Thermometry Probe Insulating Support for Lead Breakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermometry probes face issues with durability and manufacturability, leading to premature breakage of electrical leads and inconsistencies in heat generation and detection due to eccentric mounting of temperature and heating elements.
Innovation Solution
A thermometry apparatus with a distal probe tip featuring an insulating support, such as a ceramic disc, where the heating and temperature sensing elements are attached to opposing surfaces, and a flexible circuit strip is used to secure the heating element, providing uniform heat generation and detection, and reducing the likelihood of lead breakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If electrical leads are extended from interior wall mounted components with little additional support, then the device structure remains simple, but the electrical leads are susceptible to breakage and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary support structure (adhesive layer and probe tip wall) between the electrical leads and the exterior environment. The leads are mounted on the interior wall with adhesive support, creating an intermediate attachment layer that prevents direct exposure to external stresses while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If heating element and temperature sensing element are eccentrically mounted to the interior wall, then the mounting process is simplified, but heat generation and detection become inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an equipotential mounting surface by attaching both the heating element and temperature sensing element to the interior wall at the same radial distance from the probe tip center. This equidistant arrangement ensures uniform thermal field distribution and consistent heat detection, while the elements can still be positioned at different angular locations for manufacturing simplicity.
3Productivity
If electrical leads are mounted without adequate support structures, then manufacturing steps are reduced, but premature breakage requires complete probe replacement rather than component replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the probe into distinct replaceable components: the electrical leads are independently mounted on the interior wall with adhesive, allowing them to be replaced separately from the probe body. This segmentation enables lead replacement without replacing the entire probe, improving ease of repair while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
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 solution enhances the reliability and working life of thermometry probes by ensuring uniform heat generation and detection, reducing labor costs in manufacturing, and minimizing premature electrical lead breakage.
Implementation Method 1
The heating element, such as an electrical resistor 24, is secured by epoxy along one circumferential portion of an interior wall 20 of the distal probe tip 18
Implementation Method 2
the temperature sensing element, such as a thermistor 28, is also attached using an epoxy or suitable adhesive along another circumferential portion of the interior wall 20
Data Source
AI summary
A thermometry apparatus includes a distal probe tip having a hollow interior. An insulating support is at least partially disposed within the interior of the distal probe tip. The insulating support is configured to receive at least one of at least one heating element and at least one temperature sensing element. According to one version, the insulating support is a flexible circuit strip configured to receive the at least one heating element(s) to protect the leads from damage and premature breakage.