Surface Temperature Profile for Core Body Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring core body temperature are invasive or lack accuracy, and non-invasive methods often rely on external temperature readings that may not accurately represent internal body temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A thermometric device with multiple temperature sensors configured to measure temperature profiles at various locations near blood vessels, using infrared sensors and processing units to calculate core body temperature based on temperature gradients and heat flux relationships, allowing for contact or contactless, stationary or movable measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive temperature probes are used to measure core body temperature, then measurement accuracy is improved, but patient comfort and safety deteriorate due to insertion requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary substance (contrast agent) introduced into the body cavity to enhance the thermal coupling between the external sensor and the target organ. This mediator allows accurate temperature measurement without direct invasive probe insertion into the organ, resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and patient safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive probe insertion system with a non-invasive external sensor system that uses thermal radiation detection. This substitution eliminates the harmful mechanical intrusion while maintaining temperature measurement capability through electromagnetic interaction with the contrast agent-enhanced thermal field.
2Ease of operation
If external temperature sensors are used for non-invasive measurement, then patient comfort is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to inability to directly measure internal temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the measurement system by introducing a contrast agent with specific thermal properties (high thermal conductivity, high heat capacity) into the body cavity. This parameter change enhances the thermal coupling between the internal organ and external environment, allowing external sensors to accurately detect internal temperature without invasive insertion.
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are deployed to create temperature profiles, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from point-based temperature measurement to area-based temperature profiling by deploying multiple sensors in a two-dimensional array. This dimensional change allows comprehensive temperature distribution mapping across the body surface, improving measurement accuracy while the systematic arrangement manages complexity through structured data collection.
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
Provides accurate, non-invasive estimation of core body temperature by determining temperature gradients and heat flux relationships, enhancing measurement precision and convenience through wireless data transmission to monitoring systems.
Implementation Method 1
one or more temperature sensors, which are configured to provide respective temperature-dependent readings at two or more locations on a surface in a vicinity of a sub-surface heat source
Implementation Method 2
determining a temperature of the sub-surface heat source... based on a profile of body surface temperatures and/or heat flux profiles
Data Source
AI summary
Thermometric apparatus includes one or more temperature sensors, which are configured to provide respective temperature-dependent readings at two or more locations on a surface in a vicinity of a sub-surface heat source. A processing unit is configured to process the readings from the two or more locations so as to determine a temperature of the sub-surface heat source.