WO2022225070A1

WO2022225070A1 - Smart menstrual cup

Info

Publication number: WO2022225070A1
Application number: PCT/KR2021/004843
Authority: WO
Inventors: 박기준
Original assignee: 주식회사 스탠다드파크
Priority date: 2021-04-19
Filing date: 2021-04-19
Publication date: 2022-10-27

Abstract

The present invention relates to a smart menstrual cup which can be used semi-permanently while ensuring a simple structure by applying a non-powered SAW sensor (30) in reading the amount of menstrual blood filled in a flexible cup (10), and at the same time being harmless to the human body. More specifically, when a wireless signal applied from an external wireless communication means (20) is transmitted as a surface acoustic wave signal by the non-powered SAW sensor (30) while reacting to the volume of menstrual blood filled in the flexible cup (10), the present invention enables the external wireless communication means (20) to accurately express the amount of menstrual blood by receiving and calculating the surface acoustic wave signal. Furthermore, the non-powered SAW sensor (30) is built into the lower end of the flexible cup (10) opposite to the surface of menstrual blood, ensuring a simple structure and not requiring a power source such as a battery. Therefore, the present invention is not only harmless to the human body, but also does not affect the size of the flexible cup (10) in any way, and can in particular be used semi-permanently irrespective of the lifespan of a battery.

Description

smart menstrual cup

The present invention relates to a smart menstrual cup, and more particularly, to ensure a simple structure by applying a non-power SAW sensor in reading the amount of menstrual blood filled in a flexible cup, and to be harmless to the human body and to be used semi-permanently It's about a smart menstrual cup.

In general, women's sanitary products are predominantly pad-type sanitary napkins attached to the inside of underwear (panties) and insertion-type sanitary napkins used by inserting into a woman's vagina.

The pad-type sanitary napkin has the advantages of excellent absorption and thin thickness, but there are disadvantages such as restrictions on free movement and movement, etc. In particular, there is a vulnerability that causes skin diseases or itching due to the surface that comes into contact with the skin when worn.

Insert-type sanitary napkins can effectively prevent the leakage of menstrual blood compared to pad-type sanitary napkins, so you can work freely during menstruation. There is this.

In particular, in the case of pad-type sanitary napkins and insert-type sanitary napkins, since they are made as disposable products that cannot be reused, the economic burden is increasing due to environmental pollution as well as disposal costs due to the discharge of a large amount of waste.

In order to solve the various problems of pad-type sanitary napkins and insert-type sanitary napkins as described above, recently, they are made of silicone material and can be reused, and are inserted into a woman's vagina to receive menstrual blood, thereby guaranteeing women's free activities. An implantable menstrual cup is being developed.

1 is a view showing a smart menstrual blood management system according to the prior art document.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a smart menstrual cup 100 according to an embodiment of the prior art document includes a storage unit 200 , a handle unit 300 , a communication unit 350 and a control unit 400 , and smart menstrual blood management It can operate as one component of the system 1 , and various types of signals generated by the smart menstrual cup 100 are transmitted to the external terminal 1000 through a communication network.

2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating components of a smart menstrual cup according to an embodiment of the prior art document.

Referring to FIG. 2A , the smart menstrual cup 100 according to an embodiment of the prior art document includes a storage unit 200 , a handle unit 300 , a communication unit 350 , and a control unit 400 , and a storage unit ( The menstrual blood 10 is accommodated in 200 , and various components of the smart menstrual cup 100 are disposed at the lower end of the storage unit 200 and the peripheral portion (a) of the control unit 400 .

Referring to FIG. 2B , the smart menstrual cup 100 according to an embodiment of the prior art document includes a partition unit 110 that is an area disposed between the storage unit 200 and the control unit 400 , and characteristics of menstrual blood. and a measuring unit 410 for measuring , and the control unit 400 includes a first substrate 420 , a battery unit 430 , a second substrate 440 , and a connection unit 450 .

The measurement unit 410 serves to measure the weight of menstrual blood received in the storage unit 200 .

