Blake Marshall designs an inset for “wireless diapers” — a passive, low-cost inset that can relay moisture measurements to a 915 MHz RFID reader.
In 2013, the GTPG partnered with the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta’s Pediatric Innovation Seed Grant program to develop what colloquially became known as “wireless diapers”. The thin, low-cost, flexible inset could be placed inside of a diaper or a garment and read by a standard 915 MHz RFID reader. With two diversity antennas and a capacitive moisture sensor, the sensor could reliably power up and measure moisture — even while worn by the user.
The sensor was capable of measuring fine levels of moisture. The technology was envisioned for use in diapers with parental monitoring apps that would allow you to check your child’s status at day care. Or it could be used as a non-intrusive bed-wetting alarm. Or a training tool for special needs students.
Fun Fact: Initial studies on the effects of the human body and other dielectrics on the tag antennas involved bottles of water.
Fun Fact 2: The capacitive wetness sensors for this study was adapted into a useful treatment regime for children with bladder control problems.