Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02887810 2015-04-15
MOISTURE DETECTION APPARATUS
BACKGROUND
1. Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a moisture or wetness sensing
device for
diapers and other undergarments to enable the prompt changing of the same when
they
become wet.
2. Description of Related Prior Art
[0002] U.S. Pat. No. 5,903,222 discloses a wet garment detector. The
garment
diaper detector for detecting wetness conditions in diapers or undergarments
comprises a
capacitive sensor located within a housing and affixed to the exterior surface
of the
garment being monitored. The sensor is comprised of two substantially solid,
coplanar
conductor plates affixed to a common substrate and has a very high dynamic
range.
When the inside of the garment becomes wet, the capacitance between the spaced
conductors rises above a predetermined value whereupon the detector provides
an output
to a transmitter or an alarm. When the garment is being changed, the detector
is removed
from the exterior surface of the garment for reuse on the next. In one
embodiment of the
invention, multiple, uniquely addressed wetness detectors are employed to
monitor the
wetness conditions in a plurality of garments, such as in a hospital or
nursing home.
When a garment becomes wet, that unique address is transmitted to a central
monitoring
station which dispatches a care giver to change the garment. Additionally, the
central
monitoring station may be equipped with a modem which communicates the address
of
wet garments to pagers worn by care givers.
[0003] The background description provided herein is for the purpose of
generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently
named
inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well
as aspects of the
description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing,
are neither
expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.
- 1 -
CA 02887810 2015-04-15
SUMMARY
[0004] A moisture detection apparatus can include a soft printed circuit
board, a
power supply, a processing unit, and a bendable body. The soft printed circuit
board can
include at least one capacitor. The power supply can be arranged to apply a
voltage
across the at least one capacitor. The processing unit can have one or more
processors
configured to detect a capacitance across the at least one capacitor and emit
a moisture
detection signal in response to a change the capacitance across the at least
one capacitor.
The soft printed circuit board is embedded in the bendable body. A kit can be
comprised
of the moisture detection and at least one bag assembly. Another kit can be
comprised of
the moisture detection and a receiving unit configured to receive the moisture
detection
signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The detailed description set forth below references the following
drawings:
[0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
moisture
detection apparatus according to the present disclosure;
[0007] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the exemplary moisture detection
apparatus;
[0008] Figure 3 is a cross-section through the exemplary moisture detection
apparatus along section lines 3 ¨ 3 in Figure 1;
[0009] Figure 4 is an exploded view of an exemplary operating environment
of
the exemplary moisture detection apparatus;
[0010] Figure 5 is a schematic view of an exemplary moisture detection
apparatus;
[0011] Figure 6 is a circuit schematic for an exemplary embodiment of a
moisture
detection apparatus according to the present disclosure; and
[0012] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an alternative bag for use in one
or more
embodiments of the present disclosure.
- 2 -
CA 02887810 2015-04-15
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The present disclosure, as demonstrated by the exemplary embodiment
described below, can provide a diaper alarm. When the diaper is wet, a
moisture
detection apparatus can send signal to a computing device wirelessly. A
moisture
detection apparatus can detect if the diaper is wet by a capacitive sensor. A
capacitive
sensor can be applied to detect moisture without directly contacting the
moisture. The
capacitive sensor of the moisture detection apparatus can be positioned on the
outside of
the diaper. Hook and loop fasteners or a bag assembly can be adhered to the
diaper to
hold the sensor. A body of the moisture detection apparatus can be made of
silicone and
so be soft and bendable; the sensor can be embedded in the body. Other sensors
could be
included in the moisture detection apparatus, such as a temperature probe or
acceleration
sensor to provide more information to the caretaker, such as monitoring baby
that is
sleeping or moving. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure could
also be
applied as a bed wetting alarm, a potty training tool, a tool to help cure
enuresis, a baby
monitor, and a device to help individuals who cannot care for themselves.
[0014] A moisture detection apparatus 10 can be positioned next to a
garment and
detect if the garment becomes wet. The moisture detection apparatus 10 can be
positioned next to any kind of garment, including under-clothing and diapers.
