Wetness Sensor Volume Estimation for Absorbent Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing incontinence monitoring systems for absorbent articles can only detect a single wetness event and require manual checking, which is labor-intensive, inaccurate, and not real-time, leading to inefficient use of absorbent capacity and potential discomfort for the wearer.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that process electrical variables from wetness sensors to estimate the volume of bodily output by generating a vector representative of the output, applying functions to determine possible volumes, and calculating a volume range based on a distribution of these volumes, allowing for real-time and accurate monitoring of absorbent article capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual checking of wetness indicators is performed, then the wetness status can be determined, but it requires labor-intensive manual intervention and is not real-time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service monitoring by automatically detecting wetness events through sensors and processing electrical variables to determine volume, eliminating the need for manual checking while providing continuous real-time monitoring of absorbent article capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical checking with electronic sensor-based detection, using wetness sensors that measure electrical variables (resistance, capacitance) to automatically determine wetness status and volume without human intervention
2Reliability
If absorbent articles are changed upon detection of a wetness event, then incontinence is managed, but the absorbent article capacity is not fully utilized leading to resource waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback by continuously monitoring wetness events and calculating cumulative volume, allowing carers to make informed decisions about when to change articles based on actual capacity utilization rather than reacting to each individual wetness event
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the monitoring parameter from simple wetness detection to volume measurement, using electrical variable processing to determine actual liquid volume and enable capacity-based change decisions that optimize absorbent article utilization
3Ease of operation
If manual checking is performed periodically, then the absorbent article status is monitored, but it is not accurate in representing the volume of liquid and is sensitive to wearer movement and pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with electronic sensor measurement, using wetness sensors that detect electrical variables (resistance, capacitance, conductance) to objectively measure liquid presence and volume without being affected by wearer movement or viewing conditions
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 accurate and timely detection of absorbent article capacity utilization, reducing manual checks and wearer discomfort by providing real-time data on the volume of bodily output, thus optimizing absorbent article changes and improving incontinence management.
Implementation Method 1
The system is configured to measure an electrical variable, such as resistance, of a wetness sensor in the absorbent article
Implementation Method 2
The sensor device can include a wetness sensor that exhibits a change in behaviour, such as capacitance
Implementation Method 3
such as conductance
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an incontinence monitoring system for estimating a volume or a volume range of a bodily output in a combination absorbent article and wetness sensor. The system comprises a combination of an absorbent article and a wetness sensor, and a processor adapted to receive an input representative of an electrical variable of the wetness sensor indicative of the occurrence of a bodily output in the absorbent article and to process the input including: characterising the input to generate a vector that is representative of the bodily output, applying one or more functions to the vector to generate one or more possible volumes of the bodily output, generating a distribution of the possible volumes, and determining a volume or a volume range for the bodily output based on the distribution of the possible volumes.