Non-Contact Motion Sensor for Water Birthing Pool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing monitoring devices for birthing mothers during labor are cumbersome, uncomfortable, and not suitable for water births, as they require contact sensors that inhibit movement and may not be suitable for use in water environments, which can negate the benefits of water birthing and are not preferred by all women.
Innovation Solution
A birthing pool equipped with motion sensors located adjacent to or on the peripheral wall and base, connected to a processing means to detect and process data on the frequency and duration of contractions, allowing for remote monitoring without contact devices, using markers on the mother's body to track movement without discomfort or hindrance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact sensors are used to monitor labor progress, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but mother comfort and movement freedom deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system extracts the sensor from direct contact with the mother's body. Motion sensors are positioned in the birthing pool environment (on the pool wall or base) rather than attached to the mother, eliminating the need for elastic belts and contact sensors while still capturing movement data for labor monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The birthing pool environment acts as an intermediary medium. Instead of attaching sensors directly to the mother, the system uses motion sensors that detect movements through the pool environment (water displacement, wall vibrations, or tracking markers visible through water), providing indirect but accurate monitoring
2Reliability
If contact monitoring devices are used in water birth, then labor monitoring is achieved, but suitability for water environment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical contact-based sensors with non-contact motion detection technology. Motion sensors (such as optical or acoustic sensors) detect mother's movements through the water environment without requiring physical contact, making the monitoring system suitable for water birth while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed to be universal and adaptable to different birth environments. By using motion sensors that can detect movements through water without contact, the system works equally well in both water and land birth settings, eliminating the need for environment-specific equipment
3Duration of action of moving object
If electronic sensors with wires and belts are used, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but device complexity and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system removes wires, belts, and complex attachment mechanisms from the monitoring setup. Motion sensors positioned in the pool environment continuously track the mother's movements without requiring any physical attachment to her body, simplifying the device while maintaining continuous monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system operates autonomously without requiring manual attachment or adjustment. Motion sensors automatically detect and record movements throughout labor, eliminating the need for healthcare providers to repeatedly adjust or reposition contact sensors, thereby reducing both device complexity and user burden
Data Source
AI summary
A system (2; 4) for measuring the movement of a birthing mother in a birthing pool (1; 3), the system comprises: a) a birthing pool (1; 3), the pool (1; 3) comprising a base (11; 31) and a peripheral wall (12; 32) upstanding from the base (11; 31), the pool (1; 3) further comprising at least one motion sensor (21, 22; 41, 42), the motion sensor (21, 22; 41, 42) being located adjacent the peripheral wall (12; 32) and/or on the base (11; 31), and wherein the at least one motion sensor (21, 22; 41, 42) is configured or configurable to detect the movement of the birthing mother in the pool (1; 3); b) a processing means, e.g. a processor, operatively connected to the at least one motion sensor (21, 22; 41, 42); wherein the system is configured to monitor motion of the mother whilst located within the birthing pool (1; 3).