WO2022207709A1 - Appareil et fabrication de carte de circuits imprimés améliorée pour des articles absorbants - Google Patents

Appareil et fabrication de carte de circuits imprimés améliorée pour des articles absorbants Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022207709A1
WO2022207709A1 PCT/EP2022/058419 EP2022058419W WO2022207709A1 WO 2022207709 A1 WO2022207709 A1 WO 2022207709A1 EP 2022058419 W EP2022058419 W EP 2022058419W WO 2022207709 A1 WO2022207709 A1 WO 2022207709A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
circuit
absorbent article
printed circuit
sensor strip
measurement device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2022/058419
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Bjorn VAN KEYMEULEN
Original Assignee
P2Solutions Cvba
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by P2Solutions Cvba filed Critical P2Solutions Cvba
Publication of WO2022207709A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022207709A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/42—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators with wetness indicator or alarm
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/42—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators with wetness indicator or alarm
    • A61F2013/424—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators with wetness indicator or alarm having an electronic device
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
    • G01N27/02—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance
    • G01N27/04—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance
    • G01N27/12—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon absorption of a fluid; of a solid body in dependence upon reaction with a fluid, for detecting components in the fluid
    • G01N27/121—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance by investigating resistance of a solid body in dependence upon absorption of a fluid; of a solid body in dependence upon reaction with a fluid, for detecting components in the fluid for determining moisture content, e.g. humidity, of the fluid

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method of improved manufacturing and appliance of printed (electronic) circuits or sensor strips comprising such circuits, to be provided onto absorbent articles for monitoring purposes thereof.
  • monitoring purposes can be understood for example moisture monitoring, and herewith alerting for saturation and/or avoiding leakage of the absorbent article, but also identifying the type of absorbent article being used can be covered herewith.
  • the invention also relates to a sensor strip provided with printed circuits that are made and applied based on the improving method, and a measurement device adapted for use with the sensor strip.
  • the invention further relates to an incontinence management system for semi-automated guidance in managing incontinence care.
  • Absorbent articles such as diapers or sanitary pads for instance, are yet available having a sensor system or a kind of intelligence for monitoring contamination and/or detecting leakages therein, hence so-called smart diapers.
  • Moisture sensors are typically used for indicating a degree of contamination, and possibly also measuring or determining the amount of contamination or more specifically the volume of urine that is absorbed. Volume measurement systems and methods are disclosed in the art using conductive sensors and electrode systems.
  • Diapers exist having moisture sensors being provided at or close to the inner surface of the diaper, i.e. facing a person wearing such a diaper.
  • the sensors can also be embedded for instance, just below the inner surface. Measurements are hence supposed to be more precise and more accurate, although these so-called interior measurement systems do have their drawbacks, as e.g. referred to in patent application PCT/EP2020/077562 from the same applicant.
  • An exterior monitoring system meaning having the sensors provided at the outer surface or so-called backsheet of the diaper, can be thought of for eliminating the disadvantages of the interior application.
  • Examples do exist in the art wherein a moisture, vapour or humidity sensor is arranged on an outer layer of the diaper.
  • a moisture, vapour or humidity sensor is arranged on an outer layer of the diaper.
  • PCT/EP2020/077562 from the same applicant, providing a simple solution to apply a sensor system comprising a large and/or extended surface detection range, and obtaining good and reliable electrical interconnections, as well as a stable mechanical design.
  • the aim of the invention is to provide improved manufacturing and appliance of printed circuits or sensor strips onto which these being provided, suitable for moisture measurements or monitoring in general of an absorbent article, onto which such printed circuits or sensor strips being attached.
  • the aim is also to provide a sensor strip with printed circuit being made and applied based on this method.
  • the aim is to provide a measurement device adapted for use with the sensor strip.
  • the aim is to provide an incontinence management system for semi-automated guidance in managing incontinence care.
  • a method is provided of providing a printed circuit suitable for an absorbent article with a predetermined length.
  • the printed circuit being for example and at least in part a conductive or electronic circuit such that signals can be transmitted there along.
  • the signals typically being electronic signals generated because a detection or monitoring taking place at or in the area of the surface of the printed circuit.
  • the printed circuit can be part of a sensor strip, comprising e.g. a sheet or plastic foil onto which the printed circuit being applied, for example by means of printing ink.
  • the printed circuit, or the sensor strip of which the printed circuit being part can be fixed or attached onto the absorbent article, for example by means of gluing the sensor strip sheet thereon.
