Foot Temperature Sensor Array for Diabetic Circulation Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a device to effectively monitor and prevent tissue damage in individuals with conditions like diabetes that cause decreased blood flow and temperature in extremities, such as the feet, to prevent complications like numbness, pain, and amputation.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a structural platform, multiple temperature sensors, a power supply, and a control box with a processor and memory storage, which measures foot temperature and indirectly assesses blood flow, providing remedial action instructions based on analysis of collected data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are used to measure foot temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foot measurement area is divided into multiple zones with temperature sensors positioned at specific locations (heel, midfoot, forefoot, toes) to capture spatial temperature variations. This segmentation allows precise localization of temperature abnormalities while maintaining a manageable device structure through modular sensor placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensing system serves multiple functions: detecting overall foot temperature, identifying localized hot/cold spots, monitoring blood flow changes, and providing early warning for tissue damage. This multi-functionality justifies the use of multiple sensors while maximizing the value derived from each additional sensor.
2Reliability
If continuous temperature monitoring is implemented, then reliability of tissue damage prevention is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs temperature measurements at periodic intervals rather than continuously, with the control box analyzing temperature data at scheduled times. This periodic monitoring maintains reliable detection of temperature changes while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous measurement, extending battery operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control box continuously analyzes temperature data from multiple sensors and provides feedback through alerts or notifications when abnormal temperature patterns are detected. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable early warning of tissue damage risks while allowing the system to remain in low-power states between analysis cycles.
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
The device provides accurate temperature readings, enabling early detection of decreased blood flow and temperature changes, thus preventing tissue damage and complications in individuals with conditions affecting extremity circulation.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of temperature sensors may be thermistor sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A device for measuring the temperature of a lower extremity of a subject in need of such monitoring. The device is especially suited for monitoring the foot temperature of a subject with diabetes or another condition that could lead to lower blood circulation and temperature in the lower extremities of the subject. Methods of preventing complications from such diseases, disorders, syndromes, or conditions are provided. The past recorded temperatures of the subject may be stored for comparisons and trends analyses.