Variable Thermal Resistance Sensor for Noninvasive Core Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining body core temperature are either invasive or suffer from reduced accuracy due to the difficulty in accurately measuring skin surface temperature to infer core body temperature, which is crucial for medical diagnosis and treatment.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensing system with a controllable thermal resistance insulator and temperature sensors on either side, using a processor to calculate core body temperature through controlled thermal resistance changes and dual heat flux measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is inserted internally into the body to measure core temperature, then measurement accuracy is improved, but invasiveness and hygiene issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulator as an intermediary component between the skin surface and the temperature sensor. This insulator has a controllable thermal resistance that can be adjