Abstract
Disclosed is a strip element configured to be externally and removably provided to an absorbent hygiene article, the strip element comprising at least two sensing elements for obtaining excretion-related information in the absorbent hygiene article, at least two close contact sensing zones for being removably attached to a garment facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article, respectively, and each comprising one of the at least two sensing elements, wherein, each close contact sensing zone includes first attachment means for keeping the close contact sensing zone in contact with the absorbent hygiene article by a first attachment force, the two close contact sensing zones being separated by a flex zone which is either free of any attachment means or includes second attachment means for establishing a second attachment force between the flex zone and the absorbent hygiene article, the second attachment force being a smaller force than the first contact force.
Claims
1. A strip element configured to be externally and removably provided to an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper, the strip element comprising at least two sensing elements for obtaining excretion-related information in the absorbent hygiene article, wherein the strip element comprises at least two close contact sensing zones for being removably attached to a garment facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article, respectively, and each comprising one of the at least two sensing elements, each close contact sensing zone comprising first attachment means for keeping the close contact sensing zone in contact with the absorbent hygiene article by a first attachment force, the two close contact sensing zones being separated by a flex zone which is either free of any attachment means or comprises second attachment means for establishing a second attachment force between the flex zone and the absorbent hygiene article, the second attachment force being a smaller force than the first attachment force.
2. The strip element of claim 1, wherein no sensor is provided in the flex zone.
3. The strip element of claim 1, wherein the first attachment means comprises mechanical attachment means such as an attachment means utilizing hook-fasteners, or adhesive-based attachment means, and/or wherein the second attachment means comprises mechanical attachment means such as an attachment means utilizing hook-fasteners, or adhesive-based attachment means.
4. A strip element configured to be internally or externally, fixedly or removably provided to an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper, the strip element comprising at least two sensing elements for obtaining excretion-related information in the absorbent hygiene article, the strip element optionally being the strip element of claim 1, wherein the strip element comprises at least two sensing zones, each of which comprises one of the at least two sensing elements, the two sensing zones being separated by a deformation susceptibility zone that connects the two sensing zones and that is free of any sensing element, the deformation susceptibility zone having lower bending stiffness than the respectively adjacent sensing zones.
5. The strip element of claim 4, further comprising a printed circuit board, wherein the at least two sensing elements are provided with the printed circuit board so as to be arranged along a longitudinal direction (L.sub.PCB) of the printed circuit board, and wherein the printed circuit board comprises, in the deformation susceptibility zone, a cutout extending at least partially in a width direction (W.sub.PCB) of the printed circuit board, the width direction being a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L.sub.PCB) of the printed circuit board.
6. A strip element configured to be internally or externally, fixedly or removably provided to an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper, the strip element comprising at least two sensing elements for obtaining excretion-related information in an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper, the strip element optionally being the strip element of claim 1, wherein the strip element comprises at least two sensing zones, each of which comprises one of the at least two sensing elements, the two sensing zones being separated by a deformation susceptibility zone that connects the two sensing zones and that is free of any sensing element, the strip element further comprising a printed circuit board, wherein the at least two sensing elements are provided with the printed circuit board so as to be arranged along a longitudinal direction (L.sub.PCB) of the printed circuit board, and wherein the printed circuit board comprises, in the deformation susceptibility zone, a cutout extending at least partially in a width direction (WPCB) of the printed circuit board, the width direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board.
7. The strip element of claim 5, wherein the printed circuit board (50) has, at least in the deformation susceptibility zone, constant thickness, the thickness direction (T.sub.PCB) of the printed circuit board being a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L.sub.PCB) of the printed circuit board and the width direction (W.sub.PCB) of the printed circuit board, respectively.
8. The strip element of claim 5, wherein the printed circuit board has, at least in the deformation susceptibility zone, flexibility.
9. The strip element of claim 5, wherein the printed circuit board comprises at least one of: polyimide; polyester; polytetrafluoroethylene; aramid; and polyethylene naphthalate.
10. The strip element of claim 5, wherein the cutout is, in the width direction (W.sub.PCB) of the printed circuit board, provided only on one side of the printed circuit board.
