Resonant Wireless Temperature Sensor for Vaccine Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature monitoring systems for vaccines are inefficient due to size, cost, and inaccuracy issues, particularly during storage and transport, as they often require external power sources, specialized equipment, and do not effectively track temperature fluctuations over time.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensing device using resonant wireless energy transfer for power and data communication, integrated into a small IC chip, which includes a CMOS-based temperature sensor and ultra-low power ADC, allowing for real-time temperature monitoring and logging without external power or casing, suitable for use with vaccines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic circuitry is used to monitor and log temperature history, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (temperature sensing, data processing, storage, and RF communication) into a single integrated circuit chip. This merging eliminates the need for separate electronic components and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining precise temperature monitoring capabilities through integrated CMOS circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic monitoring systems with a magnetic field-based sensing mechanism. The temperature sensor responds to temperature changes by altering its electrical properties, which are then detected through RF coupling without requiring complex electronic readout circuitry, thus simplifying the overall system.
2Reliability
If external power sources are used for temperature sensing, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is designed to be passive, drawing power from the external RF magnetic field through electromagnetic induction. This self-powered approach eliminates the need for internal batteries or power management circuits, reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining reliable temperature monitoring through continuous RF-powered operation.
3Measurement precision
If specialized reading equipment is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit is designed to be universally readable through standard RF magnetic field coupling, compatible with common RFID readers and wireless communication devices. This universality allows temperature data to be accessed using widely available equipment without requiring specialized reading devices or extensive user training, while maintaining precise temperature measurement capabilities.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If temperature sensor is placed inside casing, then protection from chemical reactions is improved, but measurement precision and cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is enclosed in a thin, chemically inert coating that provides protection from chemical reactions with the vaccine while allowing thermal energy to pass through freely. This thin-film encapsulation maintains accurate temperature measurement by ensuring thermal equilibrium between the sensor and the vaccine, while simultaneously protecting the sensor from chemical damage.
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 solution provides accurate, real-time temperature monitoring and logging, reducing size and cost while avoiding chemical reactions, and enabling effective tracking of temperature fluctuations, thus enhancing vaccine storage and transport efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
designed to receive resonant wireless power loads from the control device
Implementation Method 2
The temperature sensor is adapted to be powered by resonant wireless energy transfer
Implementation Method 3
a temperature sensor adapted to be operatively connected to the resonant receiver circuit for deriving power and for measuring the temperature of the subject body
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a system for monitoring temperature of one or more subject bodies, the system including a resonant reading circuit adapted to generate resonant wireless power loads; a resonant receiver circuit adapted to be magnetically connected to the resonant reading circuit for receiving the resonant wireless power loads and for generating power based on the power loads received; one or more temperature sensors adapted to be operatively connected to the resonant receiver circuit for deriving power and for measuring the temperatures of the one or more subject bodies respectively based on the resonant wireless power loads received; and a relay circuit adapted to be operatively connected to the one or more temperature sensors and to the resonant receiver circuit for relaying the measured temperatures to the resonant reading circuit via the resonant receiver circuit using wireless resonant energy transfer. There is further provided a temperature-sensing device and a storage apparatus.