  • One of or both the printed circuit and the absorbent article are usually made of flexible material.
  • a printed circuit having a repetitive design meaning that the printed circuit comprises of at least one circuit pattern i.e. an entire circuit pattern of the printed circuit appearing at least once in the sensor strip comprising such printed circuit.
  • the circuit pattern having a pattern length which is smaller than the absorbent article's predetermined length, and representing this repetitive design, is to be sequentially applied or repeated along the predetermined length of the absorbent article, and de facto also of the sensor strip provided thereon, of which the printed circuit being part.
  • the circuit pattern being sequentially applied or repeated is to be understood at least in part, meaning that at least part of the circuit pattern being repeated (next to having at least one entire circuit pattern represented), whereas the total number of circuit patterns being repeated (at least in part), depends upon the pattern length vis-a-vis the absorbent article's (and the sensor strip's) predetermined length.
  • the circuit pattern thus being (at least in part) repeated before and after the at least one entire circuit pattern, wherein, within the (at least in part repeated) at least one entire circuit pattern, conducting paths are designed or configured.
  • Such design or configuration of conducting paths being the same or an identic copy for each of the at least one circuit pattern, that can be represented as a whole.
  • the conducting paths are designed such that within the at least one circuit pattern, sensing can occur along the entire pattern length of the at least one circuit pattern.
  • the conducting paths of the at least one circuit pattern are connected by means of one or more interconnections.
  • a derived printed circuit with predetermined length as defined for the absorbent article or the sensor strip
  • the printed circuit, or sensor strip comprising such printed circuit can thus be applied or provided onto the absorbent article, e.g. along its predetermined length, such that the applied or provided printed circuit or sensor strip having the same length as the absorbent article's predetermined length.
  • the first and/or the second circuit part may have additional functionalities next to measuring the first and/or the second type of measurement respectively.
  • additional functionalities can be for example identifying absorbent article pad type, or a further type of measurement (different from first and/or second type) such as for instance temperature measurement.
  • the first and/or the second circuit part may be adapted for being connected with a measurement device for gathering and processing, and optionally displaying, the first and/or second type of measurement including also for example further types of measurement, or visualizing the identified absorbent article pad type.
  • Sensed and transmitted data (or signals) from first and/or second circuit part of the printed circuit can thus be captured, interpreted and viewed.
  • a sensor strip comprising a printed circuit with a repetitive design suitable for use in the method in accordance with first aspect.
  • the sensor strip is suitable for an absorbent article with a predetermined length, and that the sensor strip is being cut off at said predetermined length, because of the second step in the method.
  • the sensor strip herewith comprising the printed circuit along its length.
  • the printed circuit being for example and at least in part an electronic circuit such that electronic signals can be transmitted there along.
  • the printed circuit with repetitive design comprises of a plurality of circuit patterns, having each the same pattern length, and being sequentially applied or repeated along the length of the sensor strip.
  • the printed circuit may comprise of one or more layers of conductive and non- conductive ink.
  • a measurement device for use with the sensor strip in accordance with second aspect, comprising of a first part, also called mother shell, and a second part, also called subshell.
  • the sensor strip thus being provided with a printed (electronic) circuit, with which the measurement device can be connected for reading and processing the incoming (electronic) signals.
  • the first part or mother shell comprises of an energy storage system such as a battery
  • the second part or subshell comprises of a microcontroller, a display (or screen, e.g. e-paper), and optionally a local memory.
  • the measurement device being configured such that the first and the second part are electronically connectable, this by means of an electronic connection, for example using pogo pins. With the electronic connection being active, electronic signals (or data) can be transferred from the first part to the microcontroller of the second part, to then be processed and subsequently viewed on the display.
  • the word 'safety' in safety lock may refer to the fact that the person wearing the absorbent article cannot easily remove the measurement device. Moreover, by means of 'locking', the measurement device can remain accurately connected with the printed electronic circuit of the sensor strip, herewith guaranteeing correct measurements.
  • an incontinence management system for semi- automated guidance in managing incontinence care, amongst which for example changing an absorbent article worn by a person, residing in a homecare, healthcare or medical environment where a plurality of persons are wearing an absorbent article to be changed efficiently, comprises of (i) an alert system, (ii) a supporting follow-up system, (iii) a reporting system, and (iv) an analysis system, wherein the entire history of changing absorbent articles respectively amongst the plurality of persons is stored and can be processed for reporting, analysis and/or optimization purposes.
