Capacitive Sensor Probe Insertion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermometers lack the ability to detect proper insertion of the probe into a subject's cavity without a probe cover, leading to potential cross-contamination and inaccurate readings.

Innovation Solution

An electronic thermometer with a probe sensor that has an idle condition when not inserted, and a processor to monitor changes in the sensor condition, distinguishing between insertion with and without a probe cover, ensuring accurate temperature measurement only when properly covered.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional thermometer is used without a probe sensor, then the device remains simple in structure, but the ability to detect improper insertion and prevent cross-contamination is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of proper probe insertionVSAvoidstructure of thermometer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical detection methods with a capacitive sensor system that electronically detects probe insertion status. The capacitive sensor measures changes in electrical capacitance caused by the proximity of the probe to the subject's skin, providing automatic detection without mechanical switches or complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitive sensor acts as an intermediary between the probe and the processor, detecting insertion status through electrical field changes rather than direct mechanical contact. This intermediary component enables reliable detection while maintaining simplicity in the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If no probe sensor is used, then the manufacturing cost remains low, but cross-contamination risk increases due to undetected improper insertion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-contamination riskVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a capacitive sensor system that leverages electrical field interactions rather than mechanical components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost. The sensor detects probe insertion through capacitance changes, eliminating the need for mechanical switches, buttons, or complex assembly processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitive sensor system automatically detects probe insertion status and triggers appropriate warnings or measurements without requiring additional manual intervention or complex control mechanisms. The system self-regulates based on sensor input, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a capacitive sensor is added to detect probe insertion, then cross-contamination is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-contamination preventionVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces potential mechanical detection systems with an electrical capacitive sensor approach, which is inherently simpler in terms of moving parts and mechanical assembly. The capacitive sensor uses electrical field detection to determine probe insertion status, avoiding mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The capacitive sensor serves multiple functions: detecting probe insertion status, determining when to activate the temperature measurement, and triggering user warnings. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining cross-contamination prevention.

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

Prevents cross-contamination by ensuring the probe is correctly covered before measuring temperature, enhancing accuracy and user compliance by alerting practitioners of improper insertion.

Implementation Method 1

the probe sensor comprises a capacitive sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS8949065B2Capacitive sensor for thermometer probe

Publication Date: 2015.02.03 KPR U S LLC

AI summary

An electronic thermometer includes a probe adapted to be heated by a subject for use in measuring a temperature of the subject. At least one temperature sensor detects a temperature of the probe. A probe sensor detects a condition at the probe. The probe sensor has an idle condition when the probe is not inserted into the subject. A processor is operatively connected to the probe sensor and programmed to monitor a change in the condition of the probe sensor from the idle condition to determine whether the probe has been received in a probe cover and inserted into the subject.