Noninvasive Core Temperature Monitoring With Thermal Self-Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing noninvasive core body temperature sensors have high energy consumption, limited accuracy, and are dependent on environmental conditions, making them unsuitable for out-of-hospital applications.
Innovation Solution
A noninvasive temperature monitoring apparatus with a pair of temperature sensors separated by a thermal insulation layer, using a heater to calculate thermal conductivity constants, allowing for accurate core body temperature measurement with minimal power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If heat flow based techniques are used for noninvasive core body temperature sensing, then invasive methods are avoided, but energy consumption increases and accuracy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic calibration cycles where the heater is activated intermittently to maintain thermal conductivity constants, rather than continuous operation. This allows the system to switch between measurement mode (low power) and calibration mode (higher power), significantly reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration of thermal conductivity constants before actual temperature measurements. By pre-determining these constants through controlled heater activation, the system avoids continuous high-power operation during measurement phases, reducing energy consumption while ensuring accurate readings
2Ease of operation
If heat flow based techniques are used for noninvasive core body temperature sensing, then invasive methods are avoided, but measurement accuracy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors temperatures at multiple points (T1, T2, T3) and uses this feedback to dynamically calculate and update thermal conductivity constants. This feedback mechanism allows the system to compensate for environmental changes and maintain high measurement accuracy in noninvasive conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct thermal contact measurement (mechanical/invasive) with a computational model that calculates core body temperature based on temperature gradients and thermal conductivity constants. This substitution enables noninvasive measurement while maintaining accuracy through mathematical modeling rather than direct physical contact
3Ease of operation
If heat flow based techniques are used for noninvasive core body temperature sensing, then invasive methods are avoided, but dependency on environmental conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts thermal conductivity constants based on real-time environmental conditions and measured temperature gradients. Rather than using fixed constants, the system continuously updates these parameters to account for environmental variations, enabling accurate measurements across different conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal conductivity constant parameters based on environmental conditions and physiological state. By allowing these parameters to vary rather than remaining fixed, the system adapts to different environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, airflow) and maintains measurement accuracy in diverse settings
4Device complexity
If thermal conductivity constants are determined by initial calibration only, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy deteriorates over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic recalibration cycles where the heater is activated at intervals to update thermal conductivity constants. This periodic action maintains measurement accuracy over time without requiring continuous complex calibration, balancing simplicity with precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration using its own heater and temperature sensors to determine thermal conductivity constants without requiring external calibration equipment. This self-service approach maintains accuracy while minimizing additional device complexity
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
Provides accurate core body temperature monitoring with low power consumption, suitable for outdoor use, by alternating between calibration and measurement modes to adapt to varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The first temperature sensor is configured for detecting the temperature, denoted by T1. The second temperature sensor is configured for detecting the temperature, denoted by T2
Implementation Method 2
The thermal insulation layer is formed with a predetermined thermal conductivity constant, denoted by C1
Data Source
AI summary
A core body temperature monitoring apparatus placed superdermally over a user's skin, including a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a thermal insulation layer positioned intermediate the first and second temperature sensor and a heater for heating the apparatus and a subdermal tissue region underlying the user's skin. The subdermal tissue region is configured with variable thermal tissue parameters. A controller includes a switch configured for alternating between a calibration mode, wherein the heater is activated for calculating an instantaneous thermal tissue parameter, and a measurement mode, wherein the heater is inactive and the core body temperature is determined, based on the calculated instantaneous thermal tissue parameter.