  • Figure 1 illustrates schematically (a) top view and (b) cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the sensor strip, suitable for being provided onto an absorbent article, in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 2 illustrates schematically top view of an embodiment of the sensor strip including measurement device, suitable for being provided onto an absorbent article, in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates schematically top view of an embodiment of an absorbent article with sensor strip, in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 4 illustrates schematically (a) perspective view and (b) cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the measurement device, to be attached to the sensor strip, suitable for being provided onto an absorbent article, in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates schematically an embodiment of the incontinence management system, in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 6 illustrates a screenshot embodiment of the incontinence management system application, in particular the overview page thereof, in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 7 illustrates a screenshot embodiment of the incontinence management system application, in particular the supporting follow-up system page, in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 8 illustrates a screenshot embodiment of the incontinence management system application, in particular the reporting page, in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 9 illustrates a screenshot embodiment of the incontinence management system application, in particular a resident reporting page, in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 10 illustrates a screenshot embodiment of the incontinence management system application, in particular a resident analysis page, in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 11 illustrates flow chart embodiment of the method for providing a printed circuit, suitable for (performing measurements and other operations onto) an absorbent article, in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 12 illustrates various embodiments of the single-layer backsheet process, in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 13 illustrates a picture embodiment of the measurement device, being attached to the sensor strip, itself being provided onto an absorbent article, in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 14 illustrates various views (a) and (b) of another picture embodiment of the measurement device, to be attached to the sensor strip, suitable for being provided onto an absorbent article, in accordance with the invention.
  • the invention relates to a monitoring system for an article, at least in part being provided on a surface of the article, more in particular said monitoring system comprising a strip or sheet or foil or substrate being fixed or attached at least in part onto the article, for sensing purposes, more in particular the article is an absorbent article, and said sensing relates to the absorbing function of the article.
  • the invention thus relates to for example a moisture monitoring system for absorbent articles, amongst which for instance diapers, incontinence pads, sanitary napkins or towels and/or other hygienic cloths or similar hygiene products can be mentioned.
  • the measurement device and (printed) electronic circuit are typically jointly designed, in particular the measurement device takes into account the characteristics of the electronic circuit (like the impedances) to draw the right conclusions from any changes thereof due to the to be observed phenomena, occurring on or in the neighbourhood of the article, like the moisture in the absorbent article and/or leakage out of the absorbent article.
  • the sizes of each of those (the article and the strip) in particular the relative size (e.g. in length) amongst articles or strips respectively may in practice differ from time to time. This is especially due to manufacturing variations, typical for the type of materials (e.g. stretchable) to be used, hence the related electronic circuit characteristics are varying also, which is cumbersome as now the measurement device has to be changed also or at least tuned thereto, which is in practice not feasible.
  • the invention relates to another way of producing a printed circuit suitable for an article of a predetermined length, taking into account the variability due to processing or manufacturing variations, or the precision relation to the size (particularly large process tolerances in length) due to the manufacturing processes.
  • the invention pertains to:
  • a method of providing a printed (electronic) circuit (being part of a sensor strip) suitable for (being fixed or attached) an (absorbent) article(one or both of said printed circuit and article being made of flexible material) with a predetermined length comprising: (i) providing said printed circuit with a repetitive design meaning that the printed electronic circuit comprises of at least one (entire) circuit pattern (i.e. appearing at least once in the sensor strip) with a pattern length (being smaller than the absorbent article's predetermined length) to be (at least in part) sequentially applied (or repeated) along the predetermined length of the absorbent article (and of the sensor strip of which the printed being part), i.e.
  • a sensor strip (by manufacturing provided onto a roll, to be cut off at the absorbent article's predetermined length) comprising (along its length) a printed (electronic) circuit with a repetitive design suitable for use in the above method, wherein the printed circuit comprises of a plurality of (entire) circuit patterns, wherein each of said (entire) circuit patterns, with equal pattern length, being sequentially applied (or repeated) along the length of the sensor strip, and wherein, within each of the circuit patterns, conducting paths are equally designed (or configured) such that within each of said circuit patterns, sensing can occur along each of their entire pattern lengths respectively.
  • Figures 1-3 embodiments of the sensor strip (in accordance with second aspect of the invention) on one hand, and of the absorbent article provided with such sensor strip on the other hand, are given respectively.
  • Figure 4 focuses on an embodiment of the measurement device (in accordance with third aspect of the invention).
