Slotted sensor for detection of moisture in a diaper

A method of determining when a diaper is saturated, the method comprising steps of:

• tracking resistances of closed circuits formed between plurality of electrodes due to urine;
• calculating rates of rise of the resistances of the closed circuits after an urination event;
• and
• determining the diaper to be saturated when the rates of rise of the resistances of at least two of the closed circuits, are less than a threshold after a predetermined duration of time.

A method of detecting saturation level of a diaper, the method comprising steps of:

• tracking resistances of plurality closed circuits formed between the plurality of electrodes due to body fluids;
• identifying at least a closed circuit as a saturated closed circuit when its corresponding resistance is at a substantial minimum value;
• comparing resistances of other closed circuits with the resistance of the saturated closed circuit;
• and
• determining the diaper to be saturated if total resistance of the plurality of closed circuits, other than the saturated closed circuit, is less than a percentage threshold of the resistance of the saturated closed circuit.

A method of sensing body fluid in an absorbent article, the method comprising steps of:

• placing a sensor strip comprising of plurality of conducting elements on the absorbent article,
• wherein there is a gap between the conducting elements and the absorbent article;
• forming a electrical closed circuit between the conducting elements when the body fluid is present on the absorbent article;
• and
• tracking the resistance of the electrical closed circuit.

A sensor unit to be used with a moisture detection and alerting system, comprising:

• a support structure having at least one slot;
• a sensor strip attached on top of the support structure;
• wherein the sensor strip comprises of least one electrode to sense body fluid;
• wherein the at least one electrode faces the support structure;
• and
• wherein the at least one electrode overlaps the at least one slot.