DE102004056379A1 - Diaper, in particular, throw-away diaper comprises at least one seating element for at least one sensor for measuring a body function of the person wearing the diaper - Google Patents

Abstract

The diaper (1), in particular, the throw-away diaper comprises at least one seating element (4', 4'', 5', 5'', 10) for at least one sensor for measuring a body function of the person wearing the diaper.

Description

The The invention relates to a device for monitoring a diaper wearing person, in particular an infant, with regard to at least a vital body function, comprising: at least one arranged on or in the diaper Sensor for measuring a vital body function of the person and a data evaluation unit, which measures the measured by the at least one sensor Evaluates data and inadmissible measured Data triggers an alarm or caused.

devices This species is known to be especially common in newborns and infants vital body functions to monitor around the so-called sudden Prevent child death. Thereby bodily functions during the Sleep is observed and then an alarm is triggered if given limits for the observed bodily functions be determined, especially if the child's respiratory activity is suspended.

Breath- or cardiac arrest in sleeping infants may be different Have causes. In addition to the aspiration of vomit (especially in Supine) or the passage of the airways through pillows or cuddly animals stands also the sudden Child death (SIDS = Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) with unclear pathology in the foreground. Although different pathologies, it comes In any case, to lack of oxygen or respiratory arrest, resulting in a rapid and rapid deterioration of organ functions or leads to cardiac arrest.

When sudden Infanticide or SIDS is called the unpredictable and sudden onset Death of an infant or toddler in the first year of life during sleep. The affected As a rule, children do not show any conspicuous general medical history, too if some risk factors have been identified in recent years. To delimit clearly all cases, which are under the general infant mortality fall and thus by infections, malformations and other factors have clearly identifiable pathologies. Even if the SIDS death rate has fallen significantly in recent years, so today comes to 2,000 Children still a death by SIDS. Especially during the From 2 to 7 months, mortality is extreme with over 50% of all cases high. Among other things, the prone position is one of the risk factors of the child during of sleep or a very young age of mother (under 21 Years).

to Avoidance of the SIDS and the other factors described above, which can lead to respiratory arrest or cardiac arrest, were different Proposed solutions, all on one monitor ("Monitoring") of cardiac or pulse rate and respiration aimed at exposing these vital functions to initiate appropriate and timely resuscitation measures.

The DE 201 10 045 U1 describes a device that monitors breath sounds with the aid of a microphone placed near the infant. If these remain off, this triggers an alarm. The alerted supervisors (parents) can now resuscitate the child.

The DE 102 00 721 A1 on the contrary uses the acoustic recording of the heart activity. In addition, breathing is monitored by pressure sensors integrated into a garment. If these no longer receive any signals, this also triggers an alarm.

In the DE 35 32 520 C2 A device is described which monitors respiration with inductive sensors. When moving the chest, there is an induction change of the measuring fibers, which is registered. If there is no induction change, an alarm will sound. This device is not mechanically attached, but only placed on the chest.

From the DE 197 08 297 A1 a device is known which measures the oxygen saturation of the blood by various means (eg by means of optical sensors). The alarm is triggered as soon as the oxygen saturation of the blood falls below a certain limit.

The DE 102 61345 A1 provides a sudden infant death warning system, with a miniature electronic device constructed flat and pushed under the baby's suit or under the diaper. Also proposed is the attachment of the device by means of a patch or a body bandage on the chest of the infant.

The WO 02/34133 A2 focuses on surveillance the breathing activity of the toddler and strikes a sensor in the diaper in front, which positions in the area of the abdomen is to be able to detect the abdominal movements. Through this is on the respiration closed of the child.

Besides There are still other devices, but all on the above monitoring principles Off.

A disadvantage of the previously known solutions, the following circumstances have been found:
There are often error alarms.

The Creating the for monitoring required Equipment is often complicated.

The known devices have only a low wearing comfort, because the placement of the sensors is unfavorable. hereby there is also the risk of slippage of the sensors. Due the little comfort the toddler accepts the device often not and tries to take it off.

Of the Invention is in the light of the prior art monitoring devices Task based, a monitoring device develop so that they are particularly comfortable to wear for the Person, especially for the toddler, represents and a very easy handling for the supervisors guaranteed. Furthermore, the monitoring device switch off to simple and very stable measuring procedures, minimize the risk of false alarms. Finally, should slippage of sensors are excluded; slipping can be a danger to Represent false alarms or it can cause the complete failure of an alarm to lead.

