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Project Details

Fabric 1

Tricot (four-way stretch) fabric with 80% nylon and 20% spandex
Producer/Manufacturer: OTHER
Primary Use: Main Fabric

Fabric 2

Velcro® Brand Fastener Compatible U-Loop Neoprene
Producer/Manufacturer: OTHER
Primary Use: Secondary Fabric

Fabric 3

Shieldex® 235/36 x4 HCB Silver Coated Conductive Thread
Producer/Manufacturer: Shieldex
Primary Use: Electronic Textile

Fabric 4

Stretch TPU Film
Producer/Manufacturer: Bemis
Primary Use: TPU lamination for Electronic Textiles

Engineer Name 1
Ruoyu Zhang, Houman Homayoun, Gozde Goncu-Berk

Engineer Company 1
University of California, Davis

Design Name
Gozde Goncu-Berk

Design Company
University of California, Davis- WearLab

Fabrication Name
Gozde Goncu-Berk

Fabrication Company
University of California, Davis- WearLab

Please describe the project specifications

Urinary incontinence (UI) is defined as involuntary urination or loss of bladder control that leads to social, psychological and hygienic problems that decrease quality of life. Currently, management regimens for UI focus on containing the urine rather than monitoring and warning about the involuntary urination. We present a novel, electronic textile (e-textile) based, real-time bladder monitoring wearable technology, Privee, in the form factor of an unobtrusive undergarment worn around the bladder region.

Privee (watch Privee in action: https://youtu.be/UFXnnqfLE-o ) is a wearable under- garment that monitors bladder fullness noninvasively without the need for catheterization using bioimpedance spectroscopy technology. . Bioimpedance spectroscopy technology works by utilizing the electrical properties of body tissues and fluids to assess bladder fullness.Privee is designed to be worn under an underwear so that it makes constant skin contact. The crotch area of the wearable is intentionally left open to avoid donning/doffing during urination so that the precise location of the wearable on the body can be maintained. Privee is designed with legs which limit vertical movement of the wearable on the body. Privee features adjustable extensions from the side seam that wrap around the lower abdomen and attach to a hook/loop fastener at the center back. The extensions provide extra stabilization and constant pressure on the e-textile electrode array ensuring stable electrode/skin contact. It also helps to adjust the fit to the wearers comfort level. Privee houses an e-textile sensing system embroidered on the inner lining which connects to the hardware in a 3D printed case via metal snaps. Two silicone strips are sewn on the waistline and below the e-textile electrode array to minimize movement. Accurate placement of Privee on the body is also crucial for reliable data acquisition. It should be positioned the same way on the body every time it is worn to ensure reliable bioimpedance data therefore a visual landmark is created that allow the wearer to align it on the navel.

Privee’s e-textile electrodes and signal transmission lines joining electrodes to the hardware are realized by directly embroidering silver coated, polyamide core conductive thread onto the wearable fabric. We employed an 8-electrode array which together with the e- textile transmission lines are strategically placed to create a sensing network around the abdomen area, allowing for precise and accu- rate measurements. The embroidered electrodes serve as sensors, detecting and measuring the impedance or resistance to electri- cal currents that occur as the bladder fills with urine. The textile transmission lines provide the necessary connectivity between the electrodes and the monitoring system, enabling the transmission of data and signals.

The noninvasive nature of this technology eliminates the discomfort and potential risks associated with invasive bladder monitoring methods. It offers a convenient and user-friendly solution for individuals who require regular monitoring of their bladder function, such as those with urinary incontinence, overactive bladder, or post-operative care needs.

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