WO2017194391A1

WO2017194391A1 - Product provided with electrodes for wetness detection of the product

Info

Publication number: WO2017194391A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/060733
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jos Vleurinck; Véronique VERGOTE; Dominique ANDRIES
Original assignee: Nv Bekaert Sa
Priority date: 2016-05-13
Filing date: 2017-05-05
Publication date: 2017-11-16

Abstract

The product comprises a foil, a sheet, an absorbent layer or a textile layer; and at least two electrodes. The electrodes comprise a non-electrically conductive core-yarn wrapped with one or with more than one stainless steel filament. The at least two electrodes are provided for detection of aqueous wetting of the foil, the sheet, the absorbent layer or the textile layer.

Description

Product provided with electrodes for wetness detection of the product

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of products provided with electrodes for wetness

detection of the product. Such products are e.g. bed sheets, mattress covers, wall coverings or absorbent products for absorbing urination or faecal liquids of humans. Examples of such absorbent products are infant diapers and adult incontinence articles.

Background Art

[0002] It can be interesting to have wetness detection in products. For instance in wall coverings, e.g. textile wall coverings or wall papers, it is interesting to detect the presence of condensation.

[0003] In bed sheets and mattress covers, detection of wetting by urine or by faecal liquids of humans can be of interest, e.g. in homes for elderly people.

[0004] Various infant diapers and adult incontinence products have been developed with means for monitoring moisture or wetness. The purpose of such devices is to signal when the product has absorbed urine or excreta.

[0005] US2013/0018231 A1 describes a diaper having wetness detectors. The diaper comprises an inner layer, an absorption layer, a detection layer and a backing sheet. The detection layer and the absorption layer are sandwiched between the inner layer and the backing sheet. The detection layer comprises conductive wires. The conductive wires form a first set of contacts and a second set of contacts. Urine or faecal liquids will provide electrical contact between the conductive wires.

Disclosure of Invention

[0006] It is an objective of the invention to provide improved products comprising a wetness detection system. It is another objective of the invention to provide an improved absorbent product for absorbing urination or faecal liquids of humans wherein the absorbent product comprises a wetness detection system.

It is another objective to provide bed sheets, mattress covers and wall coverings with wetness detection means.

[0007] The first aspect of the invention is a product comprising a foil, a sheet, an absorbent layer or a textile layer; and at least two electrodes. The electrodes comprise a non-electrically conductive core-yarn wrapped with one or with more than one stainless steel filament. The at least two electrodes are provided for detection of aqueous wetting of the foil, the sheet, the absorbent layer or the textile layer. Examples of such products include absorbent products (e.g. diapers), bed sheets, mattress covers and wall coverings.

[0008] Preferably, the at least two electrodes are attached to the foil, to the sheet, to the

absorbent layer or to the textile layer.

[0009] It is a benefit of the invention that a product with a detection system is provided that has a more reliable detection system, as the electrodes maintain their functionality during storage before use of the product as well as in different use conditions and over a long time. It is a further benefit of at least some embodiments of the invention that the electrode system can be more easily and more reliably assembled into the product, because of the flexibility of the electrodes. It is a further benefit that the observation of the presence of the electrodes in the product is minimal.

[0010] Preferably, the non-electrically conductive core-yarn has a linear mass less than 30 tex.

[001 1] Preferably, the one or more than one stainless steel filaments have a diameter more than 30 μηη.

[0012] Preferably, the one or more than one stainless steel filaments have a diameter less than 65 μιτι.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the one or more than one stainless steel filaments contact the non-electrically conductive core-yarn.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the one or more than one stainless steel filaments are

monofilaments which are each individually wrapped around the non-electrically conductive core-yarn.

[0015] In embodiments of the invention, the product can comprise more than one of the

following: a foil, a sheet, an absorbent layer or a textile layer.

[0016] Preferably, the one or the more than one stainless steel filament is or are wrapped with at least 500 turns per meter, more preferably with at least 700 turns per meter around the non-electrically conductive core-yarn, even more preferably with at least 800 turns per meter around the non-electrically conductive core-yarn.

[0017] Preferably, the one or the more than one stainless steel filament is or are wrapped with less than 1500, more preferably with less than 1200 turns per meter around the non- electrically conductive core-yarn.

