Alaska Patent of the Month – August 2024
Imagine a world where hospital patients and caregivers no longer have to deal with the discomfort and potential health hazards associated with unnoticed wetness in beds and chairs. AlertWet, LLC is making this vision a reality with its innovative disposable wetness sensor pad. Designed for easy integration into everyday healthcare settings, this invention addresses one of the most persistent challenges in patient care: undetected wetness that leads to discomfort, bedsores, and infections.
AlertWet’s sensor pad is a marvel of modern engineering. It features a breathable polyethylene base layer printed with two non-overlapping serpentine carbon black traces, which function as the anode and cathode of an electrical circuit. When wetness is detected, these traces react by sending a signal to an external sensing clip. The clip, which is easy to attach and remove, contains electrical contacts that connect to the traces, allowing for precise and real-time monitoring. This signal is then transmitted wirelessly to a smart device, alerting caregivers or the patient themselves to take immediate action.
The pad’s advanced layering system also includes non-woven layers that envelope a super absorbent polymer (SAP) material. This design not only absorbs moisture quickly but also wicks it away from the skin, providing immediate relief and preventing skin breakdown. In addition, the pad’s design ensures that liquid does not breach the pad’s boundaries, protecting mattresses and seats from damage.
AlertWet’s sensor pad is also designed with sustainability and cost-effectiveness in mind. The pad itself is disposable, but the sensing clip can be used for several months, reducing electronic waste and overall costs. This makes it an ideal solution for hospitals and care facilities that require efficient, scalable, and sustainable wetness management solutions.
In a healthcare environment where timely and effective intervention can make all the difference, AlertWet’s sensor pad offers a revolutionary approach to improving patient comfort and reducing the workload on caregivers. With its cutting-edge technology and thoughtful design, this invention sets a new standard for non-invasive and practical wetness detection.
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