Active pressure sensing toilet gasket and methods of use
US10890497B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 25, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jan 12, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 21, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2562/0247
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The pressure pad which pressure-sensing fabric which is within a gasket and which measures the distribution of pressure on the gasket. Thus, the gasket protects the pressure-sensing fabric from damage due to water or mechanical trauma. The pressure pad includes multiple piezoresistive depositions of piezoresistive depositions ink or paste which act as individual pressure-sensing points. Conductive tracks between the piezoresistive depositions transmit the pressure measurements in the form of electrical signals. The pressure-sensing fabric is connected to a controller and transmits pressure measurements to the controller. Algorithms stored on the controller create a map of absolute mechanical loading to each pressure-sensing point of the pressure pad. The gasket may be mounted beneath a toilet or between plumbing joints. The pressure pad may detect weaknesses in the gasket, a toilet user's weight, a weight of excrement added to the toilet, or a toilet user's posture.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.