Ear Canal Headset Temperature Sensing Without Extra Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional headsets for measuring deep body temperature require additional sensors, complicating the device configuration.
Innovation Solution
A headset design that utilizes a combination of sensors, including a thermistor and a temperature sensor, within the housing to accurately measure body temperature without adding extra sensors by calculating deep body temperature based on thermal resistance values and sensor outputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a body temperature sensor is added to measure deep body temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing sensors serve multiple functions: the first sensor measures both ambient temperature and ear canal temperature, while the second sensor measures both housing temperature and contributes to body temperature calculation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated body temperature sensors, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by using temperature differences and thermal resistance relationships. Instead of directly measuring body temperature with a dedicated sensor, the system calculates body temperature based on temperature gradients between different locations (ambient, housing, ear canal) and known thermal resistance values, achieving accurate measurement without additional sensors
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are used to account for environmental conditions, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each temperature sensor in the system performs multiple measurement functions. The first sensor captures both environmental ambient temperature and ear canal temperature, while the second sensor monitors housing temperature and contributes to body temperature calculation. This multi-functional approach allows the system to account for environmental conditions without requiring dedicated sensors for each measurement point
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal resistance values as intermediary parameters that relate temperatures measured at different locations to the target body temperature. By using thermal resistance as a mediator, the system can accurately calculate body temperature from indirect measurements, reducing the need for direct body temperature sensing while maintaining precision
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
Enables accurate measurement of body temperature without additional sensors, accounting for individual differences and environmental conditions, thereby improving measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor for a headset, provided at the ear canal side inside the housing; a second sensor for a headset, provided at an opposite side from the ear canal side inside the housing
Implementation Method 2
a calculation unit that measures a body temperature of the user based on an output of the first sensor and an output of the second sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A headset includes: a hollow housing to be worn at an ear of a user; a cylindrical ear canal insertion part that is a portion of the housing, and that is provided at a portion of the housing at a side of an ear canal; a thermistor for a headset, provided at the ear canal side inside the housing; a temperature sensor for a headset on a main substrate, provided at an opposite side from the ear canal side inside the housing; and a calculation unit that measures a body temperature of the user based on an output of the thermistor and an output of the temperature sensor.