Core Body Temperature Monitoring System with Heat Flux Sensor Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home-monitoring wearable devices for core body temperature measurement are inaccurate and uncomfortable, and existing methods require complex systems or invasive techniques, making them unsuitable for continuous, reliable monitoring, especially for children.
Innovation Solution
A core body temperature monitoring system comprising a first thermometer for initial measurement and a second heat flux sensor thermometer that is calibrated using the initial measurement, allowing for continuous monitoring with minimal user intervention and comfort, using a single device that can be easily attached and detached for hygiene and convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a heat flux sensor is used for continuous core body temperature measurement, then continuous monitoring capability is achieved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to inability to compensate for individual thermal resistance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs an initial calibration measurement before continuous monitoring to determine the individual thermal resistance characteristics of the user's body. This preliminary action captures the specific thermal properties that vary between individuals, which are then stored and used to correct all subsequent continuous temperature readings, thereby maintaining high accuracy throughout the monitoring period.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameters by switching between a first measurement mode (for calibration) and a second measurement mode (for continuous monitoring). The calibration mode captures thermal resistance characteristics, while the monitoring mode uses these characteristics to correct temperature readings, thus adapting the measurement approach to maintain accuracy across different operational states.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate devices are used for initial measurement and continuous monitoring, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the initial calibration measurement device and the continuous monitoring device into a single integrated thermometer. This unified device contains both the first sensor for calibration measurements and the second heat flux sensor for continuous monitoring, along with a controller that manages both measurement modes. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining measurement accuracy through the calibration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The single thermometer device performs multiple functions: it conducts initial calibration measurements to determine individual thermal resistance characteristics, stores these characteristics, and then performs continuous temperature monitoring using these characteristics for correction. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate devices, simplifying the overall system while maintaining accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If invasive measurement methods are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to discomfort and hygiene concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a heat flux sensor as an intermediary device that indirectly measures core body temperature through the skin rather than requiring direct invasive contact with internal body cavities. This intermediary approach, combined with calibration to account for individual thermal characteristics, provides accurate core temperature measurement while maintaining the non-invasive comfort and hygiene advantages of skin surface measurement.
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 and comfortable continuous core body temperature monitoring by calibrating the heat flux sensor with an initial measurement, compensating for individual thermal resistance variations, and enabling long-term tracking with alerts and warnings through a remote device.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the heat flux by using at least two temperature sensors separated by an insulating material
Implementation Method 2
The sensor comprises an insulating layer 12 with a first temperature sensor 14 against the skin and a second temperature sensor 16 on the opposite side of the insulator layer 12
Implementation Method 3
compensating for individual thermal resistance variations
Data Source
AI summary
A core body temperature monitoring system comprises a first, core body temperature, thermometer and a second thermometer comprising a heat flux sensor. The second thermometer is for application to the skin for providing temperature monitoring over time. The second thermometer is calibrated using an output from the first core body temperature thermometer during an initial measurement operation. The first thermometer is removably attached to the second thermometer, wherein the first thermometer is adapted for use while attached to the second thermometer, and is then removed when the second thermometer is to be used. This system provides calibration of a flux sensor which is applied to the skin, by using an initial core body temperature measurement. In this way, the functionality and usage of a classic core body temperature thermometer is combined with a wearable continuous monitoring capability.