Compact Core Body Temperature Estimation with Integrated Thermal Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Compact wearable devices face challenges in accurately estimating core body temperature due to limited space, making it difficult to incorporate multiple sensors needed for precise measurement.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor spaced apart by a predetermined distance, a heating element, and a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor, along with a processor that estimates heat flux, blood perfusion rate, and core body temperature using heat generation by metabolism, thermal contact resistance, and a human heat model.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to measure core body temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single integrated sensor that simultaneously measures skin temperature, heat flux, and blood flow parameters. This consolidation reduces the total number of separate sensors while maintaining the capability to accurately estimate core body temperature through multiple physiological parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring skin temperature, detecting heat flux, monitoring blood flow, and estimating core body temperature. This multi-functional approach allows one sensor system to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate sensors.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are incorporated for accurate measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the device becomes less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensing capabilities into a single compact sensor module, reducing the overall device volume while maintaining the ability to measure multiple physiological parameters for accurate core temperature estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system employs a nested structure where multiple sensing elements are arranged in a compact, space-efficient configuration within a single device housing, allowing comprehensive measurements without increasing device volume proportionally.
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
Accurately estimates core body temperature in a compact form factor by reducing the number of sensors required, enhancing estimation accuracy through a multi-layered serpentine heater and thermally conductive materials, while providing visual and non-visual feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature sensor configured to measure a first temperature of a skin surface of a user when the user comes into contact with a main body of the electronic device
Implementation Method 2
a second temperature sensor spaced apart from the first heating element by a second predetermined distance and configured to measure a second temperature inside the main body
Implementation Method 3
a photoplethysmography, PPG, sensor configured to measure a PPG signal of the user
Implementation Method 4
a first heating element spaced apart from the first temperature sensor by a first predetermined distance
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic device may include: a first temperature sensor configured to measure a first temperature of a skin surface when a user comes into contact with a main body of the electronic device; a first heating element spaced apart from the first temperature sensor by a first predetermined distance; a second temperature sensor spaced apart from the first heating element by a second predetermined distance and configured to measure a second temperature inside the main body; and a processor configured to: estimate heat flux based on the first temperature and the second temperature; estimate a blood perfusion rate of the user based on a temperature of the first heating element and the first temperature, and estimate a core body temperature of a user based on the first temperature, the estimated heat flux, and the estimated blood perfusion rate.