11. The strip element of claim 5, wherein the printed circuit board comprises at least two cutouts, the at least two cutouts being provided in the deformation susceptibility zone, wherein the cutouts are, with respect to the width direction (W.sub.PCB) of the printed circuit board, arranged in respectively opposite portions of the printed circuit board.
12. The strip element of claim 4, wherein the strip element has a length being defined as the maximum geometrical extension of the strip element, a thickness being defined as an extension of the strip element in direction perpendicular to the length direction, and a width being defined as an extension in a direction perpendicular to the length direction and the thickness direction, respectively, wherein the width of the strip element in the deformation susceptibility zone is not smaller than the width of the strip element in at least one of, optionally both of, the sensing zones.
13. The strip element of claim 12, wherein the thickness of the strip element in the deformation susceptibility zone is not smaller than the thickness of the strip element in at least one of, optionally both of, the sensing zones.
14. The strip element of claim 4, further comprising a sleeve accommodating the at least two sensing elements and optionally also the printed circuit board, the sleeve optionally comprising silicone.
15. The strip element of claim 5, wherein first to fourth sensing elements are provided with the printed circuit board such that the strip element comprises first to fourth sensing zones arranged in a row in numerical order, and wherein a deformation susceptibility zone is provided between respectively adjacent sensing zones.
16. The strip element of claim 15, wherein the printed circuit board comprises a cutout in each of the deformation susceptibility zones provided between respectively adjacent sensing zones, the cutouts being, with respect to the width direction (W.sub.PCB) of the printed circuit board, provided on alternating sides of the printed circuit board.
17. The strip element of claim 15, wherein a distance between a center of the first sensing element and a center of the second sensing element is between 50 mm and 70 mm, wherein a distance between the center of the second sensing element and a center of the third sensing element is between 30 mm and 50 mm, and wherein a distance between the center of the third sensing element and a center of the fourth sensing element is between 60 mm and 80 mm.
18. The strip element of claim 4, further comprising a processing module configured to obtain measurement data from the at least two sensing elements, the processing module optionally further comprising an energy source such as a battery.
19. The strip element of claim 18, wherein the processing module further comprises a communication module configured to provide an external device with information associated with the measurement data.
20. The strip element of claim 18, wherein the processing module is arranged adjacent to the first sensing zone, and wherein, optionally, a further deformation susceptibility zone is provided between the first sensing zone and the processing module.
21. A hygiene system comprising the strip element of claim 1 and an absorbent hygiene article such as a diaper, the strip element being attached or removably attachable to a garment facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article, wherein the hygiene system is configured such that no galvanic contact is establishable between any one of the at least two sensing elements and a liquid to be absorbed by the absorbent hygiene article.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0180] Additional advantages and features of the present disclosure, that can be realized on their own or in combination with one or several features discussed above, insofar as the features do not interfere with each other, will become apparent from the following description of working examples and/or optional aspects and/or embodiments. The description is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0181] FIG. 1a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensing element of an embodiment of a strip element in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0182] FIG. 1b is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensing element of an embodiment of a strip element in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0183] FIG. 2a is a top view of a sensing element of an embodiment of a strip element in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0184] FIG. 2b is a top view of a sensing element of an embodiment of a strip element in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0185] FIG. 2c is a top view of a sensing element of an embodiment of a strip element in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0186] FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a strip element in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0187] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a strip element in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0188] FIG. 5a is a top view of a first layer of a flexible printed circuit board of an embodiment of a strip element in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0189] FIG. 5b is a top view of a second layer of a flexible printed circuit board of an embodiment of a strip element in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0190] FIG. 5c is a top view of a third layer of a flexible printed circuit board of an embodiment of a strip element in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0191] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hygiene system in accordance with the present disclosure;
[0192] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram for illustrating an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present disclosure; and
[0193] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram for illustrating an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0194] Embodiments of devices, uses and methods in accordance with the present disclosure will hereinafter be explained in detail, by way of non-limiting example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference signs appearing in different figures denote identical, corresponding, or functionally similar elements, unless indicated otherwise.
