IR Sensor Probe Cover Detection for Tympanic Thermometer Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tympanic thermometers often fail to detect proper probe placement, leading to cross-contamination and inaccurate readings due to the lack of a sanitary barrier during use.

Innovation Solution

An electronic thermometer with an IR probe system that emits and detects an infrared signal to confirm the probe is correctly positioned within a probe cover, ensuring accurate temperature measurement by activating the temperature sensor only when the probe is properly inserted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the thermometer probe is inserted into the subject's cavity without a probe cover, then the measurement process is simplified and faster, but cross-contamination occurs and measurement accuracy is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses an infrared sensor to detect whether the probe is covered, and provides feedback through visual indicators (LED lights) and audible signals to guide the user. The thermometer only performs measurement when proper probe cover placement is detected, ensuring accuracy while maintaining operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical switch-based detection with an optical infrared detection system. The IR sensor detects the presence or absence of the probe cover through infrared radiation patterns, providing more reliable and contactless detection compared to mechanical switches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the thermometer includes a detection system to verify probe cover placement, then measurement accuracy and sanitation are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The infrared sensor serves multiple functions: it detects probe cover presence, verifies proper insertion depth, and can potentially detect environmental conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection mechanisms, minimizing added complexity while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors changes in infrared radiation parameters (intensity, pattern, wavelength) to determine probe cover status. By detecting parameter changes rather than requiring complex mechanical structures, the system achieves reliable detection with minimal added complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the thermometer continuously monitors probe placement, then measurement reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The infrared detection system operates periodically rather than continuously, activating at key moments (when the probe is inserted, during measurement initiation) to verify proper placement. This periodic operation maintains measurement reliability while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs probe placement verification in advance before initiating the actual temperature measurement. By checking probe cover presence and proper insertion beforehand, the system ensures measurement reliability is established prior to the energy-intensive measurement process, avoiding unnecessary continuous monitoring during measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 enhances the accuracy of temperature readings by preventing cross-contamination and ensuring the thermometer is powered only when the probe is correctly inserted, thereby improving measurement reliability and reducing the need for frequent cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

An IR emitter emits an infrared signal from the probe. And an IR detector detects the infrared signal emitted by the IR emitter.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

the sensing probe includes a heat sensor such as a thermopile for sensing infrared emission from the tympanic membrane, or eardrum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared emission detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 3

the sensing probe includes a heat sensor such as a thermopile for sensing infrared emission

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermopile effect: Thermopile

Implementation Method 4

The thermopile utilizes a waveguide of radiant heat to transfer heat energy from the eardrum to the sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiant heat transfer: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS8622613B2IR sensor for electronic thermometer

Publication Date: 2014.01.07 KPR U S LLC

AI summary

An electronic thermometer includes a probe adapted to be heated by a subject for use in measuring a temperature of the subject. At least one temperature sensor detects a temperature of the probe. An IR emitter emits an infrared signal from the probe. And an IR detector detects the infrared signal emitted by the IR emitter. The detection of the IR signal by the IR detector indicates that the probe is received in a probe cover.