[0018] Preferably, at least one of the one or the more than one stainless steel filaments form part of the outer surface of the electrode.

[0019] Preferably, the non-electrically conductive core-yarn is not elastomeric.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the number of electrodes is limited to two.

[0021] Preferably, the non-electrically conductive core-yarn is a multifilament yarn; more

preferably a polyester multifilament yarn. More preferably the multifilament yarn or the polyester multfilament yarn has a linear density less than 30 tex, more preferably a linear density less than 20 tex.

[0022] In a preferred absorbent product, the non-electrically conductive core-yarn is wrapped by one or by more than one stainless steel filaments in S-direction; and wrapped by one or by more than one stainless steel filaments in Z- direction. More preferably, the non- electrically conductive core yarn is wrapped with the same number of stainless steel filaments in S-direction as in Z-direction. Even more preferably, the non-electrically conductive core yarn is wrapped by only one stainless steel filament in S-direction and by only one stainless steel filament in Z-direction.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment wherein the non-electrically conductive yarn is wrapped by only one stainless steel filament or by more than one stainless steel filaments in S- and in Z-direction; the only one or the more than one stainless steel filaments wrapped in S- direction are wrapped around the non-electrically conductive core-yarn with the same number of turns per meter as the only one or the more than one stainless steel filaments wrapped in Z- direction around the non-electrically conductive core yarn. Such embodiments provide synergistic benefits to the absorbent product, as the manufacturing of the product is facilitated and wetness detection properties are more constant and stable.

[0024] Preferably, one single stainless steel filament is wrapped in S-direction and one single stainless steel filament is wrapped in Z-direction around the non-electrically conductive core yarn; preferably both with the same number of turns per meter.

[0025] In a preferred product, all electrodes are provided parallel to each other in the product.

More preferably, only two electrodes are provided in the products of the invention.

[0026] In a preferred product, one end of each of the electrodes is connectable to an electronics module that can be detachably attached to the product, electronics module provided for detection of aqueous wetting of the foil, the sheet of the textile layer. In preferred embodiments, the electronics module is provided for the assessment of the amount of wetting of the foil, the sheet of the textile layer.

[0027] Preferably, the product comprises a detachable multiple use electronics module. The electronics module can be detachably attached to the electrodes. The electrodes make an electrical contact with the electronics module once the module is attached to the electrodes, or an electromagnetic coupling is provided between the electronics module and the electrodes. For making an electromagnetic coupling, the electrodes can be laid with a loop, and the electronics module also has a loop, that can interact

electromagnetically with the loop in the electrodes.

The electronics module comprises a battery and electronic components for detecting differences in impedance between electrodes caused by the presence of water in the product. Preferably, the electronic components are provided for the detection of differences in impedance at a multiple number of frequencies. In preferred embodiments, the electronic components are provided for the assessment of the amount of wetting of the foil, the sheet of the textile layer, via the evaluation of impedance values at different electrical frequencies.

[0028] Preferably, the product comprises an electronics module for detection of aqueous wetting of the foil, the sheet of the textile layer. Preferably, the electronics module is provided for the detection of differences in impedance at a multiple number of frequencies. In preferred embodiments, the electronics module is provided for the assessment of the amount of wetting of the foil, the sheet of the textile layer, via the evaluation of impedance values at different electrical frequencies.

[0029] In embodiments of the invention, the electrodes can be bonded to or into or attached to the product e.g. by gluing or by mechanical fixation. Electrodes can e.g. be fixed to a textile layer of the product by integration of the electrodes in the textile structure of the textile layer: e.g. by using the electrodes as weft or warp yarns in a woven fabric, by integrating the electrodes as yarns in a knitted structure, by stitching the electrodes onto the textile layer by means of stitching yarns, or by using the electrodes as stitching yarns to stitch or embroider on the textile fabric.

[0030] In the second aspect of the invention, the product as in any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention is an absorbent product for absorbing urination and/or faecal liquids of humans. The product comprises an absorbent layer for the absorption of urine or of faecal liquids. The at least two electrodes in the absorbent product are provided for wetness detection of the absorbent layer. The absorbent layer can e.g. comprise or consist out of cellulosic fibers, and/or wood pulp and/or super-absorbers.

