Single Transistor Liquid Leak Detector Circuit for 24-Hour Incontinence Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current incontinence leak detection devices are not designed for 24-hour use, are expensive, lack discreetness, and cannot simultaneously detect both urinary and fecal leaks, particularly for ambulatory seniors, and offer limited functionality for seniors and infants.
Innovation Solution
A 24-hour incontinence detection system featuring a sensor assembly with a conductivity sensor, a single transistor liquid leak detection circuit, and a Bluetooth transmitter that activates an alarm for discreet and simultaneous monitoring of both urinary and fecal leaks, with a daytime and slumber-time configuration for ambulatory seniors and caretakers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive retention devices (diapers) are used for incontinence management, then basic leak protection is provided, but no active detection or alert capability is available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sensor systems with a simple electrical conductivity detection mechanism. Two conductive elements detect leaks by sensing changes in electrical conductivity when liquid contacts them, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sensors while providing reliable leak detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the wearer's existing smartphone as the alert device, eliminating the need for a separate complex alarm system. The conductivity sensor automatically detects leaks and triggers notifications through the smartphone app, making the system self-sufficient without requiring additional active components on the wearable itself.
2Duration of action of moving object
If existing active leak detection devices are used, then leak detection capability is provided, but they are expensive and not designed for 24-hour use
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed for continuous 24-hour monitoring with periodic alerts sent to the smartphone. The conductivity sensor continuously monitors for leaks, and the system periodically communicates status updates or leak alerts to the caretaker's device, enabling round-the-clock monitoring without requiring complex power management systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a universal smartphone platform that most users already possess, eliminating the need for proprietary expensive alert devices. The same basic conductivity sensor design can monitor both infants and seniors, providing universal applicability across different user groups and extending monitoring duration affordably.
3Ease of operation
If existing detection devices are used, then leak detection is provided, but they lack discreetness and are not suitable for ambulatory seniors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex processing and alerting functions from the wearable sensor and places them in the user's smartphone. This leaves the wearable itself as a simple, discreet conductivity sensor that can be easily attached to clothing, making it comfortable for ambulatory seniors while maintaining full detection capability through the paired mobile device.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing devices are used, then urinary leak detection is provided, but simultaneous fecal leak detection is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple detection capabilities into a single conductivity sensor unit. The same sensor can detect both urinary and fecal leaks by monitoring conductivity changes, and the smartphone app can distinguish between different leak types based on conductivity patterns, providing versatile detection without requiring separate complex sensor systems for each function.
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
Enables continuous, discreet, and simultaneous monitoring of incontinence leaks for seniors and infants, providing prompt alerts and reducing social withdrawal due to incontinence issues, with a reusable and cost-effective solution that can be adapted for various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a conductivity sensor being a passive device and disposed in a vicinity of where a leak is most likely to occur... receives a resistance value sensed by the conductivity sensor... The gap and any liquid disposed in the gap define the resistance value
Data Source
AI summary
A 24-hour incontinence detection system contains a conductivity sensor being a passive device and is disposed in a vicinity of where a leak is most likely to occur. A liquid leak detection circuit is connected to the conductivity sensor and receives a resistance value sensed by the conductivity sensor. A Bluetooth transmitter is connected to the liquid detection circuit. An alarm receives a signal from the Bluetooth transmitter. The signal is representative of the output from the liquid leak detection circuit. The liquid leak detection circuit activates the alarm in dependence on the resistance value of the conductivity sensor.