Core Body Thermometer Heat Flow Division
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing core body thermometers face accuracy issues due to variations in thermal resistance caused by tissue and shape variations in subjects, and they often require heating elements that increase power consumption and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A core body thermometer that estimates core body temperature by receiving heat from a subject at one node, using a heat receiving terminal to divide heat into two flows, and employing thermal resistance bodies to isolate heat flow measurement systems, reducing the impact of thermal resistance variations and eliminating the need for heating elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two pairs of heat flow detection structures are used to detect heat flow from deep portions of the subject, then the core body temperature can be measured, but the thermal resistance varies depending on the location due to tissue and shape variations, resulting in uncertain factors in the measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces thermal resistance bodies with predetermined thermal resistance values as intermediary components between the heat receiving terminal and the temperature sensors. These thermal resistance bodies serve as mediators that standardize the thermal pathway, eliminating the influence of varying tissue thermal resistance and enabling accurate core body temperature measurement regardless of location-specific tissue variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal resistance parameter by introducing thermal resistance bodies with known, predetermined thermal resistance values. This transforms the measurement system from one that deals with variable, unknown thermal resistance to one that uses controlled, standardized thermal resistance, thereby enabling accurate calculation of core body temperature
2Measurement precision
If a heating element is arranged on the second temperature sensor to balance temperatures and calculate core body temperature, then the core body temperature can be measured, but current consumption is increased and manufacturing cost may increase due to control circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the heating element from the temperature measurement system. Instead of using active heating to balance temperatures, the invention uses passive thermal conduction through thermal resistance bodies with predetermined values, thereby eliminating the need for energy-consuming heating elements and control circuits while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a self-service approach where the thermal resistance bodies with predetermined values automatically provide the necessary thermal pathways without requiring external energy input or active control. The system performs temperature measurement passively, eliminating the need for energy-consuming heating elements
3Measurement precision
If a heating element is arranged on the second temperature sensor to balance temperatures, then the core body temperature can be measured, but the manufacturing cost may be increased due to control circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the heating element and its associated control circuit from the system. The measurement function is achieved through passive thermal conduction using thermal resistance bodies with predetermined values, thereby eliminating complex control circuits and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a self-service approach where the thermal resistance bodies with predetermined values automatically provide the necessary thermal pathways without requiring external energy input or active control. The system performs temperature measurement passively, eliminating the need for energy-consuming heating elements and complex control circuits, thereby reducing manufacturing costs
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
This configuration enhances measurement accuracy, reduces power consumption, and lowers manufacturing costs by independently measuring heat flows without interference and without the use of heating elements.
Implementation Method 1
a heat receiving terminal which is provided on the substrate, with which heat from the subject is received, and which divides the heat into the first heat flow and the second heat flow
Implementation Method 2
a first thermal resistance body which is provided between the heat receiving terminal and the first input-side temperature sensor and has a predetermined thermal resistance value
Data Source
AI summary
A core body thermometer includes a substrate, a heat receiving terminal with which heat from a subject is received and which divides the heat into first heat flow and second heat flow and causes the first heat flow and the second heat flow to flow out, a first heat flow measurement system that measures the first heat flow using a first input-side temperature sensor and a first output-side temperature sensor, a second heat flow measurement system that measures the second heat flow using a second input-side temperature sensor and a second output-side temperature sensor, a first thermal resistance body provided between the heat receiving terminal and the first input-side temperature sensor, and a second thermal resistance body provided between the heat receiving terminal and the second input-side temperature sensor.