DE19939902A1 - Nappy, includes a sensory system that allows parameters such as residual capacity to be transmitted to a mother or nurse, so that it can be changed at correct times - Google Patents

Abstract

A nappy, which contains electrical contacts, and optionally other sensory systems, which allow the residual capacity of the nappy, the temperature or other physiological parameters to be determined and transmitted to an external device, is new. A new nappy is described. The nappy has elastic fleece surfaces on its side, the fleece surfaces being composed of a breathable, fiber material which is largely impervious to smells. The fleece surfaces enclose a defined compartment composed of a polymeric superabsorber. This compartment is mostly on the abdominal or rear side. The nappy has upper wings which contain holding elements. These elements are protected until use. When used, a protective foil is removed to reveal the adhesive properties of the holding elements, which allows the nappy to be securely fixed in place. The nappy is largely composed of biodegradable material. The nappy possesses a modified elastic superabsorber which has a spongy consistency and is especially composed of a foam rubber. The superabsorber possesses an additional compartment which incorporates hygroscopic molecules (e.g. MgCl2 or Na2SO4 of an optimal crystal form and size) and polymerize in the pores of the foam rubber. The nappy contains a pair of electrical contacts which are separated by a defined distance and are placed in the approximate position of the appropriate body orifice in the nappy. These contacts allow the residual capacity of the superabsorber to be determined, e.g. by changes in resistance. Other sensors, which allow determination of temperature, pulse or other physiological parameters, can also be present. These sensors are capable of telemetrically transmitting readings to an external device. The antenna for transmitting such readings is especially in the form of a wire inlay which runs between the wings of the nappy.

Description

The diaper has since the cloth diaper over the disposable diaper and on over the absorbent core towards the superabsorbent, in addition to the other functional features, a rapid one Undergone development. Currently the possibility of rotting the diaper is increased Attention paid.

A special embodiment feature is given to the superabsorbent, which in a preferred embodiment is formed from a foam rubber frame, to which optimized polymers, preferably with activated carbon, are added in a partial pore fraction of the foam rubber body. In addition, this superabsorber has a second one with its own foam rubber structure on the outside, but which, in addition to a certain proportion of polymers and activated carbon, mainly contains hygroscopic molecular crystals as MgCl ₂ or Na ₂ SO _{4 and} others in a partial pore fraction, so that a superabsorber is formed two components promises optimal fluid intake. The activated carbon is intended to remedy the unpleasant smell for the patient and the practitioner. The individual components are preferably added to the pores of the foam rubber during its manufacturing process.

In a further embodiment, the suction area becomes so by means of a suction bead avoid that this fits the lower extremity optimally and an overflow of the Absorber portion prevented in electronics to be discussed.

Of course, the applicant is aware that there are a number of applications known to the Want to implement interface to electronics. However, this seems to be in the process of being realized predominantly in the required miniaturization, as well as in the Radio transmission in the form of a clearly legible signal to have failed by given frequencies require a dipole that is difficult to implement. there the registration would provide information especially for mothers or for home staff, when a diaper change is due and how the current temperature and the pulse next other parameters of the infant or patient.  

Physically, it is assumed that a wet electrolyte environment is caused by free Ions is electrically conductive and that such a process can be used as information, by causing a current to flow through the released ions in a soaked diaper comes, which in turn can be used for signal processing. Come at the temperature Semiconductor devices, resistance wires and IR kits are considered. The pulse will via a vectorial "EKG" signal, which is via the contacts of the leg wings is removed, converted into a pulse signal. Other parameters require their own Sensor technology as described in the claims.

The electronics themselves must be reusable for cost reasons by simply using a new diaper is contacted. The sensors, i.e. ultimately the IC / s, should be clocked work to optimally use the power supply especially in the area of the diaper, whereby Cycle times of z. B. five minutes are acceptable.

On the part of the antenna function between the diaper and separate receiving or receiving and transmitter unit is on the one hand a limit distance is provided, on the other hand the diaper should preferably be matched to the recipient. This can be done simply by being completely obtainable Control units can be carried out, which are constructed identically and at the same time Sending and receiving are suitable. At the same time, a preferred variant assumed that the antenna in the upper wing area of the diaper was preferred Wire insert allows an optimal length of the diol with λ / 2.

