Retractable Probe Thermometer with Infrared Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermometers lack versatility and ease of use, particularly for professionals who need to measure temperatures in confined or hard-to-reach areas, and often require two hands for operation, limiting their functionality and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A handheld multi-function thermometer with a retractable probe and infrared temperature reader, along with a laser pointer and magnet, allowing single-handed operation between probe and infrared modes, with a display that can show readings from both sensors and switch between single and dual screen displays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single type of temperature probe is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different measurement circumstances (confined spaces, hot surfaces, etc.)
Solution Approach 1:
The thermometer integrates two distinct measurement functions (infrared contactless measurement and probe contact measurement) into a single device. The housing contains both an infrared reader element for remote temperature sensing and a temperature probe with shaft and sensing element for direct contact measurement. Users can switch between infrared mode and probe mode to accommodate different measurement circumstances such as confined spaces, hot surfaces, or areas requiring direct contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensing function is divided into two separate subsystems: an infrared reader element for contactless measurement and a physical probe with sensing element for direct contact measurement. Each subsystem is independently functional but integrated within the same housing, allowing the device to handle diverse measurement scenarios without requiring multiple separate tools.
2Ease of operation
If traditional thermometers are designed for two-handed operation, then control and display are adequate, but ease of use is reduced when hands are engaged in other tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The thermometer incorporates automatic mode detection and display switching that requires minimal user intervention. When the probe is inserted into the housing, the system automatically detects the presence and configures the display to show probe temperature readings. When in infrared mode, the display automatically shows infrared measurements. This self-configuring behavior eliminates the need for manual mode switching and reduces the complexity of control mechanisms while enabling single-handed operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a retractable probe is added to the housing, then versatility is improved, but device complexity and potential reliability issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature probe is designed with a retractable shaft that nests within the housing when not in use. The sensing element at the tip of the shaft can be inserted into or retracted from the housing as needed. This nesting arrangement protects the probe when stored, reduces the risk of damage during handling, and maintains a compact form factor while preserving full measurement capability when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe connection mechanism is integrated with the housing structure itself. The probe shaft connects to the sensing element and display system through connections that are part of the housing assembly. This merging of the probe interface with the housing reduces the number of separate connection points and potential failure points, improving reliability while maintaining the retractable functionality.
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
Enables easy, reliable, and single-handed temperature measurement in various applications, including cooking and industrial settings, by providing switchable modes and secure attachment to surfaces, enhancing user convenience and operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
An infrared temperature reader element is also engaged to the housing, and operative to sense the temperature of objects remote from the housing, within a field of view of the infrared reader element
Implementation Method 2
A laser pointer may also be connected to the housing, proximate the infrared temperature reader element. The laser pointer is operative to illuminate an object remote from the thermometer, within the infrared temperature reader element field of view
Data Source
AI summary
A multi function thermometer is provided which operates to display temperatures sensed by one or more temperature sensors. The thermometer comprises a thermometer housing and a temperature probe engaged to the housing, the probe being translatable between a first stowed position and a second deployed position. An infrared temperature reader element is also engaged to the housing, and operative to sense the temperature of objects remote from the housing, within a field of view of the infrared reader element. A temperature display is connected to the retractable probe and to the infrared temperature reader element. The display is operative to display temperatures sensed by the retractable probe and/or the infrared reader element.