[0195] FIG. 1a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensing element 10 of an embodiment of a strip element 40 in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 2a is a top view of a sensing element 10 of an embodiment of a strip element 40 in accordance with the present disclosure. The sensing element of FIG. 1a and the sensing element of FIG. 2a may be the same sensing element. The sensing element 10 of FIG. 1a and FIG. 2a is a sensing element for measuring an impedance. the sensing element 10 has a capacitor electrode 12, a signal line 16, and a ground element. The ground element comprises a ground electrode 14 and a ground line 20 electrically connected thereto. The capacitor electrode 12 is electrically connected to the signal line 18. The sensing element 10 further comprises a shielding component 18 provided between the signal line 16 and the ground element comprising the ground electrode 14 and the ground line 20. The strip element 40 according to depicted embodiment is configured such that an electric potential of the shielding component 18 synchronously oscillates with an electric potential of the signal line 16. In this regard, it is to be understood that, since the signal line 16 and the capacitor electrode 12 are electrically connected to each other, an electric potential of the capacitor electrode 12, an electric potential of the signal line 16, and an electric potential of the shielding component 18 oscillate synchronously. Each of the capacitor electrode 12, the ground electrode 14, the signal line 16, the shielding component 18 and the ground line 20 may be made of electrically conductive material such as metal. The shielding component 18 may, e.g., be made of or comprise copper or a copper alloy. The capacitor electrode 12 and the signal line 16 are electrically insulated from the shielding component 18, the ground electrode 14 and the ground line 20. The shielding component 18 is electrically insulated from the capacitor electrode 12, the signal line 16, the ground electrode 14, and the ground line 20. According to the depicted embodiment, the capacitor electrode 12, the ground electrode 14 and the ground line 20 are provided in a first layer of the sensing element 10. The shielding component 18 is provided in a second layer of the sensing element 10, the second layer being provided below the first layer. The signal line 16 starts from the first layer, runs through the second layer, and is then provided in a first layer of the sensing element 10 provided below the second layer. When running through the second layer, the signal line 16 is guided through an opening of the shielding component 18 such that no electrical contact is establishable between the shielding component 18 and the signal line 16. Even though no insulating layers are depicted in FIG. 1a or FIG. 2a, a first insulating layer may be provided between the first layer and the second layer, and a second insulating layer may be provided between the second layer and the third layer. The first and second insulating layers may each comprise an opening, a position of which corresponds to the position of the opening of the shielding component 18. In the depicted embodiment, the capacitor electrode 12 is provided adjacent to the ground electrode 14. Moreover, in the depicted embodiment, each of the capacitor electrode 12 and the ground electrode 14 has a substantially rectangular shape. In the sensing elements 10 depicted in FIGS. 1a and 2a, the shielding component 18 is continuously provided between the ground element and the signal line 16 such that there is no portion of the sensing element 10 in which the shielding component 18 is not provided between the ground element and the signal line 16. The ground element includes the ground electrode 14 and the ground line 20.
[0196] FIG. 1b is a schematic cross-sectional view of a sensing element 10 of an embodiment of a strip element 40 in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 2b is a top view of a sensing element 10 of an embodiment of a strip element 40 in accordance with the present disclosure. The sensing element of FIG. 1b and the sensing element of FIG. 2b may be the same sensing element 10. The configuration of the sensing element 10 depicted in FIGS. 1b substantially corresponds to the configuration of the sensing element 10 of FIG. 1a, however, in the sensing element 10 of FIG. 1b, the ground electrode 14 is provided so as to form a closed loop around the capacitor electrode 12. In other words, the ground electrode 14 depicted in FIG. 1b surrounds the capacitor electrode 12 of the sensing element 10 of FIG. 1b. Likewise, the configuration of the sensing element 10 depicted in FIG. 2b substantially corresponds to the configuration of the sensing element 10 of FIG. 2a, however, in the sensing element 10 of FIG. 2b, the ground electrode 14 is provided so as to form a closed loop around the capacitor electrode 12. In other words, the ground electrode 14 depicted in FIG. 2b surrounds the capacitor electrode 12 of the sensing element 10 of FIG. 2b.
[0197] In the sensing elements 10 depicted in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the respective shielding components 18 are continuously provided between the respective ground elements (including the respective ground electrodes 12 and the respective ground lines 20), and the respective signal lines 18, such that there is no portion of the sensing elements 10 in which the respective shielding component 18 is not provided between the ground element and the signal line 16. Moreover, in the sensing elements 10 depicted in FIGS. 2a and 2b, the respective shielding components 18 are provided so as to extend, with respect to width directions and longitudinal directions of the sensing elements 10, beyond an outline of the respective capacitor electrodes 12, and also beyond an outline of the respective ground electrodes 14. In the present context, a thickness direction of the sensing element 10 is a direction corresponding to a smallest extension of the sensing element. A longitudinal direction is a direction corresponding to a largest extension of a sensing element. A width direction of the sensing element may be a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sensing element, and also to the thickness direction of the sensing element.
[0198] FIG. 2c is a top view of a sensing element 10 of an embodiment of a strip element in accordance with the present disclosure. The sensing element 10 of FIG. 2c may correspond to the sensing element of FIG. 2b, but at least the following aspects may differ from the sensing element 10 of FIG. 2c: Firstly, the signal line 16 of the capacitor electrode 12 is provided in the same layer as the capacitor electrode 12. Secondly, the ground line 20 is provided so as to run below the capacitor electrode 12. Thirdly, the ground electrode 14 is provided so as to form an open loop around the capacitor electrode 12. That is, a break is provided in the ground electrode 14 in a portion corresponding to the signal line 16 in order to let the signal line 16 pass therethrough. The signal line 16 may, hence, be guided from an interior portion of the loop to an exterior portion of the loop without needing to change its layer. The shielding component 18 is provided between the capacitor electrode 12 and the ground line 20, however, the shielding component 18 does not extend, with respect to width directions and longitudinal directions of the sensing elements 10, beyond an outline of the ground electrode 14.
[0199] FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of an embodiment of a strip element 40 in accordance with the present disclosure. The strip 40 element comprises an upper lid 102 and a lower lid 103, which may be put together in a liquid proof manner so as to form a sleeve for accommodating components of the strip element 40 in an interior portion thereof. Components to be accommodated in an interior portion of the sleeve are: a flexible printed circuit board (flex PCB) 50 comprising four sensing elements 42; and a processing unit assembly. The four sensing elements 42 may, e.g., the sensing elements of any one of FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 2c. The processing unit assembly may comprise: a processing unit printed circuit board 56, which may, e.g., a rigid printed circuit board; a battery 52 electrically connected to the processing unit printed circuit board 56. The battery 52 may further be mechanically attached to the processing unit printed circuit board via a battery tape 54. The processing unit may further comprise an upper hard cover 58 and a lower hard cover 60, forming a processing unit hard case configured to accommodate the processing unit printed circuit board 58 to which the battery 52 is attached. The processing unit upper hard cover 58 may be or comprise polymer-based material such as polypropylene, polybutylenetherephtalate, or the like. The processing unit lower hard cover 60 may be or comprise polymer-based material such as polypropylene, polybutylenetherephtalate, or the like. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the lower lid 103 has a processing unit accommodating portion 105 and a flexible printed circuit board 50 accommodating portion 104. The flexible printed circuit board 50 accommodating portion 104 has a smaller width than the processing unit accommodating portion. In FIG. 3, a longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board 50 is indicated by reference sign L.sub.PCB, a width direction of the printed circuit board 50 is indicated by reference sign W.sub.PCB, a thickness direction of the printed circuit board 50 is indicated by reference sign T.sub.PCB. The flexible printed circuit board 50 comprises deformation susceptibility zones arranged between respectively two sensing elements 42. In the depicted embodiment, each of the deformation susceptibility zones comprises a cut-out 48. That is, a cut-out 48 is provided between respectively two sensing elements 42, with respect to a longitudinal direction L of the strip element 40. Moreover, the cut-outs 48 are provided in respectively opposite portions of the printed circuit board 50, with respect to the width direction W.
