Ear Thermometer Probe Positioning via Optical Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining core body temperature, such as oral, underarm, rectal, and ear thermometry, face challenges in accuracy due to external influences and improper probe positioning, especially in the case of infrared ear thermometers which can be affected by the outer ear and ear canal temperatures, hair, and geometric variations.
Innovation Solution
A thermometer with a frusto-conical probe and infrared radiation detector that uses optical recognition sensors and accelerometers to ensure deep insertion into the ear canal, minimizing external temperature influences and optimizing infrared radiation detection from the ear drum, while providing calibration and temperature correlation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the probe is inserted shallowly into the ear canal for ease of operation, then the operation is simpler and less invasive, but the temperature reading accuracy deteriorates due to influence from outer ear and ear canal temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (optical recognition sensor detecting ear canal geometry) that mediates between the simple insertion action and the requirement for deep positioning. The sensor acts as a mediator to detect when the probe has reached the optimal depth by recognizing the geometric characteristics of the ear canal, thus resolving the contradiction between easy operation and measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through optical recognition sensors that continuously monitor probe position and provide real-time information to the control system. When the probe reaches the correct depth in the ear canal, the sensor detects the geometric change and sends feedback to stop insertion or confirm proper positioning, ensuring accurate temperature readings without requiring complex manual positioning.
2Measurement precision
If the probe is inserted deeply into the ear canal to minimize external temperature influences, then the temperature reading accuracy improves, but the risk of contacting the ear drum and causing contamination or discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical recognition sensor provides continuous feedback during probe insertion, detecting the geometric characteristics of the ear canal. When the sensor identifies that the probe is approaching or has reached the ear drum (through detection of geometric changes), it sends feedback to stop further insertion, thus preventing ear drum contact while ensuring the probe is deep enough for accurate measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of ear canal geometry using optical recognition sensors before completing the insertion. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-determine the optimal insertion depth for each individual ear canal, ensuring that the probe reaches the correct position without overshooting and contacting the ear drum.
3Measurement precision
If optical recognition sensors and accelerometers are added to ensure proper probe positioning, then the temperature measurement accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical recognition sensor serves multiple functions: it detects probe insertion depth, recognizes ear canal geometry, determines optimal positioning, and prevents over-insertion. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for multiple separate sensors and systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving high measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the positioning detection function and the temperature measurement function into a single integrated probe system. The optical recognition sensor and accelerometer are integrated with the infrared temperature sensor, allowing the system to perform both positioning and measurement tasks through one unified device rather than requiring separate systems.
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 accurate core body temperature readings by minimizing external temperature effects and ensuring proper probe positioning, providing reliable and quick temperature assessments with reduced contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
The thermometer senses infrared radiation emitted by the ear drum and the amount of infrared radiation detected is correlated with an associated temperature
Implementation Method 2
The thermometer includes various devices for measuring the thermometer position with respect to the ear canal
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 8A~8C
AI summary
A thermometer for determining the temperature of an animal's ear drum. The thermometer includes a probe, an infrared-radiation detector adapted to receive infrared radiation emitted by the ear drum, and devices that help insure that the probe is disposed in a desired position in the ear canal so as to optimize the infrared radiation received from the ear drum, and to minimize the infrared radiation received from other ear parts. A method of using the thermometer is also disclosed.