Temperature Sensor for Voiding Event Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Caregivers face challenges in promptly detecting voiding events in individuals with disabilities, leading to prolonged exposure to soiled undergarments, which increases the risk of urinary tract infections and other health issues due to the unpredictability and inefficiency of existing detection methods, such as disposable and reusable sensors that are either cost-ineffective or pose sanitation concerns.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that measure real-time temperatures at a location adjacent to the care-receiver's torso, determining voiding events based on temperature rises above a predefined range or rate, with optional alarm generation, weight measurement, and wireless communication to remote devices for timely notification and care.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable sensor units are integrated directly into disposable underwear, then voiding event detection is achieved, but cost-effectiveness deteriorates and environmental friendliness worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection function into two separate components: a reusable temperature sensor unit and disposable undergarments. The sensor is not integrated into the disposable product but remains as a separate, durable component that can be reused across multiple undergarment changes, thereby reducing costs and waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor is extracted from the disposable undergarment structure and placed as a separate reusable device. This extraction allows the sensor to be reused multiple times while the undergarments remain disposable, solving both the detection reliability need and the cost/environmental concerns.
2Reliability
If removable sensors are placed on the outside of disposable undergarment, then voiding event detection is achieved, but sanitation concerns worsen due to soiling risk
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is extracted from the disposable undergarment and placed as a separate reusable component that does not contact the soiled areas. The sensor remains on the clean side (e.g., in the wheelchair seat or on clothing), detecting temperature changes without being exposed to urine or feces, thus eliminating sanitation concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the undergarment itself as an intermediary medium. The sensor detects temperature changes in the undergarment or in the environment, which indirectly indicate voiding events without the sensor needing to直接接触 the soiled areas. This intermediary approach maintains sanitation while preserving detection capability.
3Reliability
If removable sensors are used on disposable undergarment, then voiding event detection is achieved, but device complexity increases due to removal, cleaning, and reattachment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is extracted from the disposable undergarment system entirely, becoming a permanent fixture in the wheelchair or on the user's clothing. This eliminates the need for repeated attachment and detachment operations, significantly reducing the complexity of sensor management while maintaining continuous detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is pre-positioned in a fixed location (wheelchair seat or clothing) before the undergarment is even put on. This preliminary positioning ensures continuous detection without requiring any action during undergarment changes, simplifying the overall system operation.
4Ease of operation
If caregivers change undergarments on their own schedule, then ease of operation is improved, but detection precision deteriorates as care-receiver needs are not met timely
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous temperature monitoring with real-time feedback to caregivers. When a voiding event is detected through temperature change, an alert is immediately sent to the caregiver's device, enabling them to respond precisely when needed rather than relying on fixed schedules. This maintains operational flexibility while achieving accurate event detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor continuously monitors temperature in advance, detecting voiding events before they become a problem. This preliminary detection allows caregivers to be notified and respond timely, bridging the gap between flexible scheduling and precise event detection.
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 accurate and timely detection of voiding events, reducing the risk of health issues by enabling caregivers to respond promptly, while being cost-effective and minimizing sanitation concerns, with a high success rate of correct event detection.
Implementation Method 1
measuring temperatures in real-time at a location adjacent a lower portion of the care-receiver's torso where the voiding event is to occur
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method of detecting a voiding event of a care-receiver uses a temperature sensor for measuring temperatures in real-time at a location adjacent a lower portion of the care-receiver's torso where the voiding event is to occur. The system and method then determines the voiding event based on the measured temperatures.