  • Embodiments regarding the incontinence management system are depicted in Figure 5- 10.
  • FIG. 1 An embodiment of the sensor strip 100, suitable for being provided onto an absorbent article 300, in accordance with the invention, being illustrated in Figure 1, is presented in Figure 1 (a) in top view and in Figure 1 (b) in cross-sectional side view.
  • Figure 2 illustrates schematically top view of another embodiment of the sensor strip 100, also depicting the measurement device 200 to be connected therewith, in accordance with the invention.
  • An embodiment of the absorbent article 300 onto which the sensor strip 100 being provided, is shown in top view in Figure 3.
  • the sensor strip 100 comprises of a sheet 101 which could also be a foil (e.g. plastic foil) or a substrate, and a printed circuit 102, in particular a conductive or electronic circuit.
  • the printed circuit 102 is for example provided on the sensor strip 100 by means of printing conductive ink thereon.
  • the printed circuit referring to a circuit being printed, not necessarily refers to only conductive ink being provided.
  • the printed circuit can thus be a circuitry representing a combination of both conductive and non-conductive printed ink.
  • the printed circuit can be for instance an all or not layered structure of conductive and non-conductive printed ink.
  • the sensor strip 100 can be applied, e.g. attached, fixed or glued, onto the outer surface (or backsheet) and along the length - possibly along the entire length L - of an absorbent article 300 herewith covering substantial part of the absorbent article 300, as depicted in Figure 3.
  • the sensor strip 100 or film is glued to the absorbent article 300 using adhesive normally used to apply release film to sanitary napkins.
  • the sensor strip 100 shows an elongated shape.
  • two elongated (dotted) outer edge regions 103 are shown along the length of the sensor strip 100, and therein between an elongated centre region 104 along this same length being represented.
  • the two elongated outer edge regions 103 comprise of a leakage sensing system and the elongated centre region 104 comprises of a moisture (or saturation) level sensing system.
  • the saturation level sensing system will usually remain dry or quasi-dry, whereas the leakage sensing system will get wetted to obtain a deflection, and hence a leakage detection signal can be measured.
  • Part of the elongated outer edge regions 103, in particular the (entire) outer edge 111 thereof comprising the leakage sensing system, is not to be fixed or glued to the absorbent article.
  • Flence in case there is moisture on the outer edge, it is directly sensed and measured, resulting in effective and faster measurement which, in the end, may lead to improved comfort to the person wearing the absorbent article.
  • the person wearing the absorbent article could be for example a resident of a residential care centre, healthcare centre or hospital.
  • the senor strip may be a layer or foil provided with printed circuit, to be applied onto the outer surface i.e. backsheet of an absorbent article such as a diaper or pad, herewith entirely, substantially or partially covering such outer surface.
  • a so-called multi-layer backsheet process is provided, described as follows.
  • Many contemporary diaper machines have two so-called unwinders to make their own backsheet construction, herewith providing respectively of a layer of breathable PE and a layer of nonwoven being glued and laminated on the diaper machine.
  • a first unwinder PE + nonwoven or just PE according to the customer's requirements
  • the sensor foil can be provided, which can be PP, PET, etc. but also ordinary backsheet material PE or PE + nonwoven with printed sensors on the PE side.
  • the adhesive pattern being identical as in the sanitary napkin process, however a lower gluing temperature and shorter process is used allowing thinner, more flexible, and more comfortable sensor foils to be used and thus the finished product will feel 100% like a conventional diaper.
  • a so-called single-layer backsheet process is provided, described as follows. Not all diaper machines have double unwinders, and therefore can only use laminates (PE + nonwoven) or single-layer PE.
  • the sensor construction as described above can also be constructed before it is put on the diaper machine and thus used as a conventional laminate requiring only one unwinder. There are various options for this, while referring to Figure 12. In total four constructions are herewith proposed. In Figure 12 (a), a PE backsheet 1201 is glued using glue 1203 with a PE sensor 1202, whereas in Figure 12 (b), another layer of nonwoven 1204 is glued using glue 1203 on top of the previous construction.
  • the PE sensor 1202 refers to a layer of PE and printed sensors thereon, according to a sensor design as earlier explained. It is noted that the leak sensors (not shown in Figure 12) remain accessible for moisture, although the nonwoven 1204 is glued over the entire width of the backsheet and hence there are no loose parts. Figure 12 (c) and (d) showing two other variants, but there are actually many other variants possible.
  • the printed circuit 102 being at least in part a conductive or electronic circuit such that signals can be transmitted there along.
