Core-Body Temperature Sensor With Retractable Thermistor Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional core body temperature measurement devices cause discomfort and risk of infection due to continuous exposure of sensors in the ear canal, leading to potential damage and malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A core body temperature measurement device with a thermistor-protruded structure that allows the sensor to be selectively exposed or concealed within the ear canal, featuring a rotation mechanism for easy operation and a disinfection system to maintain cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is continuously exposed inside the ear canal for temperature measurement, then the temperature measurement function is maintained, but the user feels discomfort and the sensor may be damaged or polluted
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is designed to be movable between an exposed state for measurement and a retracted state for protection. The operation unit can shift the sensor along the insertion direction, allowing it to dynamically change position based on operational needs, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining measurement function and reducing user discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is pre-positioned in a retracted state within the operation unit before measurement begins. This preliminary positioning protects the sensor from pollution and damage while minimizing user discomfort, and the sensor is only exposed when measurement is actually required
2Measurement precision
If the sensor is always exposed to measure core body temperature, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the sensor is prone to infection and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor transitions between exposed and retracted positions dynamically. When measurement is needed, the sensor protrudes to contact the ear canal wall for accurate temperature reading. When not in use, it retracts into the operation unit, preventing infection and pollution, thus maintaining measurement precision while reducing harmful factors
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is positioned to contact only the specific location on the ear canal wall where temperature measurement is required, rather than being continuously exposed throughout the ear canal. This localized contact maintains measurement accuracy while minimizing exposure to harmful factors
3Ease of operation
If a movable sensor structure is added to reduce exposure time, then user comfort improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A movable connection structure is provided between the sensor and operation unit, allowing the sensor to protrude or retract. This dynamic structure enables the sensor to move along the insertion direction, improving user comfort by reducing continuous exposure while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into the operation unit and the sensor as separate but connected components. This segmentation allows the sensor to move independently relative to the operation unit, enabling comfort improvement through controlled exposure while keeping each component's structure manageable
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
Enhances user comfort by minimizing exposure time of the sensor, reduces infection risk, and ensures accurate temperature measurement through cleanliness maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor part (360) which measures a core body temperature when the operation unit (300) is exposed to the ear canal (3)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A core body temperature measurement device includes a body and an operation unit. The body is fixed to an ear canal of user. The operation unit is combined with a front side of the body, and is configured to be exposed to the ear canal or to be concealed inside, and has a sensor part. the sensor part measures a core body temperature of user when the operation unit is exposed to the ear canal.