Dual-Sensor Body Temperature Estimation via Heat Flux
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing body temperature measurement technologies face challenges in accurately estimating deep body temperature due to variations from external environmental factors, making it difficult for portable devices like wearables to provide reliable readings.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that utilize a first and second sensor board with thermally conductive materials and temperature sensors to measure surface temperatures and calculate core temperature by measuring heat flux, incorporating a correction factor based on thermal resistance, while minimizing convection effects through blockers and increasing heat flux with a conductive layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a general body temperature sensor is used to measure deep body temperature, then the device can be made portable and wearable, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to variations from external environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature measurement function into two separate sensor boards: a first sensor board for measuring skin temperature and a second sensor board for measuring deep body temperature. Each board has its own temperature sensors positioned at different depths, allowing independent measurement of surface and deep body temperatures to compensate for environmental influences.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermally conductive material layer between the first and second sensor boards that facilitates heat transfer from the deep body temperature region to the measurement sensors. This intermediary material ensures accurate thermal coupling while maintaining the structural integrity of the wearable device.
2Productivity
If skin temperature is measured directly without compensation, then the measurement is simple and quick, but the result does not accurately reflect deep body temperature due to environmental influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processor continuously monitors both skin temperature and deep body temperature measurements, then uses this feedback to calculate and apply a correction factor that compensates for environmental influences, providing accurate core temperature estimation in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurements of both skin temperature and deep body temperature simultaneously, then uses these pre-collected data to calculate the correction factor before final core temperature estimation is needed, enabling rapid and accurate temperature assessment.
3Measurement precision
If heat flux measurement is implemented using multiple sensor boards, then core temperature estimation accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first and second sensor boards into a single integrated wearable device structure, where both sensor boards share common components such as the processor, power supply, and housing. This integration reduces overall device complexity while maintaining the dual-measurement capability for accurate core temperature estimation.
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 allows for accurate estimation of core temperature by compensating for environmental influences and improving measurement accuracy in wearable devices, reducing errors caused by convection and external temperature variations.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally conductive material provided on an upper end of the first sensor board
Implementation Method 2
at least one first temperature sensor provided on the first sensor board, the at least one first temperature sensor being configured to measure a surface temperature of the object
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for estimating body temperature includes a sensor including a first sensor board; an object contact surface provided below the first sensor board; a thermally conductive material provided on an upper end of the first sensor board; a second sensor board provided on an upper end of the thermally conductive material; at least one first temperature sensor provided on the first sensor board and being configured to measure a surface temperature of the object; and at least one second temperature sensor provided on the second sensor board and being configured to measure a surface temperature of the thermally conductive material; and a processor configured to: measure a heat flux based on the surface temperature of the object and the surface temperature of the thermally conductive material; and estimate core temperature based on the measured heat flux and the surface temperature of the object.