The battery unit 430 supplies power for driving the control unit 400 , the measurement unit 410 , and/or the communication unit 350 , and one surface of the battery unit 430 is electrically connected to the first substrate 420 . connected, and the other surface of the battery unit 430 is electrically connected to the second substrate 440 .

The second substrate 440 is electrically connected to the communication unit 350 , the second substrate 440 is electrically connected to the first substrate 420 through the connection unit 450 , and the connection unit 450 is made of a conductor. The connection part 450 is made of a film-type conductor or electric wire, and the measuring part 410 and the communication part 350 receive power from the battery part 430 through this structure.

Optionally, the measurement unit 410 may include a weight sensor. The measurement unit 410 including the weight sensor detects a weight (or force) applied from the direction of the partition unit 110 .

3 is a view showing a smart menstrual cup according to another embodiment of the prior art document.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the smart menstrual cup 100 includes a measurement sensor S disposed on the inner surface of the storage unit 200 of the smart menstrual cup 100 , and a position at which the measurement sensor S is disposed. It measures whether or not menstrual blood is received up to or near it, and then, the measurement sensor S transmits the measurement result to the controller 400 , and through this, the controller 400 controls the amount of menstrual blood accommodated in the storage unit 200 . Alternatively, it is configured to check whether the water level exceeds a reference value or the like.

The measurement sensor S disposed on the inner surface of the storage unit 200 of the smart menstrual cup 100 includes a first measurement sensor S1, a second measurement sensor S2, and a third measurement sensor S3, , the control unit 400 generates a notification signal to the user based on the measurement result from each of the measurement sensors (S).

That is, when the presence of menstrual blood is confirmed only by the first measurement sensor S1 , the control unit 400 generates a weak warning signal, and the presence of menstrual blood is confirmed by the first measurement sensor S1 and the second measurement sensor S2 . In this case, the control unit 400 generates a strong warning signal, and when the presence of menstrual blood is confirmed in all the measurement sensors S including the third measurement sensor S3 , the control unit 400 generates a danger signal.

The smart menstrual cup 100 may check the amount or level of menstrual blood accommodated in the storage unit 200 using a plurality of measurement sensors S disposed on the inner surface of the storage unit 200, and the confirmed water level and pre-input Calculate the volume of menstrual blood received from the inner product of the container of the menstrual cup.

By the way, the smart menstrual cup according to the prior art document is a weight sensor as the measuring unit 410 of one embodiment, and a first measuring sensor S1, a second measuring sensor S2, and a second measuring sensor S as a measuring sensor S of another embodiment. 3 In order to actively operate the measurement sensor S3, the battery unit 430 for supplying power is required as an essential component. If the storage unit 200 ruptures or is damaged because it has to be kept in the body for a while, it may have a fatal adverse effect on the uterus or vagina, and furthermore, when the battery unit 430 is charged and exhausted, the smart menstrual cup itself has no choice but to be discarded. Of course, there is a problem that causes environmental pollution as well.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a smart menstrual cup that can be used semi-permanently while ensuring a simple structure by applying a non-power SAW sensor in reading the amount of menstrual blood filled in a flexible cup.

An object of the present invention is to enable an external wireless communication means to receive a surface acoustic wave signal when a wireless signal applied from an external wireless communication means is transmitted as a surface acoustic wave signal by an unpowered SAW sensor while responding to the volume of menstrual blood filled in a flexible cup. and to provide a smart menstrual cup capable of accurately expressing the amount of menstrual blood by calculation.

An object of the present invention is that the non-powered SAW sensor is built-in at the bottom of the flexible cup opposite to the surface of menstrual blood to ensure a simple structure and does not require power such as a battery, so it is not only harmless to the human body, but also has no effect on the size of the flexible cup. In particular, it is to provide a smart menstrual cup that can be used semi-permanently regardless of the lifespan of the battery.

An object of the present invention is to provide a smart menstrual cup capable of ensuring convenience of use by attaching a repeater to an accessory detachably attached to a smartphone and attaching the accessory only when necessary.

