Deep-Body Temperature Estimation with Adaptive Thermal Resistance Ratios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature estimation methods fail to accurately estimate deep-body temperatures without directly measuring them, as they do not account for capacitance components and rely on predetermined thermal resistances that vary with the measurement context.
Innovation Solution
A temperature estimation apparatus using two sensors to measure temperatures at different body parts, along with a processor to calculate a thermal resistance ratio based on specific conditions, allowing estimation of deep-body temperature without determining individual thermal resistances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a known thermal model is used to determine heat flow on the basis of temperature difference and thermal resistance, then the calculation is simplified, but the measurement precision of deep-body temperature deteriorates because capacitance components are not taken into account
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter representation from individual thermal resistance values to a thermal resistance ratio (R1/R2). This parameter transformation allows the system to account for capacitance effects indirectly through the ratio relationship, improving temperature estimation accuracy while keeping the thermal model relatively simple. The processor calculates the thermal resistance ratio based on temperature measurements at different times, rather than requiring complex capacitance modeling.
2Ease of operation
If predetermined thermal resistance values are used in the thermal model, then the device operation is simplified, but the measurement precision deteriorates because thermal resistance varies with measurement context
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement actions by measuring temperatures at multiple time points (t1 and t2) before calculating the thermal resistance ratio. This preliminary data collection allows the system to adapt to the specific measurement context and obtain accurate thermal resistance ratios that reflect actual conditions, rather than relying on fixed predetermined values. The processor uses these preliminary measurements to dynamically determine the thermal resistance ratio for subsequent temperature estimations.
3Measurement precision
If temperatures are measured at multiple time points to calculate thermal resistance, then the measurement precision improves, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by measuring temperatures at only two specific time points (t1 and t2) rather than continuous monitoring. This partial measurement approach provides sufficient data to calculate the thermal resistance ratio with good accuracy, while avoiding the time loss associated with excessive or continuous measurements. The processor efficiently uses these two measurement points to derive the thermal resistance ratio and subsequent temperature estimations.
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 deep-body temperature by statistically obtaining a thermal resistance ratio from measured data, improving accuracy and adaptability to varying measurement states.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature sensor configured to measure a first temperature of a first part of a target that has a heat source
Implementation Method 2
a second temperature sensor configured to measure a second temperature of a second part, the second part being farther from the heat source than the first part
Implementation Method 3
in the thermal model, the first thermal resistance represents a relation of temperatures and heat flow between the heat source and the first part, and the second thermal resistance represents a relation of temperatures and heat flow between the first part and the second part
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature estimation apparatus includes: a first temperature sensor that measures first temperature of first part of a target that has a heat source; a second temperature sensor that measures second temperature of second part that is farther from the heat source than the first part; and a processor. The processor obtains temperature-for-estimation data regarding the first and second temperatures that are measured in a state where a predetermined condition is satisfied, the predetermined condition corresponding to a certain state of change in the temperature of the heat source. Based on the obtained temperature-for-estimation data, the processor obtains a single thermal resistance parameter in a thermal model. Based on the obtained thermal resistance parameter and the measured first and second temperatures, the processor estimates the temperature of the heat source as a deep-body temperature of the target.