  • the signals typically being electronic signals generated are originating from a sensing system (e.g. for detecting saturation level or leakage) being part of the printed circuit.
  • the printed circuit 102 comprises of a first circuit part 105 and a second circuit part 106.
  • the first circuit part 105 is intended for a first measurement, here for example for measuring the amount of moisture and herewith indicating the level of moisture or saturation of the absorbent article 300.
  • the measurement can be an impedance measurement, and in particular a resistive measurement.
  • the first measurement may be referred to as saturation measurement and can be further characterized as follows. Whenever the absorbent article gets filled with moisture, this can be measured by means of a resistive measurement of the sensor strip 100 at the outer surface of the absorbent article 300. It is noted that the electric circuit is a 'closed circuit', meaning that the current leaves at a measuring terminal, i.e. one of the connections 201, and returns via another measuring terminal, i.e. the other connection 201, of the measurement device 200.
  • the second circuit part 106 is intended for a second measurement, here for example for measuring leakage of the absorbent article 300. Again, the measurement can be an impedance measurement, though in particular a capacitive measurement (on the moisture being detected).
  • the first circuit part 105 is located in the elongated centre region 104, while the second circuit part 106 being located in the two elongated outer edge regions 103.
  • the second circuit part 106 here comprises of two sub-circuit parts, i.e. one in each of the elongated outer edge regions.
  • further additional circuit or sub-circuit parts may be provided and/or combined with the ones illustrated in Figure 2.
  • the second measurement may be referred to as leakage measurement and can be further characterized as follows. Whenever the absorbent article is leaking this can be measured. Leakage may occur all or not due to the fact that it is entirely or partially being saturated.
  • Each of the elongated outer edge regions, of the sensor strip 100 at the outer surface of the absorbent article 300 comprise a non isolated printed measuring electrode. Whenever moisture comes into contact with this measuring electrode, a significantly higher measuring value is attained than moisture just being present within the absorbent article or the skin of the person wearing the absorbent article being in contact with measuring electrode of the absorbent article.
  • a capacitive self impedance measurement can be used, wherein one measuring probe can be used for both storing as reading data.
  • one measuring probe is used for storing data, and another one for reading or measuring the stored data, which can be referred to as a mutual capacitive measurement.
  • the printed circuit 102 has a repetitive design, and this of both first and second circuit part 105, 106, including all kind of interconnections 107, 108, 109 in or in between them.
  • the printed electronic circuit 102 comprises of at least one circuit pattern 110, i.e. the circuit pattern 110 entirely appearing at least once in the sensor strip 100, and this at least one circuit pattern 110 being (at least in part) sequentially applied or repeated along the length of the sensor strip 100, i.e. being (at least in part) repeated before and after said at least one circuit pattern 110.
  • the at least one circuit pattern 110 has a length p being less than the length L of the absorbent article 300, as indicated in Figure 3.
  • the measurement device 200 comprises of a first part 203 also referred to as the mother shell, and a second part 204 also called the subshell.
  • the first part 203 may comprise of a battery or other energy storage system 205
  • the second part 204 may comprise of a microcontroller 206 and a display 207 or screen (e.g. e-paper).
  • a local memory (not shown) may also be present.
  • the electronic connectivity of the first part 203 and the second part 204 may be related to their mechanical connection, allowing the second part 204 to be movable relative to the first part 203, and herewith enabling to electronically connect or disconnect the first part 203 with the second part 204.
  • closed or open status may assist in easily attaching and confirming all or not correct fixation of the measurement 200 device to the sensor strip 100 provided on the absorbent article 300.
  • all or not correct fixation is meant for example that a good connection is made (and can be guaranteed) with the printed circuit 102 of the sensor strip 100, hence the measurement device is brought in closed status.
  • open status of the measurement device 200 and thus no connection for example an alarm can be generated.
  • the measurement device 200 may comprise a safety lock 209 (comparable with a child safety lock) for attaching or removably fixing the measurement device 200 to the sensor strip 100 being applied onto the absorbent article 300 (see also Figure 2 and 3). While using such safety lock 209, the measurement device 200 remains accurately connected with the printed electronic circuit 102 of the sensor strip 100, and herewith guaranteeing correct measurements.
  • a safety lock 209 (comparable with a child safety lock) for attaching or removably fixing the measurement device 200 to the sensor strip 100 being applied onto the absorbent article 300 (see also Figure 2 and 3). While using such safety lock 209, the measurement device 200 remains accurately connected with the printed electronic circuit 102 of the sensor strip 100, and herewith guaranteeing correct measurements.