The solution this object by the invention is characterized in that on or in the diaper, a first sensor is arranged to the Measurement of the respiratory function of the person, in particular the toddler, is suitable, and that on or in the diaper, a second sensor arranged to measure the pulse of the person, in particular of the toddler, is suitable.

The proposed concept combines the respiratory and pulse measurement in particular for the detection of the risk of sudden infant death, wherein the provided sensors are arranged on or in the diaper. Thereby becomes a high reliability the system without the risk of many false alarms and a high level of comfort the diaper or the monitoring device reached.

A first training provides that the first sensor for measuring the Respiratory function of the person, especially the toddler, a strain gauge or is one arranged in the area of the diaper is, with the diaper on the abdomen of the person, in particular of the toddler, to come to rest. The strain gauge can thereby be arranged in the area of the diaper, by means of at least an adhesive strip on the belly of the person, especially the toddler, is fixed. In most cases, commercial diapers have bilateral Adhesive strips on, fixing the diaper to the person, especially at the toddler. The one through the adhesive strips in the applied state of the diaper spanned belly area of the Person, especially the toddler, so is preferred for the breath sensors intended. To the measurement reliability to increase, can two Strain gauges arranged symmetrically to the median plane of the diaper become. With regard to their monitoring they are linked in a "or" mode, i. H. proper breathing is assumed when one of the sensors provides a signal.

When first sensor for measuring the respiratory function of the person, in particular of the toddler, can also be used a sensor based on the measurement of trans thoracic impedance works (TTI sensor). Another alternative is a sensor based on the measurement the pulse oximetry is working. Furthermore, it is possible that the sensor is a motion sensor, in particular an acceleration sensor, is. After all Also suitable is a sensor based on the measurement of induction plethysmography is working.

Training is provided, that the second sensor for measuring the pulse of the person, in particular of the toddler, located in one of the areas of the diaper, the diaper in the groin area of the person, in particular of the toddler to come to rest. Two sensors can be symmetrical be arranged to the mid-plane of the diaper. Again, that applies The supervision based on a "or" link of the sensors takes place, d. H. proper pulse is assumed when one of the sensors provides a signal.

When second sensor for measuring the pulse of the person, in particular the Toddler, also comes an ECG sensor (sensor for electrocardiography) or a sensor in question, which works based on the measurement of pulse oximetry. Also, a sensor can be used, based on the optical reflection measurement works.

The Sensors can be integrated into the diaper.

A solution variant provides that the sensors are permanently connected to the diaper. hereafter So they are already included in every ready-to-use diaper and are also thrown away with the used diaper. This very much pleasant use is accompanied by a corresponding cost reduction the production of electronic components possible.

The sensors may also - for reuse - on the diaper, in particular to their on the body of the person, in particular the toddler, adjacent page, be arranged removably. In this case, the sensors can be glued to the side of the diaper resting against the body of the person, in particular the toddler.

Further the data evaluation unit can have a transmitter which is connected to a receiver can communicate with each other. Again, can be provided again be that the sensors, the data-evaluation unit and the transmitter arranged on or in the diaper or are integrated in this.

Of the receiver is preferably connected to an alarm. Sender and receiver can, for example, via a wireless connection according to the blue-tooth standard or by means of a blue-tooth Communicate point-to-point connection. As more options the communication between transmitter and receiver is a wireless connection according to the GSM standard, a wireless connection according to the DECT standard (Digital Electronic Cordless Telephone) and a wireless connection via short-duration high-frequency signal, in particular via a Radio frequency identification signal (RFID signal), called. In the same way communication over the technology used in baby monitors.

Farther the data evaluation unit can have a data memory, in the data measured by the sensors are stored. there can both quantitative and qualitative data are recorded, so that later through Evaluation of the data a medical diagnosis is possible.

Farther the device may have a wake-up device which in the event of an alarm Alarm signals for the person, especially for the toddler, sent out. The alarm can be acoustic and / or send out optical signals and / or generate vibrations.

With Advantage are the sensors, the data evaluation unit and / or the Transmitter in or on a arranged on the diaper receiving pocket arranged.

