Infrared Thermometer Probe Cover Blackbody Thermal Equilibrium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic thermometers face challenges in assembly due to small components, require rapid heating which drains power, and rely on complex predictive algorithms for quick temperature measurement, necessitating an improvement in speed and assembly efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A probe cover with a blackbody portion that rapidly equilibrates to an object's temperature, facilitating quicker temperature measurement and reducing power consumption, while simplifying assembly by integrating a tubular body with a stretchable film for easy attachment and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the probe is heated rapidly to achieve quick temperature measurement, then the measurement speed is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heating function from the main probe body and relocates it to a separate disposable probe cover containing a heating element. This allows the heating function to be discarded after use, eliminating the need to recharge or replace expensive internal batteries in the main thermometer unit, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining rapid measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe cover with its integrated heating element is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after a single use. This eliminates the need for recharging or replacing expensive internal power sources in the main thermometer unit, reducing long-term power consumption and maintenance costs while enabling rapid heating for quick measurements.
2Speed
If multiple small components are used in the probe to enable rapid temperature measurement, then the measurement speed is improved, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (temperature sensing, heating, insulation, and protective covering) into a single integrated disposable probe cover assembly. This eliminates the need to precisely assemble multiple small components in the main probe body, as all these elements are pre-integrated in the disposable cover that is simply slipped over the probe shaft, dramatically reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the thermometer into two segments: a reusable main unit containing only essential electronics, and a disposable probe cover containing all temperature measurement components (sensor, heating element, insulation). This segmentation allows the complex components to be pre-assembled in the disposable cover, reducing the assembly complexity of the main unit while maintaining rapid measurement capability.
3Speed
If a blackbody portion is added to the probe cover for rapid thermal equilibrium, then the temperature measurement speed is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the probe cover by incorporating a blackbody portion with high emissivity and low heat capacity materials. This allows the cover to rapidly absorb and emit thermal radiation, achieving thermal equilibrium with the patient's body quickly. The manufacturing complexity is managed by selecting materials with inherent desirable thermal properties rather than requiring complex thermal management systems.
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
The probe cover enhances assembly efficiency, reduces power consumption, and enables faster temperature measurement by utilizing a blackbody for rapid thermal equilibrium, improving the overall performance of infrared electronic thermometers.
Implementation Method 1
The body includes a blackbody portion at the closed end of the body. The blackbody portion is formed of a material that rapidly equilibrates to a temperature corresponding to the temperature of an object for viewing by a sensor of the electronic thermometer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A
Figure 2
AI summary
A probe cover having a portion that operates as a blackbody. The blackbody rapidly heats to equilibrium with the body tissue. An infrared thermometer using the probe cover may view the blackbody to acquire the temperature of the body tissue temperature being measured.