Non-contact Infrared Temperature Sensor for Organ Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional organ or tissue perfusion machines face challenges in accurately monitoring organ temperature without causing damage, as traditional temperature sensors either provide estimates or require invasive contact, leading to potential trauma and loss of the organ during storage and transport.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact infrared temperature sensor system is used to measure the temperature inside an organ container externally, allowing for accurate and minimally invasive monitoring, with multiple sensors for redundancy and improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional temperature sensors are placed in direct contact with the organ to measure temperature directly, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to potential damage to the organ
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (perfusate fluid) that is already in contact with the organ during perfusion. The temperature sensor measures the temperature of this fluid, which serves as a mediator between the sensor and the organ. This allows indirect temperature measurement without the sensor physically contacting the organ, thereby avoiding direct trauma while still obtaining accurate organ temperature readings through the thermal coupling of the perfusate
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based temperature measurement system with a non-contact or minimally-contact infrared temperature sensing system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical attachment of sensors to the organ surface, avoiding mechanical trauma from sensor placement and removal while maintaining temperature measurement capability through infrared radiation detection
2Device complexity
If temperature sensors are placed in tubing or piping to monitor perfusate temperature, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision worsens because the sensor does not accurately reflect organ temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the perfusate fluid as an intermediary thermal coupling medium. By positioning the temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the perfusate at the point where it contacts the organ (rather than in distant tubing), the sensor leverages the perfusate as a thermal mediator that directly reflects organ temperature, thereby improving measurement precision while keeping the sensor external to the organ
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from measuring temperature in the fluid flow path (one-dimensional tubular measurement) to measuring temperature at the interface between the perfusate and organ (two-dimensional contact surface measurement). This dimensional shift allows the sensor to capture the actual thermal interaction occurring at the organ-perfusate boundary, providing more accurate organ temperature readings
3Ease of operation
If conventional temperature sensors are used during perfusion, then temperature monitoring is achieved, but reliability worsens when perfusate flow stops causing unrealistic temperature readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors both temperature and perfusate flow status. When flow interruption is detected, the system receives feedback about the flow condition and adjusts its temperature interpretation accordingly, recognizing that stationary perfusate temperature may not reflect actual organ temperature. This feedback loop prevents erroneous conclusions about organ temperature status during pump failures or flow interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares for potential flow interruptions by establishing backup temperature assessment methods and warning systems in advance. When perfusate flow stops, pre-programmed protocols activate to prevent erroneous temperature-based decisions, such as triggering alerts or switching to alternative temperature estimation methods, thereby cushioning against the reliability issues that would otherwise arise from stationary perfusate temperature readings
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 enables precise temperature monitoring of organs during perfusion, transport, and storage, reducing the risk of ischemia and preventing damage, while maintaining a sterile environment and allowing for longer storage and transport periods.
Implementation Method 1
A non-contact infrared temperature sensor is used to measure the temperature inside an organ container externally
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature sensor for monitoring an organ or tissue is configured to measure a temperature inside of a container configured to contain the organ or tissue. The temperature sensor is disposed exterior to the organ container and the temperature sensor is a non-contact temperature sensor. The temperature sensor may be part of an apparatus for perfusing, transporting, and/or storing an organ or tissue. A coolant container may have an aperture through which the temperature sensor measures a temperature of at least one of the organ or tissue or a perfusate fluid surrounding the organ or tissue. The temperature sensor is preferably an infrared temperature sensor. Multiple temperature sensors may be provided that measure the temperature organ or tissue or perfusate fluid surrounding the organ or tissue, for example in case one of the temperature sensors fails.