Armpit Wearable Sensor Layout for Accurate Core Temperature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-invasive methods for determining core body temperature are inaccurate due to reliance on peripheral temperature measurements, which are influenced by local conditions and external factors, and lack ergonomic comfort and adaptability for diverse individuals.

Innovation Solution

A wearable temperature measurement device with multiple skin and cavity temperature sensors positioned around the arm, particularly near the armpit, to accurately infer core body temperature by accounting for local and external temperature variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If invasive probes are used to measure core internal temperature, then measurement accuracy is improved, but patient comfort and safety deteriorate due to difficulty of use and pathogen vectorization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecore internal temperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidpatient comfort and safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses peripheral skin temperature measurements as intermediaries to indirectly determine core internal temperature. Multiple temperature sensors placed on the skin surface (forehead, neck, chest, armpit, groin) measure local temperatures, which are then processed by an algorithm to infer the core temperature without direct invasive contact, thus maintaining accuracy while improving patient comfort and safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical invasive probe insertion method with a non-invasive optical/electronic sensing system. Instead of physically inserting probes into the body, the system uses temperature sensors coupled with computational algorithms to determine core temperature, eliminating the mechanical intrusion while preserving measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If peripheral skin temperature sensors are used to infer core internal temperature, then patient comfort is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to influence of local conditions and external factors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient comfortVSAvoidcore internal temperature inference accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement system into multiple independent temperature sensing zones located at different peripheral body sites (forehead, neck, chest, armpit, groin). Each sensor measures local temperature independently, and the system segments the overall temperature field to capture spatial variations, which are then integrated through algorithmic processing to compensate for local environmental influences and accurately infer core temperature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors peripheral skin temperatures and uses feedback from multiple locations to dynamically adjust and refine the core temperature calculation. The algorithm processes temperature data from all sensors in real-time, comparing and reconciling measurements from different body zones to compensate for local environmental effects and maintain accurate core temperature inference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If a single measurement device is designed to fit all individuals, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to diverse morphologies deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice design simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to diverse individual morphologies

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal measurement device with multiple temperature sensors positioned at standard anatomical locations that can be applied to various body types and ages. The single device configuration with sensors at forehead, neck, chest, armpit, and groin positions provides multi-functional capability to measure temperatures across different peripheral zones, adapting to diverse individual morphologies through its comprehensive sensor arrangement rather than requiring multiple specialized devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Provides accurate, reliable, and comfortable core body temperature measurements by minimizing external influences and adapting to individual morphologies, enhancing patient monitoring and treatment.

Implementation Method 1

at least three skin temperature sensors configured to measure a skin temperature of the wearer... at least one cavity temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature in or near said armpit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12557991B2Temperature measurement device and system for determining a deep internal temperature of a human being

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 F2D MEDICAL

AI summary

A measurement device may be wound around the arm of a wearer. The measurement device includes: —on a first, internal, face at least three skin temperature sensors extending over at least one portion of a peripheral line of the measurement device, in a first zone (Z33) of the device; —on a second, external, face, in a second zone (Z34) of the device, at least one cavitary temperature sensor for measuring a temperature in or close to the armpit. Zones (Z33, Z34) are arranged at least partly opposite one another or are substantially adjacent.