Capacitive wetness sensor and method for manufacturing the same

US9314381B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Fred Bergman Healthcare Pty Ltd · AU

Inventors

• Peter Curran · Sydney, AU
• David Albert Barda · Sydney, AU
• Don Black · Albert Park, AU
• Bradley John Phillips · Elmore, AU
• Peter Kotlarski · Melbourne, AU
• Juuso Olkkonen · Espoo, FI
• Tomi Mattila · Espoo, FI

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 31, 2012
• Grant date: Apr 19, 2016
• Expiry date: Oct 21, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N27/225
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A sensor device for sensing wetness in an absorbent article worn by a subject includes one or more sensing elements; and a coupling for communicating sensor signals between the one or more sensing elements and a receiver. A change in environmental parameter causes a change in electrical behavior of at least one of the sensing elements, which behavior can be analyzed to determine occurrence of a wetness event in the absorbent article. The changes in electrical behavior are communicated in the sensor signals to the receiver. The analysis may be by the receiver or a processor in communication with the receiver. Ideally, the sensing elements include capacitive elements and preferably, resonance circuits.