Transducer Array Isolation Layer for Accurate Skin Temperature Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Temperature measurement inaccuracies in transducer arrays due to environmental temperature differences when the temperature sensor is positioned further from the transducer array-skin interface in thinner, lighter transfer layers.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an isolation layer between the temperature sensor and the electrode to resist heat and fluid flow, ensuring accurate temperature measurement by positioning the sensor closer to the skin interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the transfer layer is made thinner and lighter, then the device comfort and wearability are improved, but the temperature sensor cannot be positioned close to the skin interface resulting in measurement inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer layer weightVSAvoidtemperature measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

An isolation layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the temperature sensor and the external environment. This layer resists heat and fluid flow while allowing the sensor to be positioned closer to the skin interface, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy despite the thinner transfer layer design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature sensor is extracted from the traditional cavity placement within the transfer layer and repositioned adjacent to the skin interface. The isolation layer is then applied to protect the sensor, enabling accurate temperature monitoring without relying on the transfer layer's thickness to form a protective cavity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If the temperature sensor is placed further from the skin interface, then the device construction is simplified, but temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates due to environmental temperature differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice construction easeVSAvoidtemperature measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The isolation layer serves as a protective intermediary that enables the temperature sensor to be positioned optimally close to the skin interface. This simplifies construction by eliminating the need for complex cavity structures while maintaining measurement accuracy through the isolation layer's heat and fluid resistance properties

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the temperature sensor is exposed to the external environment, then the device structure is simplified, but temperature measurement accuracy worsens due to heat flow and fluid flow from the environment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structure complexityVSAvoidtemperature measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The isolation layer is applied as a protective intermediary over the temperature sensor, resisting heat and fluid flow from the external environment. This maintains measurement accuracy without requiring complex protective structures, as the isolation layer provides sufficient protection while keeping the overall device design simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The isolation layer functions as a thin film or shell that protects the temperature sensor from environmental influences. This flexible protective layer maintains sensor accuracy while preserving the simplicity of the device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Enhances temperature measurement accuracy by isolating the sensor from environmental influences, providing precise temperature monitoring during tumor treating field therapy.

Implementation Method 1

an isolation layer covering the temperature sensor and at least a portion of the at least one electrode such that the temperature sensor is positioned between the isolation layer and the second side of the electrode, the isolation layer resisting at least one of a heat flow and fluid flow through the isolation layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

the isolation layer resisting at least one of a heat flow and fluid flow through the isolation layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow resistance:

Data Source

PatentEP4596033B1Transducer array having a temperature sensor isolation layer between a temperature sensor and external environment
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 NOVOCURE GMBH
  • EP4596033B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4596033B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A transducer array, tumor treating field system, and method are herein disclosed. The transducer array comprises an electrode having a first side and a second side, a temperature sensor in contact with the second side of the electrode, and an isolation layer covering the temperature sensor and at least a portion of the electrode such that the temperature sensor is positioned between the isolation layer and the second side of the electrode, with the isolation layer resisting at least one of heat flow and fluid flow therethrough.