  • the measurement device 200 may also comprise a communication module, possibly a wireless communication module such as for example an NFC module.
  • the communication module is typically part of the mother shell of the measurement device, but can also be part of the subshell.
  • the NFC module will not transfer data to a remote server, but instead will read the ID of the caregiver who performed a diaper change for example of a resident living in a residential care centre.
  • the NFC module is to be badged with an NFC device being worn or carried or held by the caregiver changing diapers. This kind of identification is to be interpreted as relevant and important for reporting purposes when using the incontinence management system in accordance with the invention, as described into more detail here below.
  • Figure 14 illustrates various views (a) and (b) of another picture embodiment of the measurement device 200, to be attached to the sensor strip 100, suitable for being provided onto an absorbent article 300, in accordance with the invention.
  • the measurement device 200 comprising of first and second part 203, 204, while being configured such that this first and second part 203, 204 are electronically connectable, here for example using pogo pins 201, 202 as electronic connection.
  • pogo pins 201, 202 as electronic connection.
  • electronic signals can be transferred from the first 203 to second part 204.
  • the pogo pins 201 are used here as connection for the moisture level measurement, and thus via which data is transferred regarding moisture level measurement, whereas the pogo pins 202 are meant for connecting with the leakage detection circuit.
  • the incontinence management system 500 comprises of the following subsystems: an alert system 501, a supporting follow-up system 502, a reporting system 503 and an analysis system 504.
  • an alert system 501 a supporting follow-up system 502
  • a reporting system 503 a reporting system 503
  • the supporting follow-up system 502 may thus be configured such that, at the start of a new care round, the caregiver knows how many absorbent articles are needed for performing the entire round and which article corresponds to which person or resident. Flence, a central or departmental stock can be used instead of a chamber stock, which means less logistics and a more transparent stock count.
  • the supporting follow-up system may be referred to as care round management, based on which it can be predicted which absorbent articles can generate an alarm (e.g. leakage or saturation) between the start of new/current care round and next care round. The constant or continuing experience of alarming is herewith prevented.
  • the saturation degree or saturation level threshold is depending on one of the following parameters: the moisture level of the absorbent article, leakage of the absorbent article, the person wearing the absorbent article having a sensitive skin or faeces being detected in the absorbent article.
  • the saturation degree or saturation level threshold is not fixed installed, but being adjustable for applying a stricter or less severe dependency on the parameters mentioned above. In other words, depending on the policy of the residential care centre, healthcare centre or e.g. hospital, a lower or higher saturation level threshold, related to allowing respectively more or less influence of the parameters, may be applied.
  • the saturation level threshold is made adjustable, and thus can be freely chosen is because each residential care centre (or other healthcare environment where incontinence care management is important) is herewith enabled to determine its own incontinence policy. For example, more process-oriented residential care centres will set the threshold at 40%, so the absorbent articles will have a good saturation at the change that will take place. However, there will be relatively little chance that an absorbent article being less than 40% saturated between the time of a current and subsequent care round will reach an oversaturation level. If a residential care centre focuses on, for example, using fewer absorbent articles per day, this parameter will be set at 60%, so there will be fewer changes per round and more highly saturated products, with the risk that more oversaturation may occur.
  • Real-time data including saturation level data is taken into account for the caregiver starting a new care round.
  • no updates of data are imported or incorporated, to keep logistics simple and allowing a more feasible organization for the caregiver.
  • the caregiver would receive an amended list of material needed for performing the updated sequence of changes planned. As a result, this would mean that the caregiver has to collect or gather further material during his round, which could lead to less efficient organization.
  • This real-time data used at the start of a new care round also includes alerts appearing at that time. In case further alerts are generated during the new round, these will not be read or included in the caregiver's said new round, in accordance with the embodiment.
  • the caregiver may wear or carry a communication device that can (wirelessly) communicate (e.g. using NFC) with the communication module of the measurement device provided onto the absorbent article being changed.
  • the measurement device can then read the information (e.g. identity) of the caregiver in particular.
  • caregiver information in addition to measured (e.g. saturation or leakage) data and confirmation-of-change data (when an absorbent article has been changed correctly), can be gathered by the measurement device to be wirelessly submitted to the remote server or cloud system, herewith automatically being updated with all this information and data.
