Dual Temperature Sensor Contact Detection via Thermal Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dual temperature sensor devices often fail to accurately monitor contact with the skin surface, leading to interrupted temperature measurements during physical activity, requiring additional sensors and complex attachment methods to prevent data loss.
Innovation Solution
A dual temperature sensor system with an evaluating means that compares measured temperature values to determine contact with the skin surface using Pearson's correlation coefficient, eliminating the need for additional sensors by analyzing temperature sums and differences to indicate skin contact through thermal conductivity changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional optical sensors are used to detect sensor position changes, then contact monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature measurement function and contact monitoring function into a single dual temperature sensor system. The same two temperature sensors used for measuring body temperature are also used to detect contact status by analyzing temperature differences, eliminating the need for separate optical sensors or other additional monitoring devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual temperature sensor system performs multiple functions: it measures body temperature for medical monitoring and simultaneously detects whether the sensor is properly contacted to the skin by comparing temperature readings between the two sensors. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable contact monitoring.
2Measurement precision
If additional temperature sensors are used for monitoring contact, then contact detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the contact detection function into the existing temperature measurement system by using the temperature difference between two sensors. No additional sensors are introduced; instead, the system analyzes the relationship between temperature readings from sensors already required for the primary measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temperature difference as an intermediary indicator to infer contact status. Rather than directly detecting contact mechanically or optically, the system uses the thermal relationship between the skin-contacting sensor and the environmental sensor as a mediator to determine whether proper contact is maintained.
3Stability of the object's composition
If complex attachment methods are used to prevent sensor detachment, then sensor contact stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the temperature difference between the two sensors and provides real-time information about contact status. This feedback allows the system to detect detachment immediately and alert users, eliminating the need for complex attachment methods while maintaining stability through active monitoring.
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 solution ensures minimal interruption of temperature measurements by accurately detecting skin contact without additional sensors, using thermal conductivity differences to differentiate between proper and improper attachment, and providing real-time alerts for sensor detachment.
Implementation Method 1
Either the first temperature sensor or the second temperature sensor is in contact with the skin surface of a patient for detecting a first measured temperature value TA
Implementation Method 2
the temperature sensor arranged opposite detects a second measured temperature value TB that is thermally coupled with the temperature in the environment of the measuring point
Data Source
AI summary
A function indicator for a dual temperature sensor, which indicates the falling off of the sensor from the skin surface (4) of a patient. An evaluating device (2) determines the body temperature from a first measured temperature value (TA) and determines the contact of the dual temperature sensor (1) with the skin surface (4) by comparison of the measured temperature values TA and TB.