Disposable Wetness Pad with Breathable Sensor Layer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current disposable wetness sensor systems for detecting wetness in bed or chair surfaces are prone to damage due to friction, are expensive, and generate substantial waste, while existing solutions lack effectiveness in detecting wetness levels and schedules, leading to discomfort, infections, and inefficient pad replacement.
Innovation Solution
A disposable pad with anode and cathode traces printed on a breathable layer, combined with super absorbent polymer material, that withstands user movement and friction, and includes a sensor clip system for wireless data transmission to a portable device, capable of detecting wetness levels, location, and type of liquid, with a processor to estimate voiding schedules and provide pre-wetting alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable sensor pads are used for wetness detection, then waste is generated and cost increases, but sensor durability and reliability improve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable sensor pads that are discarded after a single use. Each pad contains printed carbon black traces on a breathable layer that detect wetness through resistance changes. The disposable nature eliminates cleaning and sterilization requirements, ensuring reliable detection without cross-contamination risks while keeping each unit inexpensive for single-use applications.
2Loss of substance
If cleanable and reusable sensor assemblies are used, then cost is reduced and waste is minimized, but cleaning complexity and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than creating reusable sensors that require complex cleaning protocols, the patent adopts a disposable approach where each sensor pad is inexpensive enough to be used once and discarded. This eliminates all cleaning complexity while maintaining waste minimization through targeted single-use deployment only where wetness detection is critical.
3Quantity of substance
If standard liquid absorbing pads are used, then wetness absorption is achieved, but wetness detection capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines liquid absorption and wetness detection functions into a single integrated pad structure. The breathable layer contains printed carbon black traces that form conductive pathways, while the absorbent material soaks up liquid. When wetness occurs, the liquid bridges the carbon traces, changing electrical resistance and enabling detection while simultaneously absorbing the liquid.
4Measurement precision
If sensor traces are placed directly on pad surface, then wetness detection sensitivity increases, but friction damage and reliability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a breathable layer as a flexible substrate that protects the printed carbon black traces from direct friction exposure. The carbon traces are printed on this thin film layer, which acts as a protective shell while remaining permeable to liquid. This configuration maintains electrical sensitivity for wetness detection while the breathable layer shields the conductive traces from mechanical damage during patient movement.
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 durable and cost-effective wetness detection, reducing waste, improving patient comfort by minimizing infections and pad replacements, and enabling efficient management of incontinence through accurate wetness monitoring and alert systems.
Implementation Method 1
super absorbent polymer material
Implementation Method 2
pad is designed to wick wetness away from a patient's skin
Implementation Method 3
A sensor device applies a voltage across the traces and when wetness occurs between the traces, the sensor detects a drop in resistance between the traces
Data Source
AI summary
A clip assembly for use with an incontinence pad having a trace pair comprising a housing and a jaw fastened together to move between open and closed states and including conductive contacts spaced to connect to the traces when the clip is attached to the pad, also including a voltage source, a sensor and a processor linked to the source and sensor n the housing and programmed to detect wetness at across the traces, at least one of the housing and the jaw having a substantially flat external surface for supporting the assembly on a horizontal surface.