Core Temperature Sensor Thermal Conductivity Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining core body temperature using thermal sensors assume perpendicular heat flow, which introduces errors due to lateral heat flow, resulting in inaccurate calculations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that calculates a corrected heat flux through the skin by applying a correcting factor based on the thermal conductivity, size, and aspect ratio of the sensor assembly, compensating for the mismatch between nominal and actual heat flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the assumption of perpendicular heat flow is used to simplify calculations, then the calculation process is simplified, but measurement precision deteriorates due to lateral heat flow errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by introducing a correction factor that accounts for lateral heat flow. This correction factor is derived from the sensor's thermal conductivity, size, and aspect ratio, transforming the simple perpendicular heat flow model into a more accurate model that includes lateral heat flow compensation without requiring complex computational methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a correction factor as an intermediary element between the simple perpendicular heat flow assumption and the actual heat flow measurement. This correction factor serves as a mediator that adjusts the measured heat flux to account for lateral heat flow effects, resolving the contradiction between calculation simplicity and measurement accuracy
2Ease of operation
If the sensor size is reduced to minimize intrusion, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to increased lateral heat flow effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by incorporating the sensor's size and aspect ratio into the correction factor calculation. This allows smaller sensors to maintain measurement precision by adjusting the correction factor based on their specific dimensions, thereby resolving the contradiction between minimal intrusion and accurate measurement
3Measurement precision
If the thermal conductivity of the sensor is increased to improve heat flow measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to increased lateral heat flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by incorporating the sensor's thermal conductivity into the correction factor. This allows the system to account for and compensate for lateral heat flow effects in sensors with higher thermal conductivity, thereby maintaining measurement reliability while using sensors optimized for heat flow detection
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 a more accurate determination of core body temperature by accounting for the sensor's dimensions and thermal conductivity, significantly reducing calculation errors.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric generator portion configured to receive heat flow from the body through the temperature sensing portion and to generate a second signal based upon the heat flow
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a temperature sensor system includes a sensor assembly with a temperature sensing portion configured to generate a first signal based upon a temperature of body proximate a surface portion of the temperature sensing portion, and a thermoelectric generator portion configured to receive heat flow from the body through the temperature sensing portion and to generate a second signal based upon the heat flow. A control unit is operably connected to the sensor assembly and a memory and configured to execute program instructions stored in the memory to calculate and output a corrected temperature based upon the first signal, the second signal, and at least one correction factor stored in the memory. The at least one correcting factor is determined based upon at least one of a thermal conductivity of the sensor assembly, a size of the sensor assembly, and an aspect ratio of the sensor assembly.