Core Body Temperature Sensor Using Thermal Gradient Extrapolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing core body temperature measurement technologies face challenges in accurately measuring core body temperature in ambulatory settings due to confounding physiological processes and limitations in skin temperature measurement, such as small temperature differences and thermal resistance issues, which affect the accuracy of vital signs monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A core body temperature sensor with a thermoresistant structure and multiple temperature sensors, along with a temperature-changing element, is used to maintain a temperature difference and account for thermal resistance, allowing for accurate extrapolation of core body temperature through electronic processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If skin temperature measurement is used in ambulatory settings, then the measurement is non-invasive and convenient, but the accuracy is reduced due to confounding physiological processes and thermal resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature measurement into multiple segments by placing temperature sensors at different distances from the skin surface (first distance, second distance, third distance). This segmentation allows the system to capture the temperature gradient through the thermoresistant structure and extrapolate to core body temperature, resolving the contradiction between non-invasive convenience and measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermoresistant structure as an intermediary between the skin and the temperature sensors. This intermediary layer maintains thermal resistance that preserves the temperature gradient, enabling accurate core body temperature measurement while keeping the sensors non-invasively attached to the skin surface.
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are placed at different distances, then the temperature gradient can be measured accurately, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the temperature-changing element serve multiple functions: it actively controls the temperature at the distal end to maintain optimal temperature gradient for measurement, compensates for ambient temperature variations, and ensures sufficient temperature difference across the thermoresistant structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the electronic processor continuously monitors temperatures at multiple distances and adjusts the temperature-changing element to maintain the optimal temperature gradient. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate core body temperature measurement while dynamically adapting to changing conditions.
3Measurement precision
If a temperature-changing element is added to maintain temperature gradient, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter dynamically by using the temperature-changing element to maintain the distal end temperature at a controlled level different from ambient temperature. This parameter change ensures a sufficient temperature gradient across the thermoresistant structure, enabling accurate core body temperature measurement while using a relatively simple device structure.
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
This approach provides accurate core body temperature measurements by maintaining a sufficient temperature gradient and compensating for thermal resistance, enhancing the accuracy of vital signs monitoring in ambulatory settings.
Implementation Method 1
maintain a temperature of the distal end of the thermoresistant structure at a temperature different from an ambient temperature
Implementation Method 2
measuring temperatures of the thermoresistant structure at a corresponding plurality of different distances from the proximal surface
Implementation Method 3
compensating for thermal resistance between a temperature measuring device attached to a patient while measuring a CBT of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
A core body temperature sensor (10) includes a thermoresistant structure (12) having a proximal surface (11) configured for attachment to skin of an associated patient, and a distal end (13) opposite from the proximal surface. A plurality of temperature sensors (14) is arranged to measure temperatures of the thermoresistant structure at a corresponding plurality of different distances from the proximal surface of the thermoresistant structure. A temperature-changing element (16) is configured to change a temperature of the distal end of the thermoresistant structure. An electronic processor (20) is programmed to acquire temperature measurements from the plurality of temperature sensors while operating the temperature-changing element to maintain a temperature of the distal end of the thermoresistant structure at a temperature different from an ambient temperature, and extrapolate a core body temperature of the associated patient from the acquired temperature measurements.