Temperature-Sensing Facemask with Continuous Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing face coverings do not provide continuous and reliable temperature monitoring, which can lead to individuals being unaware of developing a fever throughout the day, especially in settings where initial temperature checks may not be conducted, posing a risk during pandemics and healthcare exposure.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-sensing face covering with embedded sensors in the earloops and a display on the mask that continuously monitors and alerts the wearer and others if their temperature exceeds 100.4° F, eliminating the need for additional equipment and providing hands-free temperature readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature checks are performed at building entrances using dedicated equipment, then initial temperature measurement is achieved, but continuous monitoring throughout the day is not possible and additional equipment infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature sensing function with the facemask structure by integrating a temperature sensor into the facemask body, specifically positioning it to contact the wearer's cheek or jaw area. This merging eliminates the need for separate temperature checking equipment and infrastructure, allowing continuous monitoring to be embedded within the everyday protective mask itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The facemask is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: providing facial protection during pandemics and enabling continuous temperature monitoring. By integrating the temperature sensor into the facemask, the device becomes a multi-functional tool that combines protective and monitoring capabilities, eliminating the need for dedicated temperature checking equipment.
2Duration of action of moving object
If temperature sensors are integrated into the facemask for continuous monitoring, then continuous temperature detection is achieved, but the facemask structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensing function is segmented as a separate modular component that can be integrated into the facemask. The sensor is positioned in a specific region of the facemask (contacting the cheek or jaw area) and can be independently installed or removed, allowing continuous monitoring capability to be added without fundamentally redesigning the entire facemask structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The facemask with integrated temperature sensor enables the wearer to autonomously monitor their own temperature continuously throughout the day without requiring external equipment or infrastructure. The device serves itself by providing hands-free, continuous temperature detection that alerts the wearer to fever conditions, eliminating the need for manual temperature checks or additional monitoring equipment.
3Loss of information
If manual temperature checks are performed periodically, then temperature assessment is achieved, but early detection of developing fever is missed and time delay occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated temperature sensor provides continuous temperature monitoring throughout the day, eliminating the gaps between periodic manual checks. The sensor continuously tracks temperature changes and can immediately detect when fever develops, ensuring no temperature information is lost and enabling real-time detection of health changes without time delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature monitoring system provides immediate feedback to the wearer through visual or audible alerts when fever is detected. This feedback mechanism enables the wearer to quickly respond to temperature changes, allowing for rapid intervention and reducing the time delay between fever development and detection.
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 continuous, reliable temperature monitoring, facilitating early detection of fever and rapid intervention, especially in healthcare settings, without requiring additional equipment or infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor, such as an infrared temperature sensor
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor, such as an infrared temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature-sensing face covering, such as a facemask or a face shield, with a temperature sensor and display unit therein to provide for hands free temperature readings that go wherever the individual goes and continue to measure the individual's temperature throughout the day. The temperature-sensing face covering is simple and does not require the sites of work or other places to have any additional equipment, and provides continual readings that could very easily change throughout the day and be missed because at the beginning of the day the individual did not have a fever.