Variable Heat Flux Core Body Temperature Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring core body temperature are prone to errors due to variable heat flux and lateral heat flux issues, which can lead to inaccurate readings.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a device that measures temperature and heat flux at the skin surface while controlling the ambient temperature or heat flux, using techniques such as variable heat flux and zero heat flux to estimate core body temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a temperature sensor is placed on the skin surface to measure core body temperature, then the measurement can be performed non-invasively, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to variable heat flux and lateral heat flux issues
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple functional portions: a first portion that contacts the skin surface, a second portion that does not contact the skin, and a third portion that acts as a heat sink. This segmentation allows the device to separately measure skin temperature and infer core temperature while managing heat flux through different zones, resolving the contradiction between non-invasive placement and measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The third portion of the device serves as an intermediary heat sink that receives heat from the first portion. This intermediary element allows the system to control and account for heat flux pathways, enabling accurate core temperature estimation while maintaining skin-contact configuration for non-invasive operation.
2Ease of operation
If the device structure is simplified for ease of use, then the ease of operation improves, but the ability to accurately measure heat flux and temperature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device integrates multiple functions into a single unit: the first portion measures skin temperature, the second portion provides reference data, and the third portion manages heat flux. This multi-functionality allows accurate heat flux measurement while maintaining a unified, easy-to-use device structure that contacts the skin only at the first portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses its own structural components (first, second, and third portions) to perform measurements and heat management without requiring external equipment. The third portion automatically acts as a heat sink, and the system self-calibrates using the thermal relationships between its portions, simplifying operation while maintaining measurement precision.
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 approach allows for non-invasive, clinically accurate measurement of core body temperature, reducing errors associated with heat flux variability and improving monitoring capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
measuring, at the first time, a first heat flux through the device along a direction perpendicular to the skin
Implementation Method 2
measuring, at the first time, a first temperature of a first portion of a device in contact with skin of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure provide methods, systems, devices, and apparatuses that, individually or in combination, permit determining core body temperature (CBT) of a subject.