Of the Data memory can be designed so that it from an external reader can be read. This makes it possible to store the pediatrician to take with you over a corresponding reader features, so that the doctor can make a diagnosis based on the stored data.

Basically comes the invention concept as well as in bedridden adults or in old people, who wear diapers, are used to vital To monitor functions.

Is possible it too, in addition Sensors for the Measurement of the sweat intensity and / or to attach the temperature to the diaper or to integrate into the diaper. In certain circumstances, this can Conclusions on the endangerment of the Toddler by the sudden Infant deaths are drawn.

In the drawing is an embodiment of Invention shown. Show it:

1 1 shows a schematic view of the structure of a device for monitoring vital body functions of an infant,

2 a diaper for the toddler, shown partially cut, and

3 the section of the side view of a diaper-bearing lying toddler.

In 1 a device for monitoring vital bodily functions of a toddler is outlined. The breath and heart or pulse function of the toddler are measured during sleep.

The device basically consists of the (left in 1 shown) sensor unit which (in the middle of 1 shown) data evaluation unit 4 and from the (right in 1 shown) receiver unit.

The vital body functions are controlled by the two sensors 2 and 3 measured. The first sensor 2 is used for measuring the breathing, the second sensor 3 measures the pulse. Both sensors 2 . 3 form the sensor unit. The actual data is from the two sensors 2 and 3 So measured, such sensors for the measurement of respiration and pulse are known and commercially available.

The ones from the sensors 2 . 3 determined data become the data evaluation unit 4 fed; this can be done by means of wires not shown or wirelessly. The data evaluation unit 4 has an analog-to-digital converter 13 on that with a microprocessor 14 connected is. The in the sensors 2 . 3 analog measured data are from the analog-to-digital converter 13 converted into digital signals and the microprocessor 14 fed. In the evaluation, a peak detector can be used in an advantageous embodiment, which detects maxima of the measured values. To detect the individual breaths or pulse waves can continue vorgese and automatic motion artifact compensation which compensates for artifacts caused by the child's movement during sleep.

In the microprocessor 14 the evaluation of the data takes place by a comparison with specified target values. If deviations from the given values occur or do the sensors deliver 2 . 3 Over a period of time no more signals, the supervisors receive a telematic alarm message on the receiver unit via a transmitter 7 the data evaluation unit 4 that with a receiver 8th the receiver unit is in communication. The recipient 8th stands with an alarm 9 in conjunction and triggers an alarm in the given case. It can now hurry to the child and appropriate resuscitation attempts or first aid measures can be made.

Simultaneously with the alarm to the supervisors is by a wake-up device 11 , z. B. in the form of a vibrator or by a flashlight on the bed of the child, a wake-up attempt of the toddler and thus an attempt to interrupt the apnea phase by stimulating vegetative life-sustaining body functions undertaken.

In a data store 10 During the deviation phases (ie during the apnea phase but also earlier, eg in the case of irregular breathing, which is regarded as the pre-symptom of respiratory arrest in the context of SIDS), all data information is stored in order to evaluate it later medically. In this context, it should be noted that the sensors 2 and 3 allow both a qualitative and quantitative measurement of the respiratory function or the pulse function.

To measure the respiratory function, the procedure is specific as follows:
During breathing, the thorax and in particular the baby's stomach move (so-called "abdominal breathing") Infants have a particularly pronounced diaphragm The respiratory function and its rhythm can be checked by means of various sensors via the movement of the abdomen, which has already been implemented frequently For this purpose, a so-called abdominal belt is often put on, which is a nuisance for many infants, so that its use appears unfavorable.

As in 2 It can be seen, the abdominal breathing is reversible in or on the diaper 1 integrated sensor 2 determined. Here are two sensors 2 ' and 2 '' for use. To accommodate the angle either a pocket in the area of the abdominal fixation is provided or the sensor 2 ' . 2 '' is attached by means of renewable adhesive tape on the inside of the Bundzuges.

