Infant Warming System Probe Detection Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current infant warming systems lack the ability to differentiate between body and peripheral temperature probes, leading to potential overheating or overcooling, as they often rely solely on air temperature control or skin temperature measurements without distinct differentiation.
Innovation Solution
The system employs two identical input jacks that can receive either a body temperature probe or a peripheral temperature probe, with a probe detection module to automatically distinguish between the two, allowing for precise temperature control based on body temperature measurements and monitoring temperature differentials to prevent heat or cold stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the system uses identical input jacks for both body and peripheral temperature probes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to inability to differentiate probe types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism (probe detection module) that automatically identifies the type of probe connected to the input jack by measuring electrical resistance characteristics. This intermediary step resolves the contradiction by maintaining identical jack interfaces while adding automatic probe type differentiation, ensuring reliable temperature control without requiring manual probe identification by the operator.
2Device complexity
If the system relies solely on air temperature control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously measuring the infant's body temperature through the temperature probe and automatically adjusting the heater output based on the measured temperature and desired temperature differential. This feedback mechanism improves temperature control precision while maintaining relatively simple device architecture, as the system self-regulates without requiring complex manual intervention.
3Ease of manufacture
If the system uses skin temperature measurement without differentiation, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism (probe detection module) that automatically identifies the type of probe connected to the input jack by measuring electrical resistance characteristics. This intermediary step resolves the contradiction by maintaining identical jack interfaces while adding automatic probe type differentiation, ensuring reliable temperature control without requiring manual probe identification by the operator.
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 solution ensures accurate temperature control within a desired range, providing early detection of temperature stress and preventing overheating or overcooling by utilizing the temperature differential between body and peripheral temperatures, thus ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for infants.
Implementation Method 1
The body temperature probe has a body temperature sensor removably fixable to an infant's torso to measure a body temperature of the infant
Implementation Method 2
The peripheral temperature probe includes a peripheral temperature sensor removably fixable to the infant's extremity to measure a peripheral temperature of the infant
Implementation Method 3
The heater is then controlled based on the measured skin temperature of the infant in order to maintain the skin temperature within a predetermined range
Data Source
AI summary
An infant warming system includes a body temperature probe, a peripheral temperature probe, and at least two identical input jacks, each input jack configured to receive either one of the first connector or the second connector. The body temperature probe has a body temperature sensor removably fixable to an infant's torso to measure a body temperature of the infant, and a first connector configured to connect to an input jack to transmit the body temperature measurement. The peripheral temperature probe includes a peripheral temperature sensor removably fixable to the infant's extremity to measure a peripheral temperature of the infant, and a second connector configured to connect to an input jack to transmit the peripheral temperature measurement. The system further includes a probe detection module to automatically detect whether each input jack is connected to the peripheral temperature probe or the body temperature probe.