Urinary Incontinence: A Vibration Alert System for Detecting Pad Overflow

ABSTRACT

A sensor and electronics system is described that monitors the leakage of urine from continence pads into surrounding underwear. Urinary incontinence is involuntary loss of urine and occurs when the bladder muscles contract without warning or the sphincter muscles surrounding the urethra are too weak to prevent leakage. The system comprises a wetness sensor and electronics unit. The sensor is stitched into the underwear and detects overspills of urine from the pad. The electronics unit is attached to the underwear and responds by vibrating, signaling to the wearer that pad has failed. This system has application for individuals who use continence pads in the community, but it could also be used in care homes.

Keywords:

• continence management
• pad overflow
• underwear
• urinary incontinence
• vibration alert system

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors wish to thank the following organizations for their collaboration towards this work: Bristol Urology Institute, Helen Hamlyn Centre, Royal College of Art, Sheffield Institute for Studies on Ageing, Sheffield Hallam University, University of Manchester School of Materials, and the University of the West of England.