[0200] The printed circuit board 50 of the strip element 40 may be connected to the upper lid 102, e.g., by virtue of FPC tape (flexible printed circuit board tape). Attachment portions for attaching the printed circuit board 50 to the upper lid 102 may correspond to portions of the sensing elements 42. According to the latter configuration, a configuration may be promoted in which the sensing elements 42 are provided close to a surface of an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper. The latter configuration may, in turn, aid in promoting measurement accuracy of the sensing elements.
[0201] The upper lid 102 of the strip element 40 is provided with hook fasteners 44 for repeatedly attaching and detaching the strip element to a garment facing surface of the absorbent hygiene article. In the depicted embodiment, hook fasteners 44 are provided in portions corresponding to portions of the sensing elements 42, thereby forming close contact sensing zones.
[0202] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a strip element 40 in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 4 may be considered to depict the strip element 40 of FIG. 3 in an assembled state. The strip element 40 of FIG. 4, may, hence, comprise all components depicted in FIG. 3. In FIG. 4, a longitudinal direction of the strip element 40 is indicated by reference sign L.sub.S; a width direction of the strip element 40 is indicated by reference sign W.sub.S; a thickness direction of the strip element 40 is indicated by reference sign T.sub.S.
[0203] FIG. 5a is a top view of a first layer 501 of a flexible printed circuit board of an embodiment of a strip element in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 5b is a top view of a second layer 502 of a flexible printed circuit board of an embodiment of a strip element in accordance with the present disclosure. FIG. 5c is a top view of a third layer 503 of a flexible printed circuit board of an embodiment of a strip element in accordance with the present disclosure. The first layer 501 of FIG. 5a, the second layer 502 of FIG. 5b, and the third layer 503 of FIG. 5c are layers of the same printed circuit board. The first layer 501 of FIG. 5a, the second layer 502 of FIG. 5b, and the third layer 503 of FIG. 5c may be stacked in numerical order. It is, however, to be understood that the printed circuit board, layers of which are depicted in FIGS. 5a to 5c, may comprise more layers than the depicted layers. The layers depicted in FIGS. 5a to 5c may be layers of the printed circuit board 50 depicted in FIG. 3.
[0204] The first layer 501 depicted in FIG. 5a comprises a first capacitor electrode 121 of a first sensing element, a second capacitor electrode 122 of a second sensing element, a third capacitor electrode 123 of a third sensing element, and a fourth capacitor electrode 124 of a fourth sensing element. The first sensing element is provided in-between the second sensing and the third sensing element. The first layer 501 further comprises a first ground electrode 141 of the first sensing element, a second ground electrode 142 of the second sensing element, a third ground element 143 of the third sensing element and a fourth ground electrode 144 of the fourth sensing element. The first ground electrode 141 is electrically connected to the second ground electrode 142 by a first ground line 201. The fourth ground electrode 144 is electrically connected to the third ground electrode 143 by the third ground line 203. The third ground electrode 143 is electrically connected to the first ground electrode 141 by the second ground line 142. The second ground electrode 142 is electrically connectable to a processing unit to be provided at a connector end 300 of the flexible printed circuit board, by a fourth ground line 204. In order to form deformation susceptibility zones, the first layer 501 comprises: a first cut-out 481 provided between the first sensing element and the second sensing element; a second cut-out 482 provided between the first sensing element and the third sensing element; a third cut-out 483 provided between the third sensing element and the fourth sensing element.
