Ear Insert Tympanic Temperature Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current monitoring technologies for vital signs are limited by their invasive nature, impracticality for ambulatory use, and inability to continuously monitor multiple parameters simultaneously, particularly in harsh environments or during physical activity, leading to inadequate detection and management of heat and cardiovascular illnesses.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device that incorporates an ear insert with an infrared thermopile to measure tympanic temperature, pulse oximetry sensors for pulse rate and oxygen saturation, and ECG sensors, along with a respiration sensor, allowing for continuous, non-invasive monitoring of core body temperature, heart rate, and respiration rate, providing real-time feedback and alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive monitoring techniques such as blood sampling or probes entering the body are used, then measurement precision of vital signs is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical probing and blood sampling with non-invasive optical sensors that detect physiological parameters through light absorption and reflection. Pulse oximetry uses red and infrared LEDs with photodetectors to measure oxygen saturation, while pulse rate is detected through photoplethysmography, eliminating the need for mechanical insertion into the body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical intermediaries (light waves at specific wavelengths) to indirectly measure physiological parameters. Instead of directly sampling blood or tissue, the system uses light as an intermediary that interacts with blood vessels and tissues to provide information about oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and other vital signs through non-invasive optical pathways.
2Reliability
If wired connection to diagnostics machine is used, then reliability of data transmission is improved, but ease of operation and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless communication systems. The wearable device incorporates wireless transmitters that send physiological data to remote receivers or mobile devices, eliminating the need for physical cables and enabling free movement while maintaining data transmission capability through electromagnetic waves.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate devices are used to monitor different vital signs, then measurement precision of individual parameters is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple physiological monitoring functions into a single integrated wearable device. The system simultaneously measures pulse rate, oxygen saturation, respiration rate, and other vital signs using multiple sensors housed in one unit, eliminating the need for separate devices for each parameter and simplifying the monitoring system while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device is designed with multi-functionality to monitor various vital signs through a single platform. It incorporates pulse oximetry sensors, motion sensors, temperature sensors, and other detectors that can simultaneously or alternatively measure different physiological parameters, making the device universally applicable for comprehensive health monitoring.
4Measurement precision
If chest straps or tight wrist straps are used for heart rate monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical compression-based heart rate monitoring (chest straps requiring tight contact) with optical detection methods. The system uses photodetectors that detect subtle changes in light absorption caused by blood volume changes during each heartbeat, allowing for accurate heart rate measurement without requiring tight mechanical compression or restrictive positioning.
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, continuous monitoring of vital signs in various settings, improving early intervention and reducing the risk of heat and cardiovascular-related illnesses, enhancing patient care and athletic performance while reducing the need for multiple devices.
Implementation Method 1
a thermopile module provided at an inner end of the ear canal extending member and supporting an infrared thermopile
Implementation Method 2
The audio conduction channel is configured as a waveguide to conduct sound through the blocking member to a distal portion of the ear insert
Data Source
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AI summary
Wearable devices (100) capable of measuring a core body temperature and other vital signs of a user in a range of situations are described herein. The wearable device is arranged to be retained within the ear canal of the ear, in order to prevent the wearable device from inadvertently removing itself from the ear. Providing an infrared thermopile (101)at the innermost end of the ear insert ensures that the infrared thermopile is provided as close as possible to the tympanic membrane which will be used to provide an indication of the core body temperature. The device has an audio conduction channel (111) at least partly defined within an ear canal extending member (114), the audio conduction channel configured as a waveguide to conduct sound through a blocking member (212) to a distal portion of the ear insert.