  • the (wireless) communication between remote server (or cloud system) and the measurement device may be for example a low frequent communication, for which known platforms such as Zigbee, Wi Fi, but also e.g. 4G can be used.
  • This (wireless) communication may be bidirectional, although particularly data is transferred from the measurement device, whereas for example firmware updates and settings can be organized towards the measurement device. In general, there may be more transfer downstream (to the cloud) than upstream (to the measurement device).
  • each change is detected because the sensor on the absorbent article connects to the measurement device combined with bringing the measurement device in closed status (as discussed above) meaning, bringing first and second part of the measurement device together or towards each other (i.e. relatively moving second part to the first part) or else closing the screen part (i.e. the second part comprising the screen).
  • the absorbent article is in any case seen as in use and the stock is decremented.
  • the sensor value may identify the type of product in order to decrement and correct stock values.
  • An absorbent article is only considered to be counted correctly worn and in use if: (a) it is an uncontaminated product (visible from the initial measurement value), (b) the screen part is closed and (c) the measurement values remain stable over 15 minutes (except for measured deviations due to urine addition or saturation in the absorbent article). Furthermore, the badging of caregivers or healthcare professionals is not strictly necessary for the system to work. The badging of a caregiver 15 minutes before or after having changed an absorbent article, may link the caregiver to this change, such that caregivers can be traced, and for example, may be monitored this way to evaluate whether or not perform the changing appropriately, or if they might require extra training because of e.g. causing frequent and/or many leakages.
  • the reporting system 503 may provide historic data regarding how the changing of the absorbent articles for any of the plurality of persons, by any caregiver and at what time of the day has occurred how the changing has occurred can be either (i) on time, (ii) too early, (iii) saturated or (iv) oversaturated depending on the person in particular, more or less changing may be required at a certain time of the day the caregiver having badged each time when changing the absorbent article will result in historic trends amongst caregivers, and maybe an indication of a systematic problem may be detected for a certain caregiver changing the absorbent article (for a particular person) historic overview per day, week, month, year can be represented, whereas changing of the absorbent articles is automatically related to a particular time of the day, and hence it may become clear for example that in the morning more on time changing occurs as compared to for instance in the evening
  • the analysis system 504 may provide problem identification and analysis such that a caregiver is directly and automatically supported in his/her daily operations and optimization thereof.
  • FIGS. 6-10 all illustrate screenshot embodiments of the incontinence management system application, in accordance with the invention.
  • the page 600 provides editing in the system by means of clicking the pencil button 618.
  • a log-in and log-out 617 are also foreseen for the system, wherein current log-in 610 being viewed on the page 600.
  • the menu on the left of the page 600 comprises of viewing 611 the overview 601, as is shown in Figure 6, representing resident information 612, starting a new care round 613 for a caregiver, viewing reports 614, showing stock information 615, and managing (e.g. optimizing based on analysis performed) the system 616.
  • Figure 7 illustrates a screenshot embodiment of the supporting follow-up system page 700 of the incontinence management system application.
  • the indications are given for a caregiver for starting a new round 701 for the residents of resident healthcare centre "horizon" 719, being listed by name 702 and room number 704, in the department 703.
  • the saturation level threshold 707 is installed at 60%.
  • the required absorbent articles or products 706 for starting the new round are listed for the caregiver.
  • the saturation level 705 (including alerts indicated by means of diaper icon) being indicated per resident. According to an embodiment, there is no particular ranking or order to be followed for performing the sequence of incontinence care management. It may however, depending on the saturation level and/or alert being indicated that the caregiver chooses a particular order of execution.
  • the required absorbent articles 706bis are indicated per resident for performing the change.
  • two alerts 708, 709 are indicated for 2 respective residents (name not shown) together with their corresponding room number 420, 414 and department D, including time lapsed (e.g. in minutes) of the alert.
  • This page 700 again provides in editing the system by means button 718.
  • a log-in and log-out 717 are foreseen for the system, with current log-in 710 being viewed on the page 700.
  • the same menu buttons are depicted on the left of the page 700 comprising again of representing respectively the overview 711, and resident information 712, starting a new care round 713 for a caregiver, viewing reports 714, showing stock information 715, and managing (e.g.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates a screenshot embodiment of the reporting page 800 of the incontinence management system application.
  • reporting 801 is given of the residents of resident healthcare centre "horizon" 819, being listed here by name 802.
