Transducer Array Isolation Layer for Accurate Skin-Interface Temperature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Temperature measurement inaccuracies in transducer arrays due to environmental temperature differences, resulting from the placement of temperature sensors 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 weight and thickness are reduced, but the temperature sensor cannot be positioned close to the skin interface, resulting in temperature measurement inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice 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, creating a controlled thermal environment that allows the sensor to accurately measure skin interface temperature even when positioned within the transfer layer structure, thus resolving the contradiction between device thinness and measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The isolation layer is implemented as a thin film structure that provides thermal and fluid isolation while maintaining the overall thinness and flexibility of the transfer layer. This allows the device to remain lightweight and conformable to the patient's skin while ensuring accurate temperature monitoring through the isolated sensor position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Measurement precision

If the temperature sensor is placed within a cavity of the transfer layer, then the sensor is positioned close to the skin interface for accurate measurement, but the transfer layer cannot form a void, requiring the sensor to be placed further away

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidtransfer layer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The isolation layer serves as a mediator that eliminates the need for a physical cavity or void in the transfer layer. By providing thermal and fluid resistance, it creates a virtual isolation zone around the sensor, allowing accurate temperature measurement without requiring complex cavity structures in the transfer layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution changes the thermal parameters of the transfer layer by introducing the isolation layer with different thermal conductivity properties. This allows the sensor to be positioned within the solid transfer layer material while still achieving accurate skin temperature measurement, avoiding the need for cavity formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the temperature sensor is positioned further from the skin interface, then the transfer layer structure is simplified, but environmental temperature differences cause measurement inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransfer layer structureVSAvoidtemperature measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The isolation layer acts as a protective intermediary between the temperature sensor and the external environment. It resists heat flow from environmental sources and fluid flow that could contaminate the measurement, thereby protecting the sensor's accuracy even when positioned away from the immediate skin interface within the transfer layer structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow resistance:

Data Source

PatentEP4422742B1Transducer array having a temperature sensor isolation layer between a temperature sensor and external environment

Publication Date: 2025.07.23 NOVOCURE GMBH

Figure 1~3
Figure 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 transfer layer covering the first side of the electrode and configured to transfer TTFields into a patient; a temperature sensor in contact with the second side of the at least one electrode; and 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 heat flow and fluid flow through the isolation layer.