used to detect fluid presence, then the design simplicity and low cost are improved, but the measurement precision of wetness degree and fluid type differentiation deteriorates due to variable urine salinity
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent sensing zones with different electrode configurations. Each zone measures conductivity independently, allowing the system to compare readings across zones to distinguish between wetness degree and salinity variations, thereby resolving the measurement precision issue while maintaining simple electrical detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters by using multiple electrode pairs with different geometries and spacing. By varying the electrical parameters (voltage, current, frequency) and comparing the responses, the system can differentiate between changes in wetness versus changes in salinity, improving measurement precision without complicating the basic electrical detection approach
2Ease of manufacture
If electrical conductivity measurement is used to detect fluid presence, then the design simplicity and low cost are improved, but the ability to differentiate between urine and fecal incontinence deteriorates due to lack of response to fecal properties
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the pad are given different local qualities through varying electrode configurations and positions. Some zones are optimized for detecting liquid urine (higher conductivity), while others are optimized for detecting semi-solid fecal matter (lower conductivity, different wetting patterns). This spatial variation in detection characteristics enables fluid type differentiation while maintaining simple electrical measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically analyzes the temporal pattern of conductivity changes across multiple sensing zones. Urine and fecal matter produce different dynamic responses in terms of wetting speed, conductivity change rate, and spatial progression. By analyzing these dynamic patterns rather than static readings alone, the system can differentiate fluid types using simple electrical measurements
3Measurement precision
If optical detection approaches are used for incontinence detection, then the potential for fluid type differentiation is improved, but the manufacturing cost and design complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex optical detection systems with simple electrical conductivity measurements. By using electrical fields instead of optical fields, the system achieves sufficient fluid type differentiation through differences in conductivity patterns, eliminating the need for expensive optical components, light sources, and photodetectors while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
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 system provides accurate, real-time monitoring of incontinence events, differentiating between urinary and fecal incontinence, and estimating urine salinity, with minimal dependence on fluid management methods, enabling effective and cost-efficient detection.
Implementation Method 1
a first absorbable material layer disposed on the first surface of the substrate... allowing the conductivity of the wicks to be continuously measured
Implementation Method 2
at least one pair of electrodes disposed between the first surface of the substrate and the first absorbable material layer... allowing the conductivity of the wicks to be continuously measured
Data Source
AI summary
Most current incontinence detection systems are expensive, difficult to use, uncomfortable to wear, or suffer limitations in the scope of detected events. However, the present invention features an incontinence detection system that uses inexpensive technologies and is disposable. The system can indicate the degree and persistence of wetness. The degree of wetness can be measured across various factors, including geometrical coverage via multiple independent detection points, each comprising a “detection cell.” A suitably networked system can determine the time and location of wetness. Each cell might be tuned for various factors such as material fluid affinity and exposure area. An advantage of the invention is the ease with which it can be adapted to distinguish fecal incontinence as distinct from urinary incontinence; both forms of incontinence can be monitored using the same system described herein. Another advantage includes the ability to estimate urine salinity.