Sensor Panel With Thermal Insulation for Accurate Skin Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature monitoring devices for diabetic foot ulcers suffer from reduced sensitivity due to high thermal conductivity materials like glass affecting temperature readings, and are difficult for patients to use accurately and consistently.
Innovation Solution
A skin inspection device with a thermally insulating interlayer between temperature sensors and the substrate, using materials with low thermal conductivity and transparency, such as silica aerogel or transparent polymers, to minimize heat transfer effects and improve temperature measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If glass substrate is used to support temperature sensors, then structural strength and optical transparency are improved, but thermal conductivity increases causing reduced temperature measurement sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal insulation layer is introduced as an intermediary between the glass substrate and the temperature sensors. This layer acts as a thermal barrier that prevents heat conducted through the glass substrate from reaching the sensors, thereby isolating the sensors from substrate-induced temperature variations while maintaining the structural and optical benefits of the glass substrate.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate structure is segmented into distinct functional layers: the glass substrate layer provides mechanical strength and optical transparency, while a separate thermal insulation layer provides thermal isolation. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and measurement sensitivity.
2Device complexity
If temperature sensors are physically mated to the substrate, then structural integration is improved, but thermal coupling causes temperature readings to be affected by substrate temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal insulation layer serves as an intermediary that decouples the thermal relationship between the substrate and sensors while maintaining their physical integration. The sensors remain mounted on the substrate structure, but the insulation layer blocks thermal conduction, allowing structural integration without thermal coupling.
3Use of energy by moving object
If high thermal conductivity material is used for substrate, then heat transfer from foot to sensor is improved, but ambient temperature effects on substrate increase measurement error
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal insulation layer acts as a selective intermediary that blocks heat transfer from the ambient environment and substrate to the sensors, while still allowing efficient heat transfer from the foot to the sensors through direct contact. This resolves the contradiction by directing thermal conduction pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal insulation is applied locally at the interface between the substrate and sensors, rather than throughout the entire substrate. This localized insulation approach prevents ambient temperature effects on the sensors while maintaining the overall thermal properties needed for foot temperature measurement.
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 device provides more accurate temperature readings by reducing the impact of ambient temperature changes and substrate heat flux, enhancing sensitivity and ease of use for diabetic patients.
Implementation Method 1
an interlayer comprising a material for thermally insulating the temperature sensors from the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A panel for a skin inspection device is described. The panel comprises a substrate; an array of temperature sensors; an interlayer comprising a material for thermally insulating the temperature sensors from the substrate.