Encephalon Heat Flow Estimation Using Infrared Thermal Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring internal brain temperature and heat flows are invasive, risky, and lack quantitative estimation of heat exchanges within the brain, with magnetic resonance techniques providing limited insights.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive method involving discretization and numerical calculation of thermal conductivity and temperature distribution in the brain, using finite volume calculations on Fourier's heat conduction equation to estimate conductive heat flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive methods (thermocouples, thermistors, fiberoptic sensors) are used to measure temperature in the encephalon, then temperature measurement capability is achieved, but surgical risks and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical temperature sensors (thermocouples, thermistors) with a non-invasive infrared imaging system. The infrared camera detects thermal radiation from the scalp surface, eliminating the need for surgical implantation and associated risks while providing temperature distribution maps of the encephalon through the skull.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses infrared radiation as an intermediary to transfer thermal information from the encephalon through the skull and scalp to the detection system. This allows temperature measurement without direct contact with brain tissue, using the natural thermal radiation pathway as a mediator between the target and sensor.
2Measurement precision
If invasive temperature sensors are implanted in the encephalon, then accurate temperature data is obtained, but patient safety and comfort deteriorate due to surgical risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system substitutes invasive mechanical temperature probes with non-contact infrared sensing. This maintains the ability to obtain temperature data while completely eliminating surgical implantation risks, making the measurement process safe and reversible without affecting patient reliability.
3Measurement precision
If multiple invasive sensors are used to map temperature distribution, then spatial temperature information is obtained, but the complexity and invasiveness of the procedure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional point measurements (single sensors) to two-dimensional surface mapping (infrared camera array). The infrared camera captures temperature distribution across the entire scalp surface simultaneously, providing spatial mapping without requiring multiple invasive sensor implantations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a thermal map copy of the encephalon surface temperature distribution by detecting infrared radiation through the skull. This optical copy provides comprehensive spatial temperature information without the physical complexity of implanting multiple sensors throughout the brain.
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
Provides a quantitative estimation of conductive heat flows in the brain, enabling accurate diagnostic monitoring without invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
obtained by means of an infrared camera
Implementation Method 2
designed to cool a region in the encephalon
Data Source
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Figure 2
AI summary
A method for quantitatively estimating heat transfer energy parameters in an encephalon through discretization and numerical calculation comprises the steps of: acquiring composition data regarding a distribution of matter in the encephalon; acquiring cerebral temperature data regarding a temperature distribution in the encephalon; calculating a thermal conductivity distribution in the encephalon as a function of the composition data; calculating a distribution of conductive heat flows in the encephalon as a function of the cerebral temperature data and the thermal conductivity distribution using the "general heat conduction equation".