Dual-Sensor Thermometer with Differential Thermal Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermometers for measuring core body temperature face challenges in accuracy due to mounting position offsets and the need for continuous, portable temperature measurement, especially in applications where surface temperature measurement is not sufficient.

Innovation Solution

A thermometer design incorporating two surface temperature measurement units with different thermal resistance values and corresponding reference temperature measurement units, which corrects for mounting position offsets through temperature differences, allowing for accurate core temperature calculation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single surface temperature measurement unit is used, then the device is simple and portable, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to mounting position offsets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecore temperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidtemperature measurement unit configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature measurement unit is divided into multiple independent measurement elements (first surface temperature measurement unit with first reference temperature measurement unit, and second surface temperature measurement unit with second reference temperature measurement unit). Each element measures temperature at a specific location, and their combined data enables accurate core temperature calculation that compensates for mounting position variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes temperature differences between surface measurements and reference measurements as changing parameters. By calculating the temperature gradient and using it to correct the core temperature measurement, the system adapts to different mounting positions and thermal conditions, maintaining measurement accuracy across varying parameters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If heat insulating portions with different thermal resistance values are used, then temperature correction for mounting offsets is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting position offset compensationVSAvoidheat insulating portion configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Different heat insulating portions are assigned different thermal resistance values based on their specific functional requirements. The first heat insulating portion has a first thermal resistance value optimized for the first measurement path, while the second heat insulating portion has a second thermal resistance value optimized for the second measurement path, enabling precise local temperature correction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If continuous temperature measurement is implemented, then health monitoring capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous temperature measurement capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature measurement is performed periodically at predetermined time intervals rather than continuously. The control unit measures core temperature, stores the measurement result, and repeats the process after a predetermined period, enabling continuous health monitoring while managing power consumption through periodic sampling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 design enhances measurement accuracy by compensating for mounting position errors and enables continuous, portable core temperature measurement across a wide range of temperatures without requiring adjustments in sensor mounting settings.

Implementation Method 1

a first reference temperature measurement unit that measures a temperature as a first reference temperature at a position where a thermometer is attached to a measurement subject and that has a predetermined thermal resistance value between the position and the measurement position of the first surface temperature measurement unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS9068898B2Thermometer and temperature measurement method

Publication Date: 2015.06.30 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A thermometer includes first and second surface temperature measurement units, first and second reference temperature measurement units, a storage unit, a temperature correction unit, and a temperature calculation unit. The first reference temperature measurement unit measures a temperature at an opposite side of the first surface temperature measurement unit as a first reference temperature through a first heat insulating portion having a first thermal resistance value. The second reference temperature measurement unit measures a temperature at an opposite side of the second surface temperature measurement unit as a second reference temperature through a second heat insulating portion having a second thermal resistance value. The temperature correction unit corrects the first surface temperature and the first reference temperature based on the second surface temperature and the second reference temperature. The temperature calculation unit calculates a core temperature using the first surface temperature and the first reference temperature.