Flat Surface Ear Probe for Cleanable Infrared Thermometer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional infrared ear thermometers face challenges in maintaining measurement accuracy due to dirt contamination within the recessed end of the ear temperature probe, which is difficult to detect and clean, leading to potential inaccuracies in body temperature readings.

Innovation Solution

The design features a flat surface at the end of the ear temperature probe, utilizing a silicon lens that allows for easy detection and cleaning of dirt, while also incorporating a forehead temperature head for protection and dual functionality as an infrared forehead thermometer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the ear temperature probe end is made recessed to insert into the ear canal, then the temperature measurement function is achieved, but dirt contamination becomes difficult to detect and clean

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidcleaning ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional recessed probe design by making the probe end protruding instead. The infrared sensor is positioned such that its sensing surface protrudes from the probe body, creating a flat exposed surface that is easily accessible for cleaning while maintaining the ability to measure ear canal temperature accurately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Measurement precision

If the ear temperature probe end is made recessed, then the probe can be inserted into the ear canal, but the dirt contamination is not easily found

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement functionVSAvoiddirt detection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If a flat surface is used at the probe end, then cleaning becomes easy, but the probe structure must be redesigned

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning easeVSAvoidprobe structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the probe structure into distinct components: a probe body and a separate infrared sensor assembly. The sensor is mounted in a sensor holder that positions it to protrude from the probe body, allowing the sensing surface to be accessible while maintaining structural integrity through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration ensures accurate temperature measurements by facilitating easy cleaning of the probe end and providing protection for the ear temperature probe when not in use, enhancing the reliability of the device.

Implementation Method 1

The infrared ear thermometer uses infrared sensor technology and software algorithms to measure and calculate temperature value

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

By configuring the end of the ear temperature probe inserted into the canal as a flat surface via a silicon lens

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLens focusing: Lens

Data Source

PatentUS11280678B2Infrared thermometer which is easy to be cleaned

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 SHENZHEN FINICARE CO LTD

AI summary

An infrared thermometer, having an upper shell, a lower shell, an ear temperature probe, and a forehead temperature head; the ear temperature probe is provided with an infrared sensor, an infrared sensor copper sleeve and a probe body; a piece of flat and smooth transparent glass is provided between an end of the probe body having a smaller inner diameter and the infrared sensor copper sleeve, so that the end of the ear temperature probe inserted into the ear canal is configured as a flat surface by the transparent glass.