As a sensor 2 The use of strain gauges (DMS) is particularly suitable. These are available from various manufacturers and allow the determination of very small strains with good compensation of temperature-induced strains, the z. B. may be caused by the body heat of the child. In the standard measuring range of strain gauges, there is a linear relationship between stress and resistance change, ie elongation. During a single breath, the strain gauge is stretched and there is a change in resistance after it is routed to the microprocessor unit 14 is registered as a breath. The normal respiratory rate is in newborns. about 50 / min and in infants at about 40 / min. Even if the respiratory rate and respiratory rhythm of an infant are occasionally very irregular, it can be assumed that after a certain time (eg after 20 seconds without respiratory registration), an apnea phase has occurred which requires more rapid intervention by the supervisor (e.g. B. resuscitation).

To measure the pulse, the procedure is specific as follows:
The registration of cardiac vitality can be done by determining the pulse. The heartbeat triggers a pulse wave in the vascular system. The pulse can be measured or palpated at body sites where an artery runs just under the skin. On the one hand, the heart rate can be determined from the pulse and, on the other hand, it gives general information about the presence of a heart action. If no pulse can be registered, this is in most cases equivalent to a cardiac arrest or a very weak heartbeat and requires emergency medical intervention.

The Pulse detection is traditionally carried out either on the wrist Sensors or over Pulse oximetry on the fingertip or earlobe. In all these procedures consists as explained above the danger that the toddler of the electrodes or the sensors gets rid of, as these are annoying be felt.

In the present case, this problem is solved by detecting the pulse in the groin area. The sensor 3 is in the diaper 1 reversibly integrated. The diaper 1 As leakage protection in the area of the strips, it is very tight and therefore suitable for measuring the pulse rate. The normal pulse rate in newborns is around 140 beats per minute. The pathology of the SIDS is characterized in particular by the fact that, in addition to an onset of initial gasping breath, which is transmitted via the sensor 2 recorded and recorded before the apnea phase, a slow drop in the pulse rate occurs. Join the microprocessor 14 such a drop, so also the notification of the supervisors. Join the microprocessor 14 For a certain period of time (eg 20 seconds) no more pulse signals, so there is an alert the supervisors and a wake-up call of the toddler on the alarm clock 11 ,

As in 2 As can be seen, the reliability of the surveillance system has been increased by having two sensors each 2 ' and 2 '' respectively. 3 ' and 3 '' in the diaper 1 are integrated. The sensors 2 ' . 2 '' respectively. 3 ' . 3 '' are symmetrical to the middle plane 6 the diaper 1 arranged.

The data evaluation unit 4 including transmitter 7 are in a receiving bag 12 on the side of the diaper 1 arranged how it looked 3 evident.

In an alarm situation, a signal is sent via the transceiver complex to alert the supervisors (eg, by means of Blue-Tooth) and thus causes a notification by means of acoustic, visual and vibrational signaling. Now you can hurry to the child and immediately initiate resuscitation. On the other hand, a message is sent to the alarm 11 , It is tried by vibration or flashlight "to wake up" the toddler.

The proposed monitor is very small and therefore ideal for integration into one Baby diaper. This is accepted by the child through daily wear, so that it does not feel the measuring device as a foreign body and thus disturbing. By integrating the sensors into the diaper is the placement given the sensors, so that this little error is possible and reliable monitoring possible is. The device Due to its small size it is also suitable for transport.

The inventive concept comes preferably when using a disposable diaper, so at a diaper for the one-time use, for use. It is basically, however also for reusable diapers or for a mixed form suitable.

1

diaper

2

first Sensor for respiratory function

2 '

sensor for respiratory function

2 ''

sensor for respiratory function

3

second Sensor for Pulse

3 '

sensor for pulse

3 ''

sensor for pulse

4

Data evaluation

5

tape

6

midplane

7

transmitter

8th

receiver

9

alarm device

10

data storage

11

wake-up device

12

receiving pocket

13

Analog to digital converter

14

microprocessor

Claims (31)