[0205] The second layer 502 depicted in FIG. 5b comprises the shielding component 18. In the depicted case, the shielding component 18 is arranged so as to be provided below the first capacitor electrode 121, the second capacitor electrode 122, the third capacitor electrode 123, and the fourth capacitor electrode 124. Moreover, the shielding component 18 is arranged so as to be at least partially provided below the first ground electrode 141, the second ground electrode 142, the third ground electrode 143, and the fourth ground electrode 144. Moreover, the shielding component 18 is arranged so as to be provided below the first ground line 201, the second ground line 202, the third ground line 203, and the fourth ground line 204. Each of the first to fourth sensing elements share one and the same shielding component 18. An electric potential of the shielding component 18 of the first to fourth sensing element, an electric potential of the first capacitor electrode 122, an electric potential of the second capacitor electrode 142, an electric potential of the third capacitor electrode 143, and an electric potential of the fourth capacitor electrode 144 oscillate synchronously. Portions of the shielding component 18 corresponding to the portions of the capacitor electrodes 121, 122, 123, 124 respectively comprise openings 181, 182, 183, 184 for electrically connecting the capacitor electrodes 141, 142, 143, 144 to signal lines 161, 162, 163, 164 of the third layer 503 depicted in FIG. 5c. In order to form deformation susceptibility zones, also the second layer 502 comprises the first cut-out 481, the second cut-out 482, and the third cut-out 483. As the first cut-out 481, the second cut-out 482, and the third cut-out 483 are cut-outs of the flexible printed circuit board comprising the first layer 501, the second layer 502, and the third layer 503, the positions of the cut-outs of the respective layers are congruent.
[0206] The third layer 503 depicted in FIG. 5c comprises signal lines 161, 162, 163, 164. The first signal line 161 is electrically connected to the first capacitor electrode 121 of the first layer 501. The first signal line 161 is further connectable to a processing unit to be provided at a connector end 300 of the flexible printed circuit board. An electric connection between the first capacitor electrode 121 and the first signal line 161 may be guided through the first opening 181 of the shielding component 18. The electrical connection between the first capacitor electrode 121 and the first signal line 161 may, hence, be oriented perpendicular to a plane in which the respective layers are provided. The second signal line 162 is electrically connected to the second capacitor electrode 122 of the first layer 501. The second signal line 162 is further connectable to a processing unit to be provided at a connector end 300 of the flexible printed circuit board. An electric connection between the second capacitor electrode 122 and the second signal line 162 may be guided through the second opening 182 of the shielding component 18. The electrical connection between the second capacitor electrode 122 and the second signal line 162 may, hence, be oriented perpendicular to a plane in which the respective layers are provided. The third signal line 163 is electrically connected to the third capacitor electrode 143 of the first layer 501. The third signal line 163 is further connectable to a processing unit to be provided at a connector end 300 of the flexible printed circuit board. An electric connection between the third capacitor electrode 123 and the third signal line 163 may be guided through the third opening 183 of the shielding component 18. The electrical connection between the third capacitor electrode 123 and the third signal line 163 may, hence, be oriented perpendicular to a plane in which the respective layers are provided. The fourth signal line 164 is electrically connected to the fourth capacitor electrode 124 of the first layer 501. The fourth signal line 164 is further connectable to a processing unit to be provided at a connector end 300 of the flexible printed circuit board. An electric connection between the fourth capacitor electrode 124 and the fourth signal line 164 may be guided through the fourth opening 184 of the shielding component 18. The electrical connection between the fourth capacitor electrode 124 and the fourth signal line 164 may, hence, be oriented perpendicular to a plane in which the respective layers are provided. In order to form deformation susceptibility zones, also the third layer 503 comprises the first cut-out 481, the second cut-out 482, and the third cut-out 483 of the flexible printed circuit board.
[0207] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hygiene system in accordance with the present disclosure. The hygiene system in accordance with the depicted embodiment comprises: a diaper 100 having a waist region W and a crotch region C; and a strip element 40. The strip element 40 may, e.g., be the strip element of FIG. 4. The strip element 40 comprises a plurality of sensing elements 42 provided in close contact sensing zones and a plurality of deformation susceptibility zones 48. The strip element 40 is attached to a garment facing surface of the diaper 100 in a portion of the diaper 100 corresponding to crotch region C. In the depicted embodiment, attachment means such as hook fasteners are provided in the close contact sensing zones of the strip element 40. No attachment means is, however provided in the deformation susceptibility zones 48 of the strip element 40. The deformation susceptibility zones of the strip element 40 may, hence, also be flex zones in accordance with the present disclosure.