As an electrical conductor in the diaper area, for. B. prefers the skin-friendly Absorbent fleece an electrically conductive medium, such as. B. aluminum, preferably in strips for Processor contact are evaporated and isolated, whereby of course the Liquid transport to the super absorber must not be disrupted.

For better evaluation, however, it seems sensible to choose between skin-friendly fleece or the like. and superabsorbent to integrate at least two modified contacts that are rigid over an insulator as far as possible anterior / posterior and in no way disturbing and their Conductor tracks primarily close the circuit between the contacts via a power source,  while the traces to / m / the / corresponding microprocessors or IC / s that are preferably arranged parallel to the former and with the other electronic elements preferably end in the form of a housing in a diaper bag and easily on a new one Diaper is transferable and with the control units described above Receiver communicates.

The reception of the diaper unit z. B. on the setting of Limit sensitivities or parameters.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the diaper bag is dispensed with and contacted the electronics at a suitable point with the diaper from the outside, preferably, each Depending on the location of the infant or patient, several connections are useful.

In a further preferred embodiment, the contacts are modified Absorbent fleece arranged in front of the super absorber and the conductor tracks preferably made applied insulated conductor wires used with their diaper-terminal Wire portions to create conductive contacts that are suitable over a rigid Intermediate device to arrange this so that the increasing resistance of the Intermediate medium is to be concluded that the superabsorbent still has capacity.

In a further preferred embodiment, the receiving unit is like one Wristwatch designed to be portable.

In a further preferred embodiment, the transmitted Diaper information displayed on a display of the receiving unit.

In a further preferred receiving unit, this has other functions, such as a watch or the like. In particular, it is able to obtain information from the Infant or the patient, such as his temperature, his pulse or other physiological Preferably transfer parameters via a menu button.  

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to claims 1-32 and FIGS. 1-8.

It shows

Fig. 1 in a schematic, perspective view of a diaper,

Fig. 1a in a schematic sectional view of the super absorber arrangement,

Fig. 2 shows the diaper in a form, that in particular the conductor tracks and the integrated dipole come in a schematic sectional view for illustrating,

Fig. 3 in a schematic sectional view of a detail of the suction region with contact means,

Fig. 4 in a schematic representation of a plan view of a preferred diaper in telemetric contact with a receiving unit,

Fig. 5 in a schematic representation a preferred diaper bag with assembly taking place through the diaper electronics,

In a schematic representation the possibility of the electronics of the diaper to adapt Fig. 6 from the outside,

Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of the conductor tracks, here directly to the IC, a symbolized sensor and a dipole antenna.

Fig. 1 shows in a schematic, perspective view of a diaper (1) with super absorber assembly (2, 13), which is surrounded by a rotating flaring (21). In addition, the frill area ( 38 ) on both sides can be seen and the upper wings ( 8 ) with their cuff area ( 139 ) and their fixation elements ( 37 ). The lower wings ( 39 ) show no special features.

Fig. 1a shows in diagrammatic representation a section A through the diaper (1) according to Fig. 1. It is essentially a section through the superabsorbent assembly (2, 13), wherein, in Saugvliesbereich (11) the contact device (3, 14 ) (shown here in a 90 degree rotation) and the side frill areas ( 38 ). The figure makes it clear that the superabsorber consists of two areas, namely ( 2 ) and ( 13 ), where ( 2 ) has a sponge structure analogous to the above-mentioned claims, in the pores ( 15 ) of which, in addition to the preferred polymers, activated carbon is preferably used during the manufacturing process Sponge structure was introduced. In the superabsorbent area ( 13 ), which preferably also consists of a sponge structure with pores ( 15 '), there are preferably strongly hygroscopic molecular crystals in these ( 15 '), preferably in the composition MgCl ₂ or Na ₂ SO _{4 in} addition to polymers and activated carbon already introduced in the manufacturing process.