Device for monitoring a diaper ( 1 ) carrying person, in particular a toddler, with regard to at least one vital bodily function, comprising: - at least one on or in the diaper ( 1 ) arranged sensor ( 2 . 3 ) for measuring a vital body function of the person and - a data evaluation unit ( 4 ), that of the at least one sensor ( 2 . 3 ) and in the case of impermissible measured data triggers or causes an alarm, characterized in that on or in the diaper ( 1 ) a first sensor ( 2 ), which is suitable for measuring the respiratory function of the person, and that on or in the diaper ( 1 ) a second sensor ( 3 ), which is suitable for measuring the pulse of the person. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first sensor ( 2 ) for measuring the respiratory function of the person, in particular the toddler, has a strain gauge which is in the area of the diaper ( 1 ) is arranged, which comes to rest with the diaper on the abdomen of the person, especially the toddler. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first sensor ( 2 ) for measuring the respiratory function of the person, in particular of the toddler, is a sensor which works on the basis of the measurement of the trans thoracic impedance (TTI sensor). Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first sensor ( 2 ) for measuring the respiratory function of the person, in particular of the toddler, is a sensor which works on the basis of the measurement of pulse oximetry. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first sensor ( 2 ) for measuring the respiratory function of the person, in particular the toddler, a motion sensor, in particular an acceleration sensor, is. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first sensor ( 2 ) is to measure the respiratory function of the person, in particular of the toddler, a sensor based on the Mes Solution of induction plethysmography works. Device according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that first sensor ( 2 ), in particular the strain gauges, in the area of the diaper ( 1 ) arranged by means of at least one adhesive strip ( 5 ) is fixed on the abdomen of the person, especially the toddler. Device according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that two first sensors ( 2 ), in particular strain gauges, symmetrical to the mid-plane ( 6 ) the diaper ( 1 ) are arranged. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second sensor ( 3 ) for measuring the pulse of the person, in particular the toddler, an ECG sensor. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second sensor ( 3 ) is to measure the pulse of the person, in particular of the toddler, a sensor which operates on the basis of the measurement of pulse oximetry. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second sensor ( 3 ) is to measure the pulse of the person, in particular of the toddler, a sensor which operates on the basis of the optical reflection measurement. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second sensor ( 3 ) for measuring the pulse of the person, especially the toddler, in one of the areas of the diaper ( 1 ) is arranged, which come to lie in the groin area of the person, in particular the toddler, with applied diaper. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that two sensors ( 3 ) symmetrical to the middle plane ( 6 ) the diaper ( 1 ) are arranged. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the sensors ( 2 . 3 ) in the diaper ( 1 ) are integrated. Apparatus according to claim 14, characterized in that the sensors ( 2 . 3 ) with the diaper ( 1 ) are permanently connected. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the sensors ( 2 . 3 ) on the diaper ( 1 ), in particular on whose on the body of the person, in particular the toddler, adjacent side, are removably arranged. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the sensors ( 2 . 3 ) on the side of the diaper resting against the body of the person, especially the toddler ( 1 ) are glued. Device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the data evaluation unit ( 4 ) a transmitter ( 7 ) connected to a receiver ( 8th ) can communicate. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that the sensors ( 2 . 3 ), the data evaluation unit ( 4 ) and the transmitter ( 7 ) are arranged on or in the diaper or integrated into it. Device according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the receiver ( 8th ) with an alarm transmitter ( 9 ) connected is. Device according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that transmitters ( 7 ) and receiver ( 8th ) communicate via a wireless connection according to the Blue-Tooth standard or by means of a Blue-Tooth Point-to-Point connection. Device according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that transmitters ( 7 ) and receiver ( 8th ) communicate via a wireless connection according to the GSM standard. Device according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that transmitters ( 7 ) and receiver ( 8th ) communicate via a wireless connection according to the DECT standard (Digital Electronic Cordless Telephone). Device according to one of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that transmitters ( 7 ) and receiver ( 8th ) communicate via a wireless connection via a short-range high-frequency signal, in particular via a Radio Frequency Identification signal (RFID signal). Device according to one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that the data evaluation unit ( 4 ) a data memory ( 10 ), in which the sensors ( 2 . 3 ) are stored. Device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it further comprises a wake-up device ( 11 ), which emits alarm signals in the event of an alarm for the person, in particular for the toddler. Device according to claim 26, characterized in that the alarm device ( 11 ) can emit acoustic signals. Apparatus according to claim 26, characterized ge indicates that the alarm device ( 11 ) can emit optical signals. Device according to claim 26, characterized in that the alarm device ( 11 ) Can generate vibrations. Device according to one of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the sensors ( 2 . 3 ), the data evaluation unit ( 4 ) and / or the transmitter ( 7 ) in or on one of the diaper ( 1 ) receiving pocket ( 12 ) are arranged. Apparatus according to claim 25, characterized in that the data memory ( 10 ) is designed so that it can be read by an external reader.