Flexible Circuit Electronic Thermometer for Continuous Body Temperature Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermometers cannot continuously monitor and trace a user's body temperature over time after being attached to the body.
Innovation Solution
An electronic thermometer with temperature sensors, a memory unit, communication module, control unit, power supply, and protection member mounted on a flexible circuit board, capable of periodic temperature measurement, data storage, and wireless data transmission, allowing continuous monitoring of body temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional thermometers are used, then body temperature can be measured accurately after a predetermined time, but continuous monitoring and tracing of body temperature is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The thermometer transitions from a static, single-measurement device to a dynamic, continuous monitoring system. The control unit periodically activates temperature sensors to repeatedly measure body temperature, enabling continuous tracking while maintaining measurement accuracy through controlled periodic operation rather than constant operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory unit is pre-configured to store temperature data, and the system is designed to automatically perform measurements at predetermined intervals. This preliminary setup enables continuous monitoring capability without requiring complex real-time processing or user intervention during the monitoring period.
2Duration of action of moving object
If periodic temperature measurement and data storage are implemented, then continuous body temperature tracing is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it manages periodic temperature measurement, controls data storage timing, coordinates power supply cycles, and manages communication protocols. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while enabling continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory unit, communication unit, and control unit are integrated into a cohesive system where the control unit orchestrates data flow between sensing, storage, and transmission components. This merging of functions into a coordinated system reduces overall complexity compared to having completely separate independent subsystems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components (sensors, memory, communication, power supply) are integrated on a flexible circuit board, then continuous monitoring function is achieved, but protection of exposed components becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible protective case is designed to conform to the curved surface of the body, providing environmental protection for the electronic components while maintaining the device's flexibility and conformability to body contours. This thin-film protective approach preserves adaptability while shielding components from harmful external factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible protective case acts as an intermediary barrier between the electronic components and the external environment. It allows the device to maintain contact with the body for accurate temperature sensing while protecting sensitive components from moisture, sweat, and other environmental factors.
4Loss of information
If continuous periodic measurement is performed, then body temperature trends can be monitored, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensors are activated at predetermined periodic intervals rather than continuously. The control unit manages periodic measurement cycles, activating sensors only when needed for data collection, then entering low-power states between measurements. This periodic operation maintains comprehensive temperature trend monitoring while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action through periodic measurements that collectively provide complete temperature trend data over time. By strategically timing measurements to capture relevant temperature changes while allowing the system to enter low-power states between measurements, the system achieves continuous monitoring effectiveness without continuous energy consumption.
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 continuous tracking and monitoring of body temperature trends by periodically measuring and storing data, improving accuracy and extending battery life through efficient power management.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature sensor for measuring a user's body temperature
Implementation Method 2
a heat transfer member which may be electrically connected to the first temperature sensor through a via hole and mounted on a surface opposite to a surface of the flexible circuit board, on which the first temperature sensor is mounted, to be in direct contact with a user's skin
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic thermometer is provided. The electronic thermometer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is for periodically measuring a body temperature by being attached to a body of a user, and comprises: at least one temperature sensor mounted on the one surface of a flexible circuit board; a memory unit for storing information obtained via the temperature sensor; a communication unit for externally transmitting the information stored in the memory unit; a control unit for controlling the operations of the temperature sensor, memory unit, and communication unit; a power supply unit arranged on the one surface of the flexible circuit board such that driving power can be provided; and a protection member surrounding the flexible circuit board such that external exposure of the temperature sensor, memory unit, communication unit, control unit, and power supply unit can be prevented.