Fig. 2 shows a diagrammatic sectional view of the diaper ( 1 ) in such a way that in particular the conductor tracks ( 4 ) and the integrated dipole ( 7 , 9 ) are shown, all of which ( 4 , 7 , 9 , ... ) the IC ( 85 ) in its diaper pocket ( 24 ) with closure ( 40 ) are contacted. The circumferential bead ( 21 ) and the frill area ( 38 ) on both sides and the upper and lower wings ( 8 , 39 ) need not be discussed in more detail. However, it is worth mentioning that the contacts ( 3 ) and ( 3 ') are conductively sheathed ( 16 ) at the end ( 17 ). In the preferred embodiment, the dipole ( 9 ) is implemented in the cuff area ( 139 ) by wire elements on both sides ( 2 ). The diaper bag ( 24 ) is shown with the flap ( 40 ) open.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a detailed view of the suction area ( 2 , 13 ) with contact devices ( 3 , 3 ', 14 , 16 , 17 ), each of which is provided with a power supply ( 22 ) and in the non-woven area ( 11 ), each in the niches ( 12 , 12 ') in the anterior posterior position are integrated into the diaper. The superabsorbent areas ( 2 , 13 ) are located above this and a circumferential bead ( 21 ) can be seen on the left.

FIG. 4 (9, 33, 7) is a schematic representation a plan view of a preferred diaper (1) in telemetric contact with a receiving unit (19) with display (31), menu button (32), loudspeaker (36), electronics ( 41 ), Dipole ( 33 ) and IC ( 42 ). The limit distance of the two elements ( 1 , 19 ) is symbolically represented by arrow ( 25 ).

Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a preferred diaper bag ( 24 ) with the fitting of the diaper electronics ( 6 , 5 , 20 ) in capsule ( 23 ). The diaper bag ( 24 ) is opened ( 40 ) and the electronics capsule ( 23 ) is provided so that the contacts ( 124 ') of the electronics capsule ( 23 ) and the dipole ( 7 , 9 ) with the contacts ( 124 ) of the diaper bag ( 24 ) correspond.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of the possibility of adapting the electronics ( 6 ) with the housing ( 34 ) of the diaper ( 1 ) from the outside ( 35 ).

Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of the conductor tracks ( 4 ) and the dipole wire ( 7 ) and the symbolized temperature sensor ( 27 ) in the form of a resistance wire in their interaction with IC ( 5 ) in addition to additional electronics ( 43 ).

Claims (32)