The present invention for achieving the above object,

In a smart menstrual cup including a flexible cup inserted into a woman's vagina to receive menstrual blood,

When a wireless signal is applied through an external wireless communication means embedded in the flexible cup, the non-powered SAW transmits a surface acoustic wave signal that responds to the volume of menstrual blood so that the external wireless communication means can read the amount of menstrual blood. including a sensor,

The non-powered SAW sensor is built-in centering in the center of the lower end of the flexible cup opposite to the surface of menstrual blood,

When a wireless signal is applied through the wireless communication means, the non-powered SAW sensor converts the input IDT into a mechanical signal and then transmits it as a surface acoustic wave signal through the output IDT.

The present invention for achieving the above object,

When a wireless signal is applied through the wireless communication means, the unpowered SAW sensor converts it into a mechanical signal while passing through one IDT and at the same time transmits it as a surface acoustic wave signal while returning to the one IDT. as a basic feature.

The present invention has an effect that it can be used semi-permanently while ensuring a simple structure by applying a non-powered SAW sensor in reading the amount of menstrual blood filled in a flexible cup and harmless to the human body.

The present invention enables the external wireless communication means to receive and calculate the surface acoustic wave signal when a wireless signal applied from an external wireless communication means is transmitted as a surface acoustic wave signal by an unpowered SAW sensor while responding to the volume of menstrual blood filled in a flexible cup. This has the effect of accurately expressing the amount of menstrual blood.

In the present invention, the non-powered SAW sensor is built in the lower part of the flexible cup opposite to the surface of menstrual blood to ensure a simple structure and does not require power such as a battery, so it is not only harmless to the human body, but also does not affect the size of the flexible cup at all, In particular, there is an effect that it can be used semi-permanently regardless of the lifespan of the battery.

The present invention has the effect of ensuring the convenience of use by attaching and using the accessory only when necessary because a repeater is built-in in the accessory detachably attached to the smartphone.

1 is a view showing a smart menstrual blood management system according to the prior art literature.

2A and 2B are views showing components of a smart menstrual cup according to an embodiment of the prior art document.

4 is a perspective view showing a smart menstrual cup according to the present invention.

5 is a configuration diagram showing an external wireless communication means while disassembling the unpowered SAW sensor applied to the smart menstrual cup according to the present invention.

6 is a graph for explaining a non-powered SAW sensor applied to a smart menstrual cup according to the present invention.

7A is a structural diagram including a smart phone as an external wireless communication means showing the use state of the smart menstrual cup according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7b is a block diagram showing the main part of the smart phone as an external wireless communication means applied to the smart menstrual cup according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

8A is a structural diagram including a repeater and a smart phone, which are external wireless communication means, showing the use state of a smart menstrual cup according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

8B is a block diagram of main parts of a repeater and a smart phone, which are external wireless communication means applied to a smart menstrual cup according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

The best mode for carrying out the present invention is,

In a smart menstrual cup including a flexible cup (10) inserted into a woman's vagina to receive menstrual blood,

Built in the flexible cup, when a wireless signal is applied through an external wireless communication means, it transmits a surface acoustic wave signal that responds to the volume of menstrual blood so that the external wireless communication means can read the amount of menstrual blood. including a sensor,

When a wireless signal is applied through the wireless communication means, the unpowered SAW sensor converts it into a mechanical signal while passing through one IDT and at the same time transmits it as a surface acoustic wave signal while returning to the one IDT. It is characterized by:

.

A preferred embodiment of the smart menstrual cup according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, and a plurality of such embodiments may exist, through which the object, features and advantages of the present invention can be better understood. there will be

4 is a perspective view showing a smart menstrual cup according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing an external wireless communication means 20 while disassembling the unpowered SAW sensor 30 applied to the smart menstrual cup according to the present invention. .

The smart menstrual cup according to the present invention includes a flexible cup 10 inserted into a woman's vagina to receive menstrual blood as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and this flexible cup 10 is bent while harmless to the human body. It can be made of a silicone material that is easy to carry and has excellent restoring force, and is inserted into the vagina in a folded state when used and then unfolded so that menstrual blood bleeding from the uterus can be safely accommodated into the flexible cup 10 .

If you want to separate the smart menstrual cup filled with menstrual blood, the flexible cup 10 is removed from the body, the menstrual blood is discarded, washed, and then inserted back into the vagina hygienically during women's menstruation period. It is preferable because it can be safely and conveniently used repeatedly without phenomena such as environmental pollution.