Upon
detection that the garment is moist, moisture detection apparatus 10 can emit
an
electronic signal that can be applied to generate a warning to another person,
such as a
caregiver.
[0015] The moisture detection apparatus 10 can include a soft printed
circuit
board 12, shown in phantom in Figure 2. The soft printed circuit board 12 can
include at
least one capacitor 14. The capacitor 14 acts as a capacitive sensor. The
capacitor 14 can
have two conductive plates 16, 18 existing on substantially the same flexible
surface
together and have sufficient surface area provide adequate sensitivity to the
presence of
conductive materials, such as moisture. A line referenced at 20 can be the
location of the
gap between the plates 16, 18. The capacitor plates 16, 18 that make up the
capacitive
sensor can be flexible in order to conform to a desired shape, such as the
outer profile of
an occupied diaper. The at least one capacitor 14 can thus define an arcuate
profile. The
closer the plates 16, 18 throughout the plate area to the diaper, the more
sensitive the
capacitance will be to moisture. Said in a different manner, the closer the
plates 16, 18
- 3 -
CA 02887810 2015-04-15
are the smaller the plate area can be in order to remain effective at
detecting moisture.
The plate shape can be varied. The plates 16, 18 can be of similar area.
However, the
respective areas do not have to be exactly the same, but since the two plates
16, 18 each
form their own capacitance with the moisture they are effectively in series
and therefore
having similar capacitance keeps the overall capacitance higher and more
conducive to
measurement.
[0016] The moisture detection apparatus 10 can also include a power supply
22
arranged to apply a voltage across the at least one capacitor 14. The power
supply 22 can
be a battery. The power supply 22 could be removable and replaceable. The
power
supply 22 could be rechargeable or non-rechargeable. The power supply 22 life
can be
improved by taking applying voltage once every few seconds instead of
constantly. In
the same manner, other components drawing power from the power supply 22 could
be
used to intermittently since such draws potentially represent significant
power draws.
[0017] The moisture detection apparatus 10 can also include a processing
unit 24
having one or more processors, such as processor 26. The power supply 22 can
be
mounted on the processing unit 24. The exemplary processing unit 24 can also
include
inputs and outputs. The processing unit 24 can be configured to detect a
capacitance
across the at least one capacitor 14 and emit a moisture detection signal in
response to a
change the capacitance across the at least one capacitor 14. As best shown in
Figure 5,
the exemplary processing unit 24 can also include conversion circuitry 28 for
converting
the capacitance (such as a change in capacitance) into a signal that can be
processed by
the processor 26. The conversion circuitry could operate as a capacitance to
frequency
(or pulse-width) converter. The exemplary processing unit 24 can also include
non-
transitory memory 30 containing a program for processing the signal received
from the
capacitor 14. In response to a change in the capacitance across the capacitor
14
(indicative of the presence of moisture in the garment), the processor 26 can
generate a
detection signal. The exemplary processing unit 24 can also include a
transmitter 32.
The processor 26 can direct the detection signal to the transmitter 32 and the
transmitter
32 can be operable to wirelessly transmit the detection signal remote from the
apparatus
10. The transmitter 32 can be operable to wirelessly transmit in Zigbee, RF,
Bluetooth,
Z-wave, GSM, CDMA, WiFi, or WiMAX. As shown in Figure 3, a button or LED 94
can be mounted on the processing unit. A button could be used to reset or
activate the
- 4 -
CA 02887810 2015-04-15
moisture detection apparatus 10. An LED could be used to indicate that the
moisture
detection apparatus 10 is activated.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,903,222 is incorporated by reference in its
entirety as an
example of circuitry and operations that can be applied in one or more
embodiments of
the present disclosure. Figure 6 is another exemplary circuit that can be
applied in one or
more embodiments of the present disclosure. U2 can be an integrated circuit
composed
of a basic R - S trigger voltage divider, a comparator, a discharge triode,
and other parts.
By way of example and not limitation, the circuit can be a multi-vibrator
circuit based on
the 555 timer IC. The circuit operates as a capacitance to frequency (or pulse-
width)
converter. The frequency of the square wave or the pulse-width can be measured
by the
microcontroller.
