Intelligent Temperature Probe With Pre-Heating And Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature-measurement probes face inaccuracies due to variations in manufacturing, leading to inconsistent temperature estimation at human body sites before reaching thermal equilibrium.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent temperature probe system that includes a probe with a thermistor and heater, communicating with a host device to compute and display accurate predicted temperatures, accounting for unique operating characteristics of each probe through procedural models and temperature correlation information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a predictive thermometer uses a probe tip placed in physical contact with a target site to estimate temperature before thermal equilibrium, then the measurement time is reduced, but manufacturing variations cause inaccuracies in temperature estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by pre-heating the probe tip to specific temperature values (e.g., 42°C, 44°C, 46°C) before measurement. This controlled initial temperature parameter allows the system to compensate for manufacturing variations and achieve accurate temperature predictions before thermal equilibrium is reached, thus reducing measurement time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the host device receives temperature data from the probe tip and compares it against predicted values. The procedural model continuously refines temperature estimation based on actual probe temperature readings, allowing correction of manufacturing variations and improving measurement accuracy without requiring thermal equilibrium.
2Measurement precision
If the probe tip is pre-heated to a pre-determined temperature before temperature estimation, then the temperature prediction can be improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional heating components and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function with the existing probe tip structure by integrating a heater element directly into the probe tip assembly. This combination allows pre-heating functionality to be achieved without adding separate, complex heating systems, thus improving temperature prediction accuracy while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary heating of the probe tip to predetermined temperatures before actual measurement. This preliminary action prepares the probe in a controlled state that facilitates accurate temperature prediction, and the heating process is automated through control circuits that manage the heating elements without requiring complex manual intervention.
3Ease of manufacture
If variations in manufacturing occur in predictive thermometers, then production cost is reduced, but temperature estimation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes by implementing adjustable pre-heating temperatures and dynamic correction factors that can be modified through software. This allows the system to compensate for manufacturing variations without requiring tight manufacturing tolerances, thus maintaining production flexibility while improving temperature estimation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the host device continuously monitors probe temperature and compares it against predicted values. The procedural model uses this feedback to dynamically adjust temperature predictions, compensating for manufacturing variations and ensuring accurate measurements even when production tolerances vary.
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
Enables accurate and efficient temperature measurement at human body sites by predicting temperatures before thermal equilibrium, minimizing manufacturing-related inaccuracies and providing adaptable solutions for various probe designs.
Implementation Method 1
a probe tip that is placed in physical contact with a target site... for the purpose of measuring a temperature of that target site
Implementation Method 2
The invention includes an intelligent probe having a set of unique operating characteristics and that is configured to physically contact a target site
Implementation Method 3
The probe tip may be pre-heated to a pre-determined temperature before temperature estimation
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system and method for temperature measurement of a target site, such a human body site. The invention includes an intelligent temperature probe configured to physically contact a target site and to communicate with a host device, which can be implemented as a hand-held device or as a personal computer. The host device can compute, store and display an accurate predicted temperature, or an actual temperature at thermal equilibrium, of the target site for each of a plurality of different intelligent temperature probes that each have unique and varied operating characteristics. A set of unique operating characteristics for each temperature probe is represented by information communicated between each respective temperature probe and the host device.