  • Per resident is indicated here the average number 803 of absorbent articles that were changed over a certain amount of time, the percentage thereof that were changed too early 804, on time 805 and too late 806, including the percentage of leakages 807 occurring amongst all of them. All percentages are also graphically represented by means of bar graphs 808 per resident.
  • Figure 9 illustrates a screenshot embodiment of a resident reporting page 900 of the incontinence management system application.
  • reporting 901 is given of a particular resident of resident healthcare centre "horizon" 919. Details of the resident can be shown via details tab 902, reporting via reporting tab 903, illustrating current page 900 of Figure 9, calendar overview can be given via tab 904, including planning via the planner tab 905.
  • Reporting of a particular resident is shown here via the reporting tab 903, illustrating with bar diagram 906 on a monthly basis how changing of the absorbent articles has been performed, i.e. via bar graphs is illustrated how many changes occurred either too early, on time, or too late, as well as the amount of leakages are viewed.
  • bar diagram 907 per month, the number of changes per day and per night are indicated.
  • Figure 10 illustrates a screenshot embodiment of a resident analysis page 1000 of the incontinence management system application.
  • calendar overview 1001 for analysis is given of a particular resident of resident healthcare centre "horizon" 1019.
  • details tab 1002 can be shown via details tab 1002
  • reporting can be given via reporting tab 1003
  • calendar overview via tab 1004 illustrating current page 1000 of Figure 10
  • planning can be shown via the planner tab 1005.
  • Calendar overview of a particular resident is shown here via tab 1004, illustrating for a particular month 1006 and per day 1007 of the week 1008 how changing of the absorbent articles has been performed, i.e. via coloured strips 1009 is illustrated when (i.e.
  • the invention provides an automatic product guide for the absorbent articles to be used.
  • the incontinence management system keeps track of the status (e.g. saturation) and reason (e.g. during a care round or because of an alarm) why an absorbent article was changed. If an absorbent article is definitely changed too early, in other words it is insufficiently saturated, then a relationship with lighter absorption properties can be made. On the other hand, if an absorbent article generates constant alarms (due to supersaturation or leakage) then a higher absorption rate should be used.
  • the incontinence management system will select the product type indicated to be used at that time, herewith proposing the exact product or absorbent article to be used for the diaper change.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
  • Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé de fabrication améliorée et un appareil de cartes de circuits (électroniques) imprimés ou de bandes de capteur comprenant de telles cartes de circuits, à disposer sur des articles absorbants à des fins de surveillance. L'invention concerne également une bande de capteur comportant des cartes de circuits imprimés qui sont fabriquées et appliquées sur la base du procédé d'amélioration, et un dispositif de mesure conçu pour être utilisé avec la bande de capteur. L'invention concerne en outre un système de gestion de l'incontinence à des fins de guidage semi-automatisé dans la gestion des soins de l'incontinence.
PCT/EP2022/058419 2021-03-30 2022-03-30 Appareil et fabrication de carte de circuits imprimés améliorée pour des articles absorbants WO2022207709A1 (fr)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BE20215244A BE1028889B1 (nl) 2021-03-30 2021-03-30 Verbeterde vervaardiging van gedrukte circuits en toepassing voor absorberende artikelen
BEBE2021/5244 2021-03-30

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WO2022207709A1 true WO2022207709A1 (fr) 2022-10-06

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PCT/EP2022/058419 WO2022207709A1 (fr) 2021-03-30 2022-03-30 Appareil et fabrication de carte de circuits imprimés améliorée pour des articles absorbants

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6246330B1 (en) * 1998-05-29 2001-06-12 Wyn Y. Nielsen Elimination-absorber monitoring system
US7250547B1 (en) * 2000-11-07 2007-07-31 Rf Technologies, Inc. Wetness monitoring system
US20200246500A1 (en) * 2019-02-05 2020-08-06 Gerald Rogers Moisture detector using water-soluble conductor
US10928344B2 (en) * 2017-11-20 2021-02-23 Raja Singh Tuli Slotted sensor for detection of moisture in a diaper

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6246330B1 (en) * 1998-05-29 2001-06-12 Wyn Y. Nielsen Elimination-absorber monitoring system
US7250547B1 (en) * 2000-11-07 2007-07-31 Rf Technologies, Inc. Wetness monitoring system
US10928344B2 (en) * 2017-11-20 2021-02-23 Raja Singh Tuli Slotted sensor for detection of moisture in a diaper
US20200246500A1 (en) * 2019-02-05 2020-08-06 Gerald Rogers Moisture detector using water-soluble conductor

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