Infrared Sensor Fan Controller for Hot Flash Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies do not effectively utilize non-contact infrared thermal sensors for automated temperature control to alleviate the adverse effects of hot flashes, such as rapid body temperature increases, especially during sleep.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact infrared temperature sensing device that activates or deactivates an AC-powered fan based on detected temperature changes, providing cooling or heating by adjusting a digital thermostat set-point, allowing for automatic airflow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-contact infrared thermal sensors are used for automated temperature control, then hot flash relief is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a non-contact infrared temperature sensor module for detection, a microcontroller module for processing temperature data and controlling the fan, and a fan module for cooling. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide reliable hot flash relief through automated temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller acts as an intermediary between the temperature sensor and the fan, processing temperature data from the sensor and controlling fan operation accordingly. This intermediary component enables automated temperature control by mediating the interaction between detection and actuation elements, providing reliable hot flash relief while maintaining manageable system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If automated temperature control with non-contact sensing is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting temperature changes through non-contact infrared sensing and autonomously controlling fan operation without requiring user intervention. The microcontroller continuously monitors temperature and adjusts fan speed accordingly, providing ease of operation while maintaining adequate measurement precision through the infrared sensor's ability to detect thermal radiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical temperature measurement methods with non-contact infrared thermal sensing, eliminating the need for physical contact or complex mechanical sensors. This substitution provides ease of operation through automatic detection while achieving sufficient measurement precision through optical detection of thermal radiation, avoiding the precision requirements of mechanical measurement systems.
3Ease of operation
If non-contact infrared sensing is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The non-contact infrared temperature sensor serves multiple functions: it detects temperature changes during hot flashes, monitors overall body temperature, and provides data for automated fan control. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation through comprehensive monitoring while managing device complexity by consolidating detection capabilities into a single sensor component that handles various temperature-related tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service automation where the infrared sensor continuously monitors temperature and the microcontroller automatically adjusts fan operation without user intervention. This self-service approach improves ease of operation by eliminating manual control requirements while managing device complexity through integrated control logic that processes sensor data and actuates the fan as needed.
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 offers automatic symptomatic relief for hot flashes by adjusting airflow in response to body temperature changes, providing effective cooling or heating, enhancing comfort during thermal fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a non-contact, infrared temperature sensing device which, upon sensing an increase or decrease in surface temperature
Implementation Method 2
activating a proximal air conditioning device in response thereto for abatement thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A directable, portable appliance in combination with an adjustable set-point digital temperature controller for non-contact remotely monitoring infrared temperatures of a selected area of human skin and activating an electrical fan for directing cooling air over the selected skin areas of individuals experiencing episodes of thermal chaos, i.e., hot flashes.