Universal Wet Garment Detector with Piercing Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wet garment detectors are either integrated into specific diapers, require dedicated garments, or are difficult to securely attach to any type of garment, limiting their reusability and adaptability, and often fail to allow selection of the wetness level at which the wetness condition is signalled.
Innovation Solution
A universal, reusable wet garment detector with a housing containing electronic components and means to pierce onto the garment securely, using U-shaped detection electrodes that can be used with any type of garment, allowing selection of the wetness level by positioning the detector at specific locations marked on the garment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the detector is integrated into the diaper, then the wetness detection function is achieved, but the detector becomes non-reusable and restricted to a particular diaper type
Solution Approach 1:
The wetness detector is extracted from the diaper structure and placed in a separate removable housing. This allows the detector to be reused across multiple diapers while maintaining reliable wetness detection functionality. The sensor remains integrated in the diaper but the processing and signaling components are separated into a reusable external unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector housing is designed to be compatible with multiple diaper types through universal attachment mechanisms. The device can detect wetness in various diaper configurations and can be attached to different diaper styles, making it a universal solution rather than being restricted to a single diaper manufacturer or type.
2Reliability
If the detector requires dedicated garments with pockets or belts, then secure attachment is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into simple separate components that can be easily applied to any diaper. Rather than requiring integrated pockets or belts in the garment, the detector uses standalone attachment elements that can be secured to the exterior surface of any diaper type, simplifying both the device and the garment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is designed to work with the local exterior surface properties of any diaper material. The detector can be attached to any point on the diaper's outer surface without requiring special structural features, allowing secure attachment while maintaining simplicity of both device and garment design.
3Ease of operation
If clips or adhesive patches are used to attach the detector, then the device can be affixed to the garment, but the attachment becomes difficult to secure reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism merges mechanical fastening elements with the detector housing to create a unified secure attachment system. The detector body itself incorporates attachment features that combine the ease of application with reliable security, eliminating the need for separate clips or adhesive patches that may fail to secure properly.
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 secure, reusable, and adaptable wetness detection across various garments without the need for dedicated pockets or clips, allowing for customizable wetness level signalling, reducing the risk of leakage and enhancing caregiver convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid detector of US 7,049,969 further has a capacitive sensor and a housing with through-hole enabling the liquid to infiltrate in the dielectric of the capacitive sensor.
Implementation Method 2
The wetness sensor at least partially contained in the housing detects a wetness condition of the garment
Data Source
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AI summary
A wet garment detector (101) for detecting a wetness condition of garment comprises a housing (103) for containing electronic components, a wetness sensor (201) at least partially contained in said housing (103), and means (104, 105) for piercing the detector (101) onto said garment to thereby removably attach the detector (101) to the garment.