Wearable Hygiene Article Integrated Electronics Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wearable absorbent hygiene articles with electronic capabilities require separate external logging units, which are cumbersome and add additional steps to their use, and the embedded electronics often have limited power due to being activated before use, leading to wasted energy and short operational periods.

Innovation Solution

Integrating an electronics unit, power source, and switch within the absorbent article's layers, where the switch automatically activates when the article is unpacked, unfolded, or applied, eliminating the need for external units and ensuring longer power usage without extra user steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate external logging unit is used to monitor conditions, then electronic monitoring capability is achieved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to additional attachment steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectronic monitoring capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electronics unit, power source, and switch into a single integrated assembly that is incorporated directly into the absorbent hygiene article. This eliminates the need for separate external logging units and their associated attachment steps, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining electronic monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated electronics unit performs multiple functions including sensing conditions, processing data, and transmitting information within a single component housed inside the absorbent article. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed and simplifies the system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the electronics unit is activated before use, then monitoring is ready, but power source duration deteriorates due to energy waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring readinessVSAvoidpower source operational period

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The switch is pre-configured in an OFF state during packaging and storage, ensuring that the power source remains inactive until the moment of use. This preliminary configuration allows the product to be ready for use without consuming power, thereby extending the operational period of the power source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The switch automatically activates when the absorbent hygiene article is applied to the user's body, eliminating the need for manual activation. This self-service mechanism ensures monitoring readiness at the appropriate moment while avoiding premature power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If the logging unit is attached externally, then electronic capabilities are added, but ease of operation worsens due to additional user steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectronic monitoring capabilityVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the electronics unit, power source, and switch into an integrated assembly that is built into the absorbent hygiene article during manufacturing, the patent eliminates the need for users to perform separate attachment operations. Users simply apply the article as usual, and the electronic capabilities are automatically activated, significantly improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Use of energy by moving object

If the switch is manually activated, then power consumption is controlled, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional activation steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumption controlVSAvoidactivation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The switch is designed to activate automatically based on physical changes that occur when the absorbent hygiene article is applied to the user's body, such as changes in shape, position, or mechanical stress. This self-service activation mechanism maintains power consumption control while eliminating the need for manual activation steps, thereby improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3373877B1Wearable absorbent hygiene article comprising an electronics unit

Publication Date: 2021.11.24 ESSITY HYGIENE & HEALTH AB

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Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

There is provided a wearable absorbent hygiene article. The wearable absorbent hygiene article comprises a liquid permeable top layer, a back layer, an absorbent member, an electronics unit, a power source and a switch. The liquid permeable top layer is adapted to face the wearer during use. The back layer is opposite to the top layer. The absorbent member is located between the top layer and the back layer. The switch operably couples the electronics unit to the power source. The switch is configured such that the power source supplies power to the electronics unit when the switch is in an ON state and such that the power source does not supply power to the electronics unit when the switch is in an OFF state. The power source, the switch and at least a portion of the electronics unit are disposed between the top layer and the back layer.