[0031] It is a benefit of the second aspect of the invention that an absorbent product with a detection system is provided that creates fewer nuisances to the user. It is a further benefit that a more reliable detection system is provided, as the electrodes maintain their functionality during storage before use of the absorbent product as well as in different use conditions. It is a further benefit of at least some embodiments of the invention that the electrode system can be more easily and more reliably assembled into the absorbent product.

[0032] It is a specific benefit of the second aspect of the invention that a detection system is provided that does not cause irritation when in skin contact. It is a further benefit that the detection system provides more comfort than prior art detection systems; thanks to the individually wrapped filaments of the electrodes.

[0033] The third aspect of the invention is an absorbent product for absorbing urination and/or faecal liquids of humans. The absorbent product comprises an absorbent layer for the absorption of the urine or of faecal liquids. The absorbent product further comprises at least two electrodes in the absorbent product for wetness detection of the absorbent layer. The electrodes comprise a non-electrically conductive core-yarn wrapped with one or with more than one stainless steel filament. The electrodes can be provided as in any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention.

[0034] Preferably the absorbent product of the second or of the third aspect of the invention is a disposable absorbent product.

[0035] Preferably in absorbent products of the second and of the third aspect of the invention, the electrodes are attached to the inner surface of the backing sheet of the absorbent product, e.g. by means of glue.

[0036] Preferably in absorbent products of the second and of the third aspect of the invention, the electrodes are attached to the absorbent layer.

[0037] In preferred embodiments of the second and of the third aspect of the invention, the absorbent product comprises a fabric layer; and the at least two electrodes are mechanically anchored in the fabric layer. More preferably, the at least two electrodes are integrated in the fabric layer as yarns.

As an example, the fabric layer comprises a woven fabric and the electrodes are present in the woven fabric as warp yarns and/or as weft yarns. The woven fabric can e.g. be a scrim fabric, preferably a leno woven scrim fabric. More preferred embodiments are wherein the electrodes are present as part of the weft yarns in the woven fabric.

The fabric layer can also comprise or consist out of a knitted fabric, wherein the electrodes are integrated as yarns in the knitted fabric. The fabric layer can e.g. comprise or consist out of a warp knitted fabric, wherein the electrodes are integrated as laid in yarns in the warp knitted fabric, preferably as straight inlaid warp yarns.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the electrodes are stitched onto the fabric layer by means of stitching yarns.

In an exemplary embodiment, the electrodes are provided onto the fabric as stitching or as embroidery yarns.

[0038] In preferred embodiments of the second and of the third aspect of the invention, the electrodes are bonded to the absorbent layer.

[0039] In preferred embodiments of the second and of the third aspect of the invention, the product comprises a fabric layer; and the at least two electrodes are mechanically anchored in the fabric layer.

[0040] In preferred embodiments of the second and of the third aspect of the invention, the absorbent product is an infant diaper to be worn on the body of an infant. To this end, the infant diaper preferably comprises means for fixation of the infant diaper on the body of the infant.

[0041] In preferred embodiments of the second and of the third aspect of the invention, the absorbent product is an adult incontinency product. In more preferred embodiments, the absorbent product is an insert to be held in place on the body of the person using it via inserting the absorbent product in the pants of the person using it.

[0042] Preferably in embodiments of the second and of the third aspect of the invention, one single set of electrodes is provided, the single set of electrodes is used for both the detection of urine and for the detection of faeces in the diaper. More preferably, the single set of electrodes consists out of only two electrodes.

[0043] In preferred embodiments of the second and of the third embodiment of the invention, one end of each of the electrodes is connectable to an electronics module that can be detachably attached to the absorbent product.

[0044] An aspect of the invention is a system comprising an absorbent product as in any

embodiment of the second or of the third aspect of the invention; and a detachable multiple use electronics module. The electronics module can be detachably attached to the absorbent product. The electrodes make an electrical contact or an electromagnetic coupling with the electronics module once the module is attached to the absorbent product. The electronics module comprises a battery and electronic components for detecting differences in impedance between electrodes caused by the presence of urine and/or of faeces in the absorbent layer of the absorbent product. The electrical contact of the electrodes with the electronics module can e.g. be provided by sliding the electrodes into the electronics module. Preferably, the electronics module is provided for detecting differences in impedance at various frequencies. Preferably, the electronics module is provided for differentiating wetting by faeces or by urine. Preferably, the electronics module is provided to assess levels of wetness of the absorbent product.

