Body-Worn Thermometry Patch With Dual Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature monitoring devices for core body temperature, such as sub-skull temperature, face challenges with accuracy due to mispositioning and environmental influences, particularly when trying to measure temperatures non-invasively over extended periods, as they often rely on surface measurements that can be affected by ambient conditions and blood flow.
Innovation Solution
A patch system with two sensors separated by material of known thermal resistance, where one sensor measures skin surface temperature and the other ambient temperature, connected via a wireless transmitter to provide accurate core temperature readings, minimizing errors from environmental factors and blood flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single temperature sensor is placed on the skin surface to measure core body temperature, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to ambient temperature influence and mispositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature measurement function into two separate sensors: one sensor measures the skin surface temperature (Ts) and the other measures the ambient temperature (Ta). By segmenting the measurement into these two distinct components, the system can then process them together to calculate core body temperature, thereby improving measurement accuracy while maintaining relatively simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational process that uses the measured skin surface temperature and ambient temperature to calculate core body temperature through a mathematical model. This intermediary calculation layer acts as a mediator that transforms two easily measurable quantities into an accurate core temperature reading, resolving the contradiction between simple device structure and high measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is placed close to the temporal artery to improve measurement accuracy, then the measurement precision improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult positioning and visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature measurement into two independent components: skin surface temperature and ambient temperature. This segmentation allows the sensor to be placed on easily accessible skin areas without needing precise alignment with the temporal artery, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision through the combined calculation approach
Solution Approach 2:
The computational model acts as an intermediary that compensates for imprecise sensor positioning. By processing both skin surface temperature and ambient temperature readings through a mathematical relationship, the system can accurately determine core body temperature even when the sensor is not precisely positioned over the temporal artery, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation
3Measurement precision
If oral or rectal thermometers are used for long-term temperature monitoring, then the measurement precision improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to patient discomfort and cumulative burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary mathematical model that relates easily measurable skin surface temperature and ambient temperature to core body temperature. This intermediary calculation allows the system to achieve precision comparable to internal measurements while using only external skin surface sensing, thereby enabling comfortable long-term monitoring without the discomfort of oral or rectal thermometer placement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical insertion of thermometers into body cavities with an external skin surface measurement system. By substituting the invasive mechanical measurement approach with a non-invasive thermal sensing method that uses environmental temperature compensation, the system achieves similar measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation for long-term monitoring
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 system provides accurate and continuous monitoring of core body temperature by distinguishing between internal and external temperature changes, reducing errors caused by ambient conditions and blood flow, thus improving the reliability of temperature measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor configured to determine a temperature of the conductor
Implementation Method 2
a second sensor configured to determine an additional temperature
Implementation Method 3
the first sensor is separated from the second sensor by material having a known thermal resistance
Implementation Method 4
The RFID antenna may be configured to provide power to the first and second sensors, and to provide at least one of the first temperature, the additional temperature, or a core temperature of the subject to an RFID reader
Data Source
AI summary
An example system includes a patch defining a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first surface is removably attachable to skin of a subject. The patch includes a conductor associated with the first surface, a first sensor configured to determine a temperature of the conductor, and a second sensor configured to determine an additional temperature. The first sensor is separated from the second sensor by material having a known thermal resistance. The patch also includes a transmitter operably connected to the first and second sensors.