Illuminated Thermometer Probe Structure for Accurate Aiming in the Dark
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermometers with infrared temperature measurement techniques face difficulties in accurately aiming the probe in a dark environment, particularly when inserting the probe into the ear or mouth, and are challenging to use in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A probe structure with an optical assembly comprising lamps, a lamp panel, and a light transmitting component positioned at the configuration end, allowing for illumination and easy aiming, even in dark environments, and a forehead thermometer cover that does not obstruct the light path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a probe is designed for infrared temperature measurement, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but the ability to aim accurately in dark environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into functional segments: a measurement end for temperature detection and a configuration end for user interaction and illumination. This segmentation allows the illumination function to be added at the configuration end without interfering with the temperature measurement capability at the detection end, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation in dark environments.
Solution Approach 2:
An optical assembly comprising a light source and light transmitting component is introduced as an intermediary element between the configuration end and the detection end. This intermediary provides illumination to the probe surface, enabling accurate aiming in dark environments while the infrared measurement function remains unaffected at the detection end.
2Ease of operation
If an optical assembly is added to the probe for illumination, then ease of operation in dark environments is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical assembly is merged with the probe structure by integrating the light source and light transmitting component directly into the probe body. The light source is positioned at the configuration end and the light transmitting component is formed as part of the probe shell, combining multiple functions (illumination and temperature measurement) into a single integrated device without requiring separate external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is designed with multi-functionality: the configuration end serves both as the connection interface to the thermometer body and as the housing for the illumination optical assembly. The light transmitting component serves both as a structural element and as an optical element for illumination. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall device complexity while improving ease of operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the optical assembly is positioned at the configuration end, then ease of assembly is improved, but light transmission efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The light transmitting component is designed with an inclined surface that directs light in a specific direction toward the detection end. This dimensional adjustment of the light path ensures that light emitted from the configuration end efficiently reaches the detection end, maintaining light transmission efficiency while keeping the optical assembly positioned at the configuration end for ease of assembly.
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 solution provides easy and convenient use of thermometers in dark environments by ensuring the light from the optical assembly is not blocked, facilitating accurate probe placement and easy assembly due to a simple structure design.
Implementation Method 1
the light reflector (134) touches the light transmitting component (133) so that at least one part of the light through the light transmitting component (133) emits toward a predetermined direction
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention discloses a probe structure and a thermometer, simply-structured but easy to use for users in a dark environment. The technique solution adopted in this invention is a probe structure, including a probe main body, a temperature sensor module and an optical assembly. The probe main body includes a detection end and a configuration end. The detection end is configured for touching or approaching an object. The configuration end is configured for connecting to an external thermometer body. The probe main body has a chamber for storing the temperature sensor module. The optical assembly is positioned at the configuration end. The optical assembly includes at least one lamp, a lamp panel and a light transmitting component. The at-least-one lamp is positioned at the lamp panel and the light transmitting component is disposed at the periphery of the lamp panel. Light emitted by the lamp passes through the light transmitting component.