[0045] In a fourth aspect of the invention, the product as in any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention is a bed sheet or a mattress cover.

In bed sheets or mattress covers, preferably the electrodes are integrated in the bed sheet or in the mattress cover by using the electrodes as yarns in the textile process - e.g. weaving or knitting - to manufacture the bed sheet or the mattress covers. Bed sheets and mattress covers according to the fourth aspect of the invention can be used for incontinency detection.

[0046] In a fifth aspect of the invention, the product as in any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention is a wall covering, e.g. wall covering comprising or consisting out of a woven fabric. Such wall coverings provide means for detection of condensation of water on the walls covered by such wall coverings; e.g. for use in badly ventilated rooms in a house.

Brief Description of Figures in the Drawings

[0047] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an incontinency product according to the invention.

Figure 2 shows an example of a baby diaper according to the invention.

Figures 3 and 4 show electrodes that can be used in the invention.

Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention

[0048] Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an incontinency product 100 according to the

invention. The product can be for use as, or in, an infant diaper; or for use as an adult incontinency product. The incontinency product 100 comprises a cover sheet (or top sheet) 102 for making contact with the body of the user of the incontinency product. The cover sheet 102 can e.g. be a spunbond nonwoven fabric or a carded nonwoven fabric. The function of the cover sheet is to let liquid through in one direction only, while keeping a dry feeling for the user. The exemplary incontinency product 100 further comprises an acquisition/ distribution layer 104 - e.g. a thermally bonded carded nonwoven fiber web - the function of which is to distribute the liquid away from the cover sheet 102. The absorption layer (absorbent layer) 106 is provided by absorbent material (e.g. wood pulp or cellulose pulp and/or superabsorbers) in order to absorb the liquid (urine and/or faeces). A backing sheet 108 is provided to seal the absorption layer to prevent liquid from going out of the product. The exemplary incontinency product 100 comprises two parallel electrodes 1 10, e.g. electrodes according to figures 3 or 4, in the example bonded to the backing layer. The electrodes 1 10 comprise a non-electrically conductive core yarn wrapped with one or with more than one stainless steel filament. The electrodes are provided for detection of aqueous wetting of the absorption layer

(absorbent layer) of the incontinency product. In the example of figure 1 , the two electrodes are bonded by means of glue to the inner surface of the backing sheet of the absorbent product. However, other means of bonding are possible. Alternatively, the electrodes can be mechanically anchored or attached in a fabric layer inserted in the absorbent product.

[0049] Figure 2 shows a diaper 200 according to an aspect of the invention. The diaper 200 e.g. comprises the layered built up as in the incontinency product shown in figure 1 ; and comprises closure straps 212. The diaper 200 comprises two parallel electrodes 210, e.g. electrodes according to figures 3 or 4, in the example bonded to the backing layer. The electrodes 210 comprise a non-electrically conductive core yarn wrapped with one or with more than one stainless steel filament. The electrodes are provided for detection of aqueous wetting of the absorption layer (absorbent layer) of the incontinency product. To this end, the diaper comprises a pocket 220 into which a multiple usage electronics module 224 can be detachably positioned and connected to the electrodes 210 of the diaper. The electrical contact of the electrodes with the electronics module can e.g. be provided by sliding the ends of the electrodes into the electronics module. The electrodes 210 make an electrical contact with the electronics module once the module is attached to the diaper and the electrodes are connected to the electronics module. In another embodiment, the electrodes can be connected contactless to the electronics module, by electromagnetic coupling. To this end, the electrodes can be laid with a loop, and the electronics module also has a loop, which can interact electromagnetically with the loop in the electrodes.

The electronics module of the example comprises a battery and electronic components for detecting differences in impedance at different frequencies between electrodes caused by the presence of urine and/or of faeces in the absorbent layer of the absorbent product. The electronics module can communicate via state of the art wireless communication protocols to a central controller system, e.g. for signalling wetness of the diaper.