[0208] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram for illustrating an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present disclosure. The method, steps of which are depicted in FIG. 7, is a method of assessing a degree of saturation of an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper. The Absorbent hygiene article is internally or externally, fixedly or removably provided with a strip element, such as the strip element depicted in FIG. 3 or 4. A first step SA1 comprises a detection of a first value I.sub.1 from a first sensing element of the strip element. A second step SA2 of the method comprises a detection of a second value I.sub.2 from a second sensing element of the strip element. The first step SA1 and the second step SA2 may be conducted subsequently, as depicted in FIG. 7, but may also be conducted simultaneously. A third step SA3, is a step of verifying whether the first value I.sub.1 is below (i.e., has fallen below) a first threshold. If the first value I.sub.1 is below the first threshold, the method continues with step SA4, which is a step of verifying whether the second value I.sub.2 is below (i.e., has fallen below) a second threshold. The first threshold and the second threshold may be the same thresholds. If, in step SA4, the second value I.sub.2 is below the second threshold, the method continues with step SA5. Step SA5 is a step of outputting a signal indicating a high degree of saturation in the absorbent hygiene article. If, in step SA3, the second value I.sub.1 is not below the first threshold, the method continues with step SA6. In step SA6, it is verified whether the second value I.sub.2 is below the second threshold. In step SA6, if the second value I.sub.2 is below the second threshold, the method continues with step SA7. Step SA7 is a step of outputting a signal indicating a medium degree of saturation in the absorbent hygiene article. After step SA7, the method may restart from step SA1. In step SA6, if the second value I.sub.2 is not below the second threshold, the method continues with step SA8. Step SA7 is a step of outputting a signal indicating a low degree of saturation in the absorbent hygiene article. After step SA8, the method may restart from step SA1. If, in step SA4, the second value I.sub.2 is not below the second threshold, the method continues with step SA7.
[0209] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram for illustrating an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present disclosure. The method, steps of which are depicted in FIG. 8, is a method of distinguishing between no excretion, a first type of excretion, and a second type of excretion in an absorbent hygiene article, such as a diaper, that is internally or externally, fixedly or removably provided with a strip element, such as the strip element depicted in any one of FIG. 3 or 5. The strip element utilized in the method comprises a first temperature sensing element for detecting a temperature, and a first impedance sensing element for detecting an impedance. In a first step SB1, a temperature value T.sub.1 of the temperature sensing element is detected. In step SB2, an impedance value I.sub.1 of the first impedance sensing element, is detected. The first step SB1 and the second step SB2 may be conducted subsequently, as depicted in FIG. 8, but may also be conducted simultaneously. After step SB2, the method continues at step SB3. In step SB3, it is determined whether the temperature value T.sub.1 exceeds (i.e., has stepped over from below) a predetermined temperature threshold. If it has been determined in step SB3 that the temperature value T.sub.1 exceeds the temperature threshold, the method continues at step SB4. In step SB4, it is determined whether the impedance value I.sub.1 has fallen below (i.e., has stepped over from above) an impedance threshold. If it has been determined, in step SB4, that the impedance value I.sub.1 has fallen below the impedance threshold, the method continues at step SB5. In step SB5, a signal indicating the presence of urine is being output. If, however, it has been determined, in step SB4, that the impedance value I.sub.1 has not fallen below the impedance threshold, the method continues at step SB9. In step SB9, a signal indicating a presence of feces is being output. After step SB9, the method may restart from step SB1. If it has been determined in step SB3 that the temperature value T.sub.1 does not exceeds the temperature threshold, the method continues at step SB6. In step SB6, it is determined whether the impedance value I.sub.1 has fallen below the impedance threshold. If it has been determined, in step SB6, that the impedance value I.sub.1 has fallen below the impedance threshold, the method continues at step SB8. In step SB8, a signal indicating an error is being output. If, however, it has been determined, in step SB6, that the impedance value I.sub.1 has not fallen below the impedance threshold, the method continues at step SB7. In step SB7, a signal indicating no excretion is being output. After step SB7, the method may restart from step SB1.
[0210] While various example embodiments of devices, methods and/or uses in accordance with the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail can be made therein. Thus, the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above described example embodiments but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.
[0211] Further, it is to be understood that certain features described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.