1.Nappy, with a side, rubber-elastic gathered non-woven surface made of breathable, largely odor-impermeable fiber material, which includes a defined compartment as a polymer superabsorbent above the suction area, is mostly gathered on the abdomen or back, with the upper wings having retaining elements that last until use are protected and in use by peeling off the protective film have adhesive properties which allow the diaper to be securely fixed, the diaper increasingly being made of rotten material, characterized in that the diaper ( 1 ) has a modified rubber-elastic superabsorber ( 2 ) which has over its spongy consistency with every partial relaxation has an increased suction effect and which in turn has an additional, preferably rubber-elastic compartment ( 13 ) with in particular hygroscopic molecules such as MgCl ₂ and Na ₂ SO ₄ in an optimized crystal shape and size and bevo In addition to polymers, it is preferably stored in its own sponge pores ( 15 ') on the outside, that the diaper ( 1 ) in the approximate area of the body exit points, preferably at the transition to the superabsorber ( 2 , 13 ), preferably has at least one pair of distance-defined ( 14 ) electrical contacts ( 3 , 3 '), in order to draw conclusions about the residual filling capacity of the superabsorber ( 2 , 13 ) via at least one IC ( 5 ) which can be reached by means of optimal conductor tracks ( 4 ), or, if exceeded, via the wetting of an infant or an adult To get information, just as at least one IC ( 5 ) is able to use corresponding sensors ( 27,. , .) Detect temperature, pulse and possibly other physiological parameters and emit them as part of a transmitter unit ( 6 ) separate from the diaper ( 1 ), at least one wire insert ( 7 ) which can be connected to ( 6 ) transversely through the upper diaper wings ( 8 ) enables a dipole ( 9 ) of length λ / 2 (ν = c / λ), at least if 2.45 GHz can be optimally selected as the transmission frequency, but this is also possible at 433 MHz and 866 MHz. 2. Diaper according to claim 1, characterized in that the absorbent polymers, preferably with the addition of activated carbon, preferably in the manufacturing process of the preferred foam ( 10 ) as well as in the inner core ( 13 ), the hygroscopic and crystallized molecules preferably in addition to polymers in the manufacturing process of the foam ( 10 ') are preferably partially insertable when foaming into the pores ( 15 , 15 '). 3. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1, 2, characterized in that the foam ( 10 ) of the polymer-loaded superabsorbent ( 2 ) optionally a different pore size ( 15 ) as that ( 15 ') of the portion loaded with hygroscopic molecules or crystals ( 10 ') of the outer core ( 13 ) following ( 2 ). 4. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-3, characterized in that the preferred foam ( 10 , 10 ') can preferably be divided into such small basic elements so that sufficient mixing with the absorbent polymers and preferably with activated carbon as well as with preferred highly hygroscopic crystals succeed. 5. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the preferably used and optimized with the absorbent fleece ( 11 ) connected foam ( 10 ) is preferably adjustable in its flexibility and in its pore size ( 15 ) and in its volume stress that it is suitable for producing an optimal suction effect without affecting the wearing comfort. 6. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-5, characterized in that in each preferred diaper ( 1 ) the absorber area ( 2 , 13 ) is preferably surrounded by a, possibly primarily gathered, peripheral bead ( 21 ) which is suitable for its flexibility to optimally fit the leg skin in particular and to retain it as the last safety zone, preferably with its own suction and absorption properties thanks to preferred polymers, especially urine and stool. 7. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-6, characterized in that a foam-like superabsorbent ( 2 , 13 ) is suitable when absorbing liquid, in particular by the composition of the absorbent media, preferably to assume a low-odor gelatinous consistency. 8. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-7, characterized in that under the superabsorber ( 2 , 13 ) an optimized absorbent fleece ( 11 ) is arranged, each of which has an area ( 12 ), at least with regard to its thickness, into which the contact device ( 3 , 3 ', 16 , 17 , 14 ), not affecting the wearing comfort, near the physiological outlet openings near the transition to the superabsorbent ( 2 , 13 ) can preferably be introduced in the anterior-posterior direction. 9. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-8, characterized in that the short circuit preferably occurs via the ions of the excrement when the preferred battery voltage ( 22 ) is present, and that the change in resistance thus represents the most important parameter that can be tapped, with the IC ( 5 ) being suitable , to conclude the remaining residual capacity of the super absorber ( 2 , 13 ). 10. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-9, characterized in that the distance-defined ( 14 ) contacts ( 3 , 3 ') preferably made of conductively sheathed ( 16 ) wire ends ( 17 ) of the conductor tracks ( 4 ), preferably in anterior-potentiometer disposed orientation, consist, in which they are connected via a rigid intermediate member (14) does not interfere with the wearing comfort as in the optimized absorbent fleece (11) can be introduced (12) that it through its optimum position (12, 12 ',... ) not only provide information about the change in resistance, but are also suitable for allowing additional quality information. 11. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-10, characterized in that the IC ( 5 ) is suitable to bring the recorded data visually ( 31 ) and / or acoustically ( 36 ) via a receiver unit ( 19 ). 12. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-11, characterized in that at least one IC ( 5 ) is suitable to be reusable with its subordinate electronic components ( 20 ) with the required power supply ( 22 ) by being integrated as a unit ( 5th , 20 , 22 ) in a capsule ( 23 ) or the like in at least one diaper bag ( 24 ) or the like with the conductor tracks ( 4 ) of the diaper ( 1 ) and with the antenna wire ( 7 ) from ( 1 ) in front of the Diaper use can be safely contacted ( 24 ) and is preferably of modular design suitable for bridging the defined radio link ( 25 ) for information transmission to the receiver ( 19 ). 13. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-12, characterized in that instead of at least one diaper pocket ( 24 ), the electronics ( 5 , 20 ,...) Outside ( 34 ) of the diaper ( 1 ), inter alia, also with ( 7 ) contactable ( 35 ). 14. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-13, characterized in that the data summed up preferably via storage units, such as the degree of wetting or the filling state of the diaper ( 1 ) as well as the temperature and / or the pulse, along with any other parameters of the infant or of the adult, but incontinents, are suitable to be made preferably visible ( 31 ) via the receiver ( 19 ). 15. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-14, characterized in that the electrical supply ( 22 ,...) Of the diaper ( 1 ) from the remaining capacity of the preferred batteries ( 22 ,...) Or the preferred accumulators is sufficient, preferably by radio to overcome a limit distance to the receiver ( 19 ), where the signals are suitable to be broken down and that, in addition, the data transport is suitable to be carried out preferably bidirectionally, for example by B. via the receiver ( 19 ) of the diaper transmitter ( 5 ,...) To / programmable. 16. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-15, characterized in that other physiological and / or movement parameters of the diaper wearer can be transmitted to the receiver ( 19 ). 17. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-16, characterized in that the preferred IC / s or microprocessors ( 5 ,...) Are suitable, preferably clocked (z. B. every 5 minutes) their signals to be transmitted in order to optimally utilize the battery ( 22 ) and / or accumulator capacity and that the predominantly analog signals are suitable after passing through a converter, preferably to be displayed digitally via ( 19 ), for which purpose in particular a display ( 31 ) and / or a printing device is suitable. 18. Diaper according to at least one of claims 17, characterized in that the temperature of the diaper carrier can preferably be transmitted to the receiver ( 19 ) by means of a heat sensor adapted to the electronics ( 5 ,...). 19. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-18, characterized in that the diaper bag ( 24 ) is suitable, for. B. place a resistance wire ( 27 ) directly on the skin of the infant or the patient to provide an absolute measure of the skin temperature about the potential difference with respect to a calibration point, which corresponds to the core temperature with appropriate diaper design, preferably metals such as platinum and Nickel can be used. 20. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-19, characterized, that the absolute body temperature after a calibration step preferably via infrared and can preferably be determined using a corresponding electronic kit. 21. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-20, characterized, that instead of a resistance wire, a semiconductor is used, which is preferred represents a semiconductor resistor as a thermistor and preferably in digital ones Fever thermometers are used. 22. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-21, characterized, that across the heart a potential difference across the lower extremities which is sufficient to generate a modified "EKG peak" and convert it into a preferred pulse signal.   23. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-22, characterized in that the lower extremities can be contacted ( 30 ) and that conductor tracks ( 4 ) are suitable for providing information about the microprocessor (s) and / or the specific IC / s ( 5 ) preferably amplified via at least one operational amplifier by means of the receiver ( 19 ), preferably as a pulse. 24. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-23, characterized, that amplifiers are necessary for certain sensors and that preferred Operational amplifiers are used. 25. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-24, characterized in that preferably identical control units are used for diaper ( 1 ) and receiver ( 19 ), which are preferably to be obtained as a module. 26. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-25, characterized in that the power supply ( 22 ) is sufficient, preferably to generate a defined transmission power with electronic switching elements. 27. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-26, characterized in that the receiver ( 19 ) is suitable for programming the diaper transmitter ( 6 ,...) Telemetrically ( 7 , 33 ,...) And in that the / the diaper processors ( 5 ) are suitable for accepting the programming. 28. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-28, characterized in that the receiver ( 19 ) preferably has a menu button ( 32 ) and is suitable for displaying the corresponding value preferably on a display ( 31 ). 29. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-28, characterized in that the remaining battery capacity can be displayed both for the diaper electronics ( 5 ,...) And for the receiving unit ( 19 ) if ( 19 ) is designed to be portable. 30. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-29, characterized, that the individual electronic components are almost all available as finished modules that are suitable for the application area in question to be completed. 31. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-30, characterized, that preferably the radio transmission with 433 MHz, 866 MHz or possibly with 2.45 GHz is feasible. 32. Diaper according to at least one of claims 1-31, characterized in that all electronic components of the diaper ( 1 ) and the receiver ( 19 ) are miniaturized so that both allow a high degree of comfort for the respective user.