[0050] A first example of an electrode 300 for use in the invention is shown in figure 3. The

electrode 300 comprises a polyester multifilament yarn 330 (15 tex, comprising 48 filaments) wrapped with a stainless steel filament 332 of 60 μιτι diameter in S-direction with 1000 turns per meter. Alternatively, e.g. 50 μιτι diameter or 35 μιτι diameter stainless steel filament can be used. Such electrodes can be used in the examples of the invention shown in figures 1 and 2.

[0051] A second example of an electrode 400 for use in the invention is shown in figure 4. The electrode 400 comprises a polyester multifilament yarn 430 (15 tex, comprising 48 filaments) wrapped with a first stainless steel filament 432 of 60 μιτι diameter in S- direction with 1000 turns per meter. The polyester multifilament yarn 430 (15 tex, comprising 48 filaments) is also wrapped with a second stainless steel filament 434 of 60 μιη diameter in Z-direction with 1000 turns per meter. Alternatively, e.g. 50 μιτι diameter or 35 μιτι diameter stainless steel filaments can be used. Such electrodes can be used in the examples of the invention shown in figures 1 and 2.

Claims

1. Product comprising

a foil, a sheet, an absorbent layer or a textile layer; and

at least two electrodes;

wherein the electrodes comprise a non-electrically conductive core-yarn wrapped with one or with more than one stainless steel filament;

wherein the at least two electrodes are provided for detection of aqueous wetting of the foil, the sheet, the absorbent layer or the textile layer.

2. Product as in claim 1 ; wherein the non-electrically conductive core-yarn is a multifilament yarn; preferably a polyester multifilament yarn; preferably with linear density less than 30 tex, more preferably with linear density less than 20 tex.

3. Product as in any of the preceding claims,

wherein the non-electrically conductive core-yarn is wrapped by only one or by more than one stainless steel filament in S-direction;

and wrapped by only one or by more than one stainless steel filament in Z- direction.

4. Product as in claim 3, wherein the only one or the more than one stainless steel filament

wrapped in S-direction around the non-electrically conductive core-yarn are wrapped with the same number of turns per meter around the non-electrically conductive core-yarn as the only one or the more than one stainless steel filament wrapped in Z- direction around the non- electrically conductive core yarn.

5. Product as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or the more than one stainless steel filaments have a diameter more than 30 μιτι; and/or wherein the one or more than one stainless steel filaments have a diameter less than 65 μιτι.

6. Product as in any of the preceding claims, wherein one single set of electrodes is provided for detection of aqueous wetting of the foil, the sheet, the absorbent layer or the textile layer.

7. Product as in any of the preceding claims, wherein one end of each of the electrodes is

connectable to an electronics module for detection of aqueous wetting of the foil, the sheet, the absorbent layer or the textile layer, module that can be detachably attached to the product.

8. Product as in any of the preceding claims;

wherein the product comprises a detachable multiple use electronics module,

wherein the electronics module can be detachably attached to the electrodes;

and wherein the electrodes make an electrical contact or an electromagnetic coupling with the electronics module once the module is attached to the electrodes; wherein the electronics module comprises a battery and electronic components for detecting differences in impedance between electrodes caused by the presence of water in the product.

9. Product as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the product comprises an electronics

module for detection of aqueous wetting of the foil, the sheet, the absorbent layer of the textile layer.

10. Product as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the product is an absorbent product for absorbing urination and/or faecal liquids of humans; wherein the product comprises

- an absorbent layer for the absorption of urine or of faecal liquids; and

- wherein the at least two electrodes in the absorbent product are provided for wetness detection of the absorbent layer.

1 1. Product as in claim 10, wherein the electrodes are attached to the inner surface of the backing sheet of the absorbent product, e.g. by means of glue.

12. Product as in claim 10; wherein the electrodes are attached to the absorbent layer.

13. Product as in claim 10;

wherein the product comprises a fabric layer;

wherein the at least two electrodes are mechanically anchored in the fabric layer.

14. Product as in any of the preceding claims 10 - 13;

wherein the product is an infant diaper to be worn on the body of an infant;

or wherein the product is an adult incontinency product.

15. Product as in any of the preceding claims 1 - 9; wherein the product is a bed sheet, a mattress cover or a wall covering.