Non-Invasive Skin Layer Thickness Analyzer Using Thermal Step Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the thickness of layers, such as human skin, are inaccurate and invasive, making it difficult to estimate the thickness of the hypodermis in medical and fitness applications.
Innovation Solution
A thickness analyzer unit comprising a temperature change device, temperature sensor, memory, and controller that induces a temperature change and calculates the thickness based on thermal conductivity, specific thermal capacity, and density values, using a thermal step response to determine the time constant and subsequently the layer thickness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If known methods are used to determine layer thickness, then the measurement can be performed, but the accuracy of thickness estimation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the measurement parameter from direct physical measurement to thermal response measurement. By measuring temperature changes over time in response to a thermal stimulus, the system indirectly determines layer thickness through thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and density parameters, achieving higher accuracy without invasive procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical or physical measurement methods with a thermal field-based measurement system. A temperature change device applies thermal energy and sensors detect thermal response, substituting traditional mechanical measurement approaches that are either inaccurate or invasive
2Measurement precision
If invasive methods are used to measure layer thickness, then measurement can be performed, but the procedure becomes invasive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces thermal energy as an intermediary medium to measure layer thickness. Instead of directly measuring physical dimensions or requiring contact with the layer, the system uses temperature changes in response to applied heat as an intermediate indicator, enabling non-invasive measurement while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces invasive mechanical measurement methods with a non-invasive thermal measurement system. The temperature change device and sensor system eliminates the need for physical contact or disruption of the layer being measured, making the procedure easy to perform while maintaining measurement capability
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 quick, accurate, and non-invasive estimation of the combined thickness of skin layers, providing reliable thickness data independent of gender, weight, or body mass index, and applicable to various systems with substantially continuous layers.
Implementation Method 1
Heat transfer includes thermal conduction, thermal convection, and thermal radiation
Implementation Method 2
Heat transfer includes thermal conduction, thermal convection, and thermal radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A thickness analyzer unit for determining a thickness of a layer includes a temperature change device, a temperature sensor, a memory, and a controller. The temperature change device is configured to induce a temperature change of the layer from a first temperature value to a second temperature value. The temperature sensor is configured to generate first temperature data corresponding to the first temperature value and second temperature data corresponding to the second temperature value. The memory is configured to store the first and second temperature values, a thermal conductivity value, a specific thermal capacity value, and a density value. The controller is configured (i) to determine a time constant value of the layer based on the first and second temperature values, and (ii) to determine the thickness of the layer based on the time constant value, the thermal conductivity value, the specific thermal capacity value, and the density value.