Predictive Thermometer Probe with Proximity Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic thermometers take a substantial amount of time to obtain accurate temperature measurements due to the lag in heat flow to the temperature sensor, and they are limited in using the predictive mode at higher ambient temperatures because the probe tip temperature must be maintained below the body temperature, making it difficult to detect contact.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a proximity sensor within the thermometer probe that generates a contact signal when in close proximity to the patient, allowing the control unit to disable the heater and initiate temperature measurement independently of the temperature sensor, enabling the probe tip to be maintained at a temperature closer to the body temperature, thus reducing measurement time and enabling predictive mode usage at higher ambient temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the probe tip temperature is maintained below body temperature (e.g., at 93°F) to enable temperature rise detection, then contact detection is reliable, but measurement time increases and predictive mode cannot be used at higher ambient temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates contact detection from temperature measurement by introducing a dedicated proximity sensor (capacitive or optical) that operates independently of the temperature sensor. This segmentation allows the probe tip to be maintained at body temperature (98.6°F) without compromising contact detection reliability, as the proximity sensor provides a separate detection mechanism that is not dependent on temperature differential
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity sensor acts as an intermediary between the probe tip and the temperature sensor, providing contact detection information without requiring the probe tip temperature to be below body temperature. This intermediary device enables the temperature measurement system to operate at higher temperatures while maintaining reliable contact detection
2Productivity
If the probe tip temperature is increased closer to body temperature to reduce measurement time, then measurement speed improves, but contact detection becomes difficult when ambient temperature is above 93°F
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the detection functions into a proximity sensor (for contact detection) and a temperature sensor (for temperature measurement), the system can maintain the probe tip at body temperature (98.6°F) to achieve fast measurements while the proximity sensor independently provides reliable contact detection regardless of ambient temperature conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from temperature differential (which fails at high ambient temperatures) to capacitance or optical proximity detection, which remain effective across all ambient temperature ranges. This parameter change enables the probe tip to operate at higher temperatures without compromising contact detection
3Reliability
If a temperature sensor is used to detect probe tip contact by monitoring temperature rise, then contact detection is achieved, but substantial measurement time is required for temperature stabilization
Solution Approach 1:
The proximity sensor performs preliminary contact detection before temperature measurement begins, allowing the system to immediately initiate temperature measurement once contact is confirmed, rather than waiting for temperature stabilization. This preliminary action eliminates the temperature stabilization delay
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the measurement process into two independent stages: contact detection (performed by proximity sensor) and temperature measurement (performed by temperature sensor). This segmentation allows contact detection to occur instantaneously without requiring temperature changes, while temperature measurement proceeds separately with improved accuracy
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 significantly reduces the time required to obtain accurate temperature readings and allows the thermometer to function in the predictive mode at higher ambient temperatures by using a separate proximity sensor to detect patient contact, eliminating the need for a temperature rise indication, thereby shortening the measurement time and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the proximity sensor is a capacitive proximity sensor that includes an alternating current applied to the metallic probe tip. When the metallic probe tip is positioned in close proximity with the patient, the impedance between the metallic probe tip and the patient decreases, causing an increase in the amount of current supplied to the probe tip
Implementation Method 2
The thermometer probe includes an internal temperature sensor and heater such that a control unit of the electronic thermometer can operate the heater to maintain the temperature of the probe tip of the thermometer probe at a target temperature
Implementation Method 3
An inherent characteristic of electronic thermometers is that they do not instantaneously measure the temperature of the sites to which they are applied. It may take a substantial period of time before the temperature sensitive device stabilizes at the temperature of the site
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for preheating the thermometer probe of an electronic thermometer to a temperature closer to the temperature of the patient to be monitored. The system includes a thermometer probe that includes a heater, temperature sensor and proximity sensor, each coupled to a processor for controlling the operation of the electronic thermometer. The proximity sensor positioned within the thermometer probe generates a contact signal when the thermometer probe is positioned in close proximity to the patient. Upon receiving the contact signal, the processor disables the operation of the heater and begins the process of estimating the patient temperature. By utilizing a separate proximity sensor, the temperature of the probe tip can be elevated to the normal human body temperature, which allows the temperature estimation to be completed more rapidly and allows the thermometer to function at higher ambient temperature environments.