Specifically, the smart menstrual cup according to the present invention is embedded in the flexible cup 10 as shown in FIG. 5 and when a wireless signal applied through an external wireless communication means 20 reacts to the volume of menstrual blood, the surface acoustic wave It includes a non-powered SAW sensor 30 that transmits a signal so that the external wireless communication means 20 can read the amount of menstrual blood.

6 is a graph for explaining the non-powered SAW sensor 30 applied to the smart menstrual cup according to the present invention.

The non-powered SAW sensor 30 has a function of converting an externally applied electrical signal into a surface acoustic wave signal and transmitting it. This non-powered SAW sensor 30 transmits a surface acoustic signal in two forms, the first of As shown in (A) of the two-port structure, the second is a one-port structure as shown in (B) of FIG.

Specifically, the Two-Port structure converts the input IDT (Inter Digital Transducers; 31) into a mechanical signal when an electrical signal (for example, a radio signal such as a high-frequency signal) is applied as shown in (A) of FIG. 6 . Then, it has a structure so that it can be transmitted again as a surface acoustic wave signal through the output IDT 32, and the One-Port structure has an electrical signal (for example, a high-frequency signal) as shown in FIG. 6B. When a wireless signal) is applied, it is converted into a mechanical signal while passing through one IDT 33 , and at the same time it has a structure to transmit a surface acoustic wave signal while returning to one IDT 33 .

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the smart menstrual cup according to the present invention has no power as shown in FIG. 6(A) when an electrical signal, that is, a wireless signal, is applied through the external wireless communication means 20. After the input IDT 31 of the SAW sensor 30 converts it into a mechanical signal, it responds to the volume of menstrual blood filled in the flexible cup 10 and transmits it as a surface acoustic wave signal through the output IDT 32 again. (20) to read the amount of menstrual blood by receiving and calculating the surface acoustic wave signal.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the smart menstrual cup according to the present invention is a non-powered SAW as shown in FIG. 6(B) when an electrical signal, that is, a wireless signal, is applied through the external wireless communication means 20 as shown in FIG. After being converted into a mechanical signal in one IDT 33 of the sensor 30, it is transmitted as a surface acoustic wave signal while returning through one IDT 33 while responding to the volume of menstrual blood filled in the flexible cup 10. It allows the wireless communication means 20 to read the amount of menstrual blood by receiving and calculating the surface acoustic wave signal.

That is, when the wireless signal applied from the external wireless communication means 20 is transmitted as a surface acoustic wave signal by the unpowered SAW sensor 30 while responding to the volume of menstrual blood filled in the flexible cup 10, the external wireless communication means ( 20) to accurately express the amount of menstrual blood by receiving and calculating the surface acoustic wave signal.

7A is a structural diagram including a smart phone 21, which is an external wireless communication means 20, showing the use state of a smart menstrual cup according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7B is a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a main block diagram showing the smart phone 21 which is the external wireless communication means 20 applied to the smart menstrual cup.

The external wireless communication means 20 applied to the smart menstrual cup according to the first embodiment of the present invention generates a wireless signal while approaching the flexible cup 10 as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, and then a non-powered SAW sensor ( 30) may include a smart phone 21 that receives and reads the amount of menstrual blood by receiving a surface acoustic wave signal in response to the volume of menstrual blood.

According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the smartphone 21 as an external wireless communication means 20 generates a wireless signal from the signal generator 41 as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, and the signal generator ( The wireless signal of 41) responds to the volume of menstrual blood filled in the flexible cup 10 and is transmitted as a surface acoustic wave signal from the unpowered SAW sensor 30, and then receives the surface acoustic wave signal from the signal receiver 42 and the filter unit 43 ), the microcomputer 44 calculates and reads the amount of menstrual blood so that it can be displayed to the user, so that the user can accurately check the amount of his or her menstrual blood.

8A is a structural diagram including a repeater 22 and a smart phone 21, which are external wireless communication means 20, showing the state of use of a smart menstrual cup according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8B is a diagram of the present invention. It is a main block diagram showing the repeater 22 and the smart phone 21 which are external wireless communication means 20 applied to the smart menstrual cup according to the second embodiment.

The external wireless communication means 20 applied to the smart menstrual cup according to the second embodiment of the present invention generates a wireless signal while approaching the flexible cup 10 as shown in FIGS. 8a and 8b, and then a non-powered SAW sensor ( 30) may include a repeater 22 for receiving a surface acoustic wave signal in response to the volume of menstrual blood through short-range wireless communication with the smartphone 21 .

According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the repeater 22 as the external wireless communication means 20 generates a wireless signal from the signal generator 41 as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, and this signal generator 41 ) is transmitted as a surface acoustic wave signal from the unpowered SAW sensor 30 while reacting to the volume of menstrual blood filled in the flexible cup 10 , and then receives the surface acoustic wave signal from the signal receiver 42 and the filter unit 43 . After removing the noise from the , short-range wireless communication with the smart phone 21 through Bluetooth 45 allows the smart phone 21 to calculate and read the amount of menstrual blood and display it to the user. This will allow you to accurately determine the amount.

At this time, the repeater 22 ensures the convenience of use by allowing the repeater 22 to be built-in to the accessory detachably attached to the smartphone 21 so that the accessory can be attached and used only when necessary.

In addition, the non-powered SAW sensor 30 is centering built-in at the bottom of the flexible cup 10 opposite to the surface of menstrual blood to ensure a simple structure and does not require power such as a battery, so it is harmless to the human body as well as the flexible cup 10 It does not affect the size of the battery at all, and in particular, it exhibits an action and effect that can be used semi-permanently regardless of the lifespan of the battery, and furthermore, the non-powered SAW sensor 30 is opposite to the surface of the menstrual blood. Since the centering is built in and faces the surface of menstrual blood, when a wireless signal is applied through the wireless communication means 20, it is accurately transmitted as a surface acoustic wave signal to increase the accuracy of the measurement of the amount of menstrual blood, which is more preferable.

The present invention can be used in industrial fields that can easily and conveniently solve women's menstrual blood without environmental pollution.

Claims

In a smart menstrual cup including a flexible cup inserted into a woman's vagina to receive menstrual blood,

When a wireless signal is applied through an external wireless communication means embedded in the flexible cup, the non-powered SAW transmits a surface acoustic wave signal that responds to the volume of menstrual blood so that the external wireless communication means can read the amount of menstrual blood. including a sensor,

The non-powered SAW sensor is built-in centering in the center of the lower end of the flexible cup opposite to the surface of menstrual blood,

When the wireless signal is applied through the wireless communication means, the unpowered SAW sensor converts the input IDT into a mechanical signal, and then transmits it as a surface acoustic wave signal through the output IDT again.
In a smart menstrual cup including a flexible cup inserted into a woman's vagina to receive menstrual blood,

When a wireless signal is applied through an external wireless communication means embedded in the flexible cup, the non-powered SAW transmits a surface acoustic wave signal that responds to the volume of menstrual blood so that the external wireless communication means can read the amount of menstrual blood. including a sensor,

The non-powered SAW sensor is built-in centering in the center of the lower end of the flexible cup opposite to the surface of menstrual blood,

When a wireless signal is applied through the wireless communication means, the non-powered SAW sensor converts it into a mechanical signal while passing through one IDT and at the same time returns to the one IDT and transmits it as a surface acoustic wave signal. menstrual cup.
3. The method of claim 1 or 2,

The external wireless communication means generates a wireless signal while approaching the flexible cup, and then receives a surface acoustic wave signal in response to the volume of menstrual blood through the unpowered SAW sensor to calculate and read the amount of menstrual blood. Smart menstrual cup.
3. The method of claim 1 or 2,

The external wireless communication means generates a wireless signal while being close to the flexible cup, and then receives a surface acoustic wave signal in response to the volume of menstrual blood through the unpowered SAW sensor, and includes a repeater for short-range wireless communication with a smartphone. smart menstrual cup.
5. The method of claim 4,

The repeater is a smart menstrual cup, characterized in that the built-in accessory detachably attached to the smartphone.