[0019] The moisture detection apparatus 10 can also include a bendable
body 34.
The soft printed circuit board 12 is embedded in the bendable body 34. The
body 34 can
be formed from silicone. Alternatively, the body 34 could be formed from
rubber or
other materials that provide some rigidity but are bendable. The body 34 can
be
deformed and elastically recover. The body 34 can define an arcuate profile in
an unbent
or static condition, conforming to the shape of part of the human body covered
by a
garment. The body 34 could be made in any shape, such as an animal like a bird
or bear,
or a cartoon character. A button operable to communicate with the processing
unit 24
could be mounted in the body 34.
[0020] The moisture detection apparatus 10 can also include a first
housing
member 36 and a second housing member 38. The second housing member 38 can be
fixed with respect to the body 34 and releasibly engageable with the first
housing
member 36 to define a cavity. The exemplary first housing member 36 is
integrally-
formed with respect to the body 34. "Integrally-formed" refers to the fact
that in the
exemplary embodiment the body 34 and the first housing member 36 are formed
together
rather than being formed separately and then subsequently joined. The term
defines a
structural feature since structures that are integrally-formed are
structurally different than
structures that are comprised of subcomponents formed separately and then
subsequently
joined. "Integral" means consisting or composed of parts that together
constitute a whole
and thus encompasses structures of more than one part wherein the parts are
either
integrally-formed or formed separately and then subsequently joined.
- 5 -
CA 02887810 2015-04-15
[0021] The processing unit 24 and the power supply 22 are containable in
the
cavity when the first housing member 36 and the second housing member 38 are
engaged
with one another. The first housing member 36 can define an aperture 40 and a
plurality
of grooves 42, 44, 46 disposed about the aperture 40. Each of the plurality of
grooves 42,
44, 46 is configured to receive respective portions (such as portions 48, 50)
of the second
housing member 38. The first housing member 36 and the second housing member
38
can then be rotated with respect to one another to engage each other. The
second housing
member 38 can be unbendable to provide more rigidity for protecting the
processing unit
24 from damage. The second housing member 38 can include an annular wall 52
and a
cap 54. The processing unit 24 can be positionable within the second housing
member
38, surrounded by the wall 52 and the aperture 40 and captured by the cap 54.
An LED
could be mounted in the second housing member 38.
[0022] The processing unit 24 and the body 34 can be releasibly engageable
with
one another. The exemplary processing unit 24 can be disposed in electronic
communication with the capacitor 14 to detect the capacitance across the at
least one
capacitor 14 when engaged with the body 34 and can be disposed out of
electronic
communication with the capacitor 14 when released from the body 34. By way of
example and not limitation, the processing unit 24 can be released from the
body 34 (and
separated from the soft printed circuit board 12 and capacitor 14) when the
power supply
22 is replaced or when the body 34 is replaced with another body.
[0023] As best shown in Figure 4, the moisture detection apparatus 10 can
be part
of kit also including at least one bag assembly 56. The bag assembly 56 can
include a
bag 58 having an outer surface 60, a quantity of adhesive 62 covering at least
part of the
outer surface 60, and a sheet 64 releasibly covering the quantity of adhesive
62. The
quantity of adhesive 62 is positioned on an underside of the bag 68 in Figure
4. The bag
58 can be sized to receive the moisture detection apparatus 10. The bag 68 can
be
transparent. The bag 58 can include a flap 66 with a second quantity of
adhesive 68.
Removable coverings, such as of wax paper for example, can cover the
quantities of
adhesive 62, 68 prior to use of the bag 68. After the moisture detection
apparatus 10 has
been placed in the bag 58, the flap 66 can be folded over and affixed to the
bag 58
through the second quantity of adhesive 68 to seal the apparatus 10 in the bag
58. A
child could not open the bag 58 after the bag 58 has been closed and sealed.
The bag
- 6 -
CA 02887810 2015-04-15
assembly 56 can be stuck on (attached to) baby "onesies," rompers, or
underwear, as long
as it is at the right position against the diaper. The bag assembly 56 could
be made on
diaper directly by the diaper manufacturer.
[0024] The bag 58 can be mounted to a garment 70 by removing the sheet 64
and
exposing the quantity of adhesive 62. The portion of the outer surface 60
bearing the
quantity of adhesive 62 can be pressed against a garment 70 to mount the
moisture
detection apparatus 10 (contained in the bag 58) to the garment 70. The
moisture
detection apparatus 10 is thus positioned to monitor the garment 70 for
moisture. After
use, the apparatus 10 can be removed from the bag 58 and used again in another
bag 58.
A kit can include a plurality of bag 58 assemblies. A kit could also include a
second,
replacement soft printed circuit board 12 including at least one capacitor 14
embedded in
a second bendable body 34.
[0025] Figure 7 shows an alternative structure 58a for holding the
apparatus 10.
The structure 58a can be bag-like or envelop-like. The structure 58a can
include a tear
line 94 that can be pulled to open the structure 58a after the structure 58a
has been closed.
[0026] As also shown in Figure 4, the moisture detection apparatus 10 can
be part
of kit also including a receiving unit configured to receive the moisture
detection signal
(referenced at 72). Figure 4 shows three alternative receiving units: a smart
watch 74, a
smartphone 76, and a tablet computer 78. The receiving unit can be operating
an app. As
shown in Figure 5, the receiving unit can include a receiver 80 that can be
operable to
receive the moisture detection signal 72. The receiver 80 can direct the
moisture
detection signal 72 to a processor 82 of the receiving unit. The processor 82
can generate
a moisture detection message in response to receiving the moisture detection
signal 72.
The message can be directed to a visual display 84. For example, the visual
display 84
can display a text and/or graphical message communicating that the garment is
wet.
Alternatively, the message can be directed to a speaker 86. For example, the
speaker 86
can emit an audio message communicating that the garment is wet.
Alternatively, the
message can be directed to a haptic unit 88. For example, the haptic unit 88
can vibrate
to communicate that the garment is wet.
[0027] In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the moisture
detection apparatus 10 can also include a temperature sensor 90 operable to
detect a
temperature and emit a temperature signal. The processing unit 24 can be
operable to
- 7 -
CA 02887810 2015-04-15
receive the temperature signal and emit a temperature detection signal in
response to
receiving the temperature signal. The detected temperature can be displayed on
the
display 84. In one or more embodiraents of the present disclosure, the
moisture detection
apparatus 10 can also include an accelerometer 92 operable to detect movement
and emit
a movement signal. The processing unit 24 can be operable to receive the
movement
signal and emit a movement detection signal in response to receiving the
movement
signal. The detection of movement can be communicated over the display 84, the
speaker 86, or the haptic unit 88.
[0028] In one or more embodiments, when a diaper is wet, a moisture
detection
apparatus can send a signal wirelessly. A transmitter of the apparatus can
apply
Bluetooth0 standards for exchanging data over short distances by using short-
wavelength
radio transmissions, and thus creating personal area network (PAN). The
transmitter can
also apply 3G or 4G, which is defined by the International Mobile
Telecommunications-
2000 (IMT-2000) specifications promulgated by the International
Telecommunication
Union. The signal can be transmitted to a smartphone or a other device over a
local area
network. All the devices on the network could receive the signal (representing
an alarm
that the diaper is wet). In one or more embodiments including other sensors,
such as an
acceleration sensor, potentially a large volume of data could be transmitted.
Such
volumes of data may be too large for a smartphone. Thus, in one or more
embodiments,
the signal may be transmitted to a remote server for cloud computing. The
output of such
computing can be transmitted back to a smart phone proximate to the apparatus.
[0029] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to
an
exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
various
changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof
without
departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, many
modifications may
be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
present
disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it
is intended
that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment
disclosed as the
best mode contemplated for carrying out this present disclosure, but that the
present
disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the
appended claims.
Further, the "present disclosure" as that term is used in this document is
what is claimed
in the claims of this document. The right to claim elements and/or sub-
combinations that
- 8 -
CA 02887810 2015-04-15
are disclosed herein as other present disclosures in other patent documents is
hereby
unconditionally reserved.
- 9 -
