Wearable Joint Temperature Sensor Ring With Detachable Arms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices are not suitable for reliably and conveniently measuring the temperature and other vital parameters at a joint of a finger or toe, particularly for early detection of rheumatic diseases, which is crucial for timely therapy initiation.
Innovation Solution
A ring-shaped sensor device with adjustable sensor arms and optional telescopic design, integrated temperature sensors, and additional sensors for measuring finger thickness and other physiological parameters, capable of continuous monitoring and data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a finger temperature indicator ring is used to measure body temperature, then temperature measurement is possible, but joint temperature measurement is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a base body and separate sensor arms. Each sensor arm can be independently positioned to contact different joint surfaces (finger joints, knee joints, elbow joints), allowing the same base device to measure temperature at multiple locations without requiring location-specific devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor arms extend the measurement capability from the two-dimensional plane of the base body into the three-dimensional space around the joint. By positioning sensor surfaces at the ends of sensor arms, the device can contact joint surfaces that are spatially separated from the base body, enabling measurement at finger joints, knee joints, and elbow joints.
2Measurement precision
If ergonomic thermometer is held in hand for skin surface temperature determination, then temperature measurement is possible, but constant carrying under pressure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be worn on the body (finger, knee, or elbow) rather than carried separately. The base body and sensor arms form an integrated unit that automatically positions itself at the joint through the wearable structure, eliminating the need for manual handling and constant carrying under pressure.
3Ease of operation
If device structure is simplified for patient convenience, then ease of use is improved, but reliable joint temperature recording may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor surfaces at the ends of the sensor arms are specifically designed to contact the joint surfaces. This localized contact area ensures reliable temperature measurement at the joint while the rest of the device structure remains simplified for patient convenience. The sensor arms provide the necessary contact pressure and positioning without complicating the overall device.
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 precise and continuous monitoring of joint temperature and swelling, providing comprehensive data for early diagnosis and therapy initiation, reducing drug dosage and long-term damage.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor surface functionally associated with a temperature sensor is arranged at the end on the sensor arm... the sensor surface comes to rest on the base joint of the patient's finger
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device for determining vital parameters relevant to inflammation includes a base body (1a) with a substantially rectangular base surface; an ring-shaped holder (2), which is fixed to the base body (1a), for placing on a finger of a patient; and at least one sensor arm (4), which is detachably fixed to the base body (1a). A sensor surface, which is functionally associated with a temperature sensor (6), is arranged at the end on the sensor arm (4) in such a way and the sensor arm (4) has such a length that the sensor surface in the position of use comes to rest on the base joint of the patient's finger. Means for storing and optionally transmitting the data measured by the temperature sensor to a data evaluation unit are provided in the base body, and the at least one sensor arm (4) fixed to the base body (1a) is detachably fixed to the base body.