Miniaturized IR Sensor with Integrated Wireless Transmitter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-contact infrared temperature sensors are limited by their size and the need for a separate wired transmitter, restricting their versatility and ability to provide real-time temperature data without a separate diagnostic system.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized non-contact infrared temperature sensor with a built-in wireless communication element, processor, and memory that transmits temperature data via Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy, allowing direct contact mounting and real-time data display on a handheld device without protective coverings to prevent debris entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate wired transmitter is used with the IR sensor head, then the sensor can transmit data to a host device, but the size and portability are limited and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wireless transmitter functionality directly into the IR sensor head by integrating a wireless communication module, processor, and power source into a single compact unit. This merging eliminates the need for a separate wired transmitter and host device connection, achieving both miniaturization and wireless data transmission capability simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor unit performs multiple functions within a single device: infrared detection, temperature calculation, wireless data transmission, and local processing. The processor executes algorithms to convert IR signals to temperature readings, while the wireless module enables communication with mobile devices, making the sensor self-sufficient and universally applicable without external equipment.
2Reliability
If the aperture is covered with protective coverings, then debris contamination is prevented, but the infrared radiation detection is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a transparent protective window or film over the aperture that allows infrared radiation to pass through while blocking debris and contaminants. This thin transparent barrier maintains the optical path for accurate temperature measurement while providing physical protection against environmental contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective covering uses porous or microstructured materials that permit infrared wavelengths to transmit through while physically blocking larger debris particles. The porous structure allows selective passage based on wavelength size, enabling both protection and detection functionality.
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 increased miniaturization and versatility in temperature sensing, providing real-time temperature data wirelessly without the need for a separate transmitter, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
a detector element configured to detect IR radiation emitted from an object and generate a sensor signal indicative of the detected IR radiation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
An infrared (IR) temperature sensor includes a detector element, a wireless communication element, a memory, and a processor. The detector element detects IR radiation emitted from an object and generates an electrical signal proportional to the detected IR radiation. The memory is configured to store command instructions. The processor is operably connected to the detector element, the wireless communication element, and the memory. The processor is configured to execute the command instructions to transform the electrical signal into an output signal proportional to a temperature of the object and transmit the output signal with the wireless communication element. The IR sensor further includes a body that encloses the detector element, the wireless communication element, the memory, and the processor. The body defines an aperture that extends between the detector element and a mounting surface of the body and faces the object.