Buffered Wireless Temperature Sensor for Medication Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature monitoring systems for perishable goods and pharmaceuticals lack effective buffering against sudden temperature changes, which can compromise the efficacy of medications during storage and transport.
Innovation Solution
A wireless temperature monitoring system comprising a temperature sensor unit with a buffered temperature probe and a base station, where the sensor unit is battery-operated, self-contained, and equipped with a Bluetooth transmitter, and the base station receives and analyzes temperature data, generating reports and alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature probes are directly exposed to the environment, then temperature changes are detected immediately, but the probes are vulnerable to sudden temperature changes that can compromise medication efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a buffer solution as an intermediary substance between the temperature probe and the external environment. This buffer acts as a mediator that absorbs and attenuates sudden temperature changes before they reach the probe, allowing the probe to measure temperatures more reliably without being directly exposed to harmful thermal fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature probe is pre-protected by immersing it in a buffer solution that provides thermal cushioning. This buffer is prepared in advance to absorb and dampen sudden temperature changes, such as those occurring when refrigerator doors are opened, thereby protecting the probe and the medications from harmful thermal shocks before they can occur.
2Loss of information
If wireless monitoring systems are implemented, then real-time temperature data can be transmitted, but the system complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless communication technology. The temperature monitoring system uses wireless data transmission to send temperature information from the probe to external devices, eliminating the need for physical wiring and reducing system complexity while maintaining real-time monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature monitoring system is designed to operate autonomously using a battery-powered microcontroller that automatically reads temperature data from the probe, processes the information, and transmits it wirelessly without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by managing power consumption, data collection, and communication autonomously.
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
The system effectively shields temperature probes from sudden changes, ensuring accurate temperature monitoring and maintaining the integrity of medications by providing real-time data and alerts for out-of-range temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The probe is positioned inside a housing filled with a buffer mass, such as glycol. Due to the probe being immersed in the buffer liquid, it is shielded from sudden changes in temperature
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary embodiment is a temperature monitoring buffering sensor and system for applications ranging from food storage to temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals. The system includes a temperature sensor unit with a buffered temperature probe sensor contained in a housing with a Bluetooth® transmitter circuit. The sensor unit is battery operated and is self-contained without the need for wiring to provide power or signal flow. The sensor unit controller periodically sends out a transmitter beacon signal identifying the temperature sensor unit and the temperature sensed by the probe, as well as a battery condition. A base station is positioned close enough to be in range of the transmitter beacon signal and includes an RF receiver circuit configured to receive the RF transmitter beacon signal from the sensor unit, and a processor configured to monitor and analyze data received by the RF receiver circuit.