Probe Cover Identification for Accurate Temperature Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature measurement systems for patients face inaccuracies due to variability in probe covers' thickness, transmissivity, and material composition, which can introduce significant errors in core temperature determination.
Innovation Solution
A temperature measurement system comprising a temperature probe with a reader and controller that reads information from probe covers stored in a container, allowing for accurate estimation of core temperature by accounting for the unique properties of each cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If probe covers are used to protect the temperature sensor, then the sensor is protected from contamination, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to variability in cover properties
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of the probe cover type and reads its specific properties (thickness, transmissivity, material composition) before taking temperature measurements. This advance characterization allows the system to pre-configure correction parameters, ensuring accurate temperature compensation is applied from the start of measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously uses feedback from the identified cover properties to adjust and refine temperature measurements. By incorporating the actual cover characteristics (thickness, transmissivity, material) into the calculation algorithm, the system provides real-time compensation feedback that corrects measurement errors introduced by the cover itself.
2Measurement precision
If algorithms with predetermined estimates of cover variations are used, then measurement errors are minimized, but additional error is introduced reducing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using generic predetermined estimates, the system creates a specific profile copy for each probe cover type by reading its actual properties (thickness, transmissivity, material composition). This unique copy replaces the generic algorithmic estimate, providing precise cover-specific information that eliminates the need for broad approximations and their associated errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter approach from fixed predetermined values to dynamically read cover-specific parameters. By actually measuring and using the real thickness, transmissivity, and material composition values from the cover identification, the system adapts the temperature calculation parameters to match the actual cover properties, eliminating estimation errors.
3Ease of operation
If generic algorithms are used for temperature measurement, then the system is simpler to operate, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to unaccounted cover variability
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-identification of the probe cover type and automatically reads its properties without requiring manual user input. The temperature probe autonomously characterizes itself by detecting the cover's thickness, transmissivity, and material composition, then uses this information to automatically adjust measurements. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation while significantly improving accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature measurement system includes a temperature probe including a temperature sensor. The system also includes a reader, and a controller in communication with the temperature sensor and the reader. The system further includes a container housing a plurality of probe covers associated with the temperature probe. The container includes an information feature providing information related to the plurality of probe covers. The reader is configured to read the information and direct a signal to the controller indicative of the information.