Core Temperature Detection System Using Dynamic Heat Transfer Coefficient
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing core body temperature measurement methods are often invasive or provide inaccurate estimates, especially when environmental conditions change, as they fail to adjust for variations in heat transfer coefficients.
Innovation Solution
A thermometer unit that includes a temperature sensor, a heat flux sensor, and a controller to calculate and adjust the heat transfer coefficient in response to environmental influences, recalculating core temperature data when significant temperature differences are detected, ensuring accurate core temperature measurement across varying environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct measurement of core body temperature is performed using a probe within a body cavity, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to invasive procedure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses skin temperature and heat flux as intermediary measurements to indirectly determine core body temperature. Instead of directly measuring core temperature with an invasive probe, the system measures skin temperature (Tskin) and heat flux (q'') at the skin surface, then calculates core temperature using these intermediary values along with a heat transfer coefficient. This intermediary approach achieves accurate core temperature measurement without invasive procedures.
2Measurement precision
If environmental conditions are not adjusted for in temperature measurement, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccurate estimates when environmental conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors skin temperature and heat flux measurements and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the heat transfer coefficient. The controller calculates core temperature based on current skin conditions and compares it with previous measurements, adjusting the heat transfer coefficient to maintain accuracy as environmental conditions change. This feedback mechanism ensures precise measurements without requiring complex environmental sensors or manual adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the heat transfer coefficient parameter based on measured skin temperature and heat flux conditions. Instead of using a fixed heat transfer coefficient, the system calculates and updates this parameter in response to changing environmental conditions and skin states, thereby maintaining measurement precision without adding complex environmental adjustment mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If the heat transfer coefficient is continuously adjusted to account for environmental influences, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and use of energy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic adjustment of the heat transfer coefficient by continuously monitoring skin temperature and heat flux measurements. The controller automatically updates the heat transfer coefficient based on real-time measurements and calculated core temperature changes, allowing the system to adapt to environmental variations without requiring complex pre-programmed adjustment mechanisms or multiple environmental sensors.
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 solution enables non-invasive, accurate, and continuous monitoring of core body temperature, unaffected by environmental changes, providing reliable core temperature data regardless of environmental influences such as temperature or humidity variations.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature sensor is configured to sense a surface temperature of the system
Implementation Method 2
The heat flux sensor is configured to sense a heat flux of the system
Data Source
AI summary
A method for calibrating a thermometer unit for measuring a core temperature of a system, includes determining a first heat transfer coefficient of the system, and calculating core temperature data corresponding to the core temperature of the system based on the first heat transfer coefficient. The method also includes identifying a change in the core temperature data that exceeds a predetermined threshold. The thermometer unit is calibrated by determining a second heat transfer in response to the identified change in the core temperature data. The core temperature data is calculated based on the second heat transfer coefficient.