Electronic Device Fluid Loss Estimation Using Skin Temperature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for modeling and managing dehydration due to sweating are inadequate, as they rely on static values for clothing and skin properties, and require prior knowledge of heat distribution, making them ineffective for dynamic thermal dissipation and fluid loss estimation.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device and method that uses skin temperature and performance data to determine a theoretical fluid loss value, establishing a relation with a perspiration threshold to calculate a real fluid loss value, enabling more accurate fluid loss estimation and generating performance instructions for rehydration and heat management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If static values for clothing and skin properties are used in known models, then the models are simpler to implement, but they fail to accurately capture dynamic thermal dissipation and fluid loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodel complexityVSAvoidfluid loss estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static values to dynamic modeling of skin and clothing properties. The system continuously measures skin temperature, sweat rate, and clothing properties during physical activity, allowing the model to adapt to changing thermal conditions in real-time rather than relying on fixed parameters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms by using measured skin temperature and sweat rate data to continuously adjust and refine the fluid loss estimation. The system compares actual measurements with model predictions and adjusts parameters accordingly, improving accuracy through iterative refinement during the physical activity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If known models require prior knowledge of heat distribution, then they can calculate fluid loss, but they create a circular dependency that complicates the modeling process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid loss calculation capabilityVSAvoidmodeling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by measuring and recording skin temperature, sweat rate, and clothing properties before and during physical activity. These pre-measured values are then used as input parameters for the fluid loss calculation, eliminating the need for complex iterative modeling and circular dependencies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex thermal modeling calculations with direct physiological measurements. Instead of calculating heat distribution through complex thermal conduction and convection models, the system uses direct measurements of skin temperature and sweat rate to determine fluid loss, simplifying the overall modeling approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Quantity of substance

If sweating is modeled as a function of inner temperature and environmental factors, then fluid loss can be estimated, but the model fails to capture the dynamic interaction between skin temperature, sweat rate, and clothing properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid loss estimationVSAvoidthermal dissipation modeling accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the thermal dissipation process into separate measurable components: skin temperature, sweat rate, and clothing properties. Each component is measured independently using dedicated sensors, and then combined to calculate total fluid loss, allowing for more precise modeling of the dynamic interactions between these factors

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 approach allows for more accurate fluid loss estimation and generation of specific instructions for rehydration and heat management, improving the ability to prevent dehydration and heat-related issues during physical activity.

Implementation Method 1

heat conduction, permeability and radiation. One of the problems related to the known solutions is that clothing and skin are given static values

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The heat flux aims to turn outwards towards a lower thermal potential. The known models take at least one of the following parameters into account: the size of the individual, thermal gradient, the capacitive and conductive properties affecting the conduction of heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat flux: Convection

Implementation Method 3

Perspiration (also called sweating or sometimes transpiration) is the production and evaporation of a fluid, consisting primarily of water as well as a smaller amount of sodium chloride excreted by the sweat glands in the skin. Evaporation of sweat from the skin surface has a cooling effect due to the latent heat of evaporation of water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP2070470B1Electronic device, arrangement, and method of estimating fluid loss
Publication Date: 2010.12.01 POLAR ELECTRO
  • EP2070470B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2070470B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2070470B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

There is provided an electronic device comprising: a processing unit (110) configured to receive skin temperature data generated by a measuring unit, to receive performance data from a measuring unit, and to determine a theoretical fluid loss value on the basis of the received performance data. The electronic device further comprises: a processing unit (110) configured to determine a relation between a predetermined perspiration threshold and a skin temperature value deduced from the received skin temperature data; and to determine a real fluid loss value on the basis of the theoretical fluid loss value and the determined relation between the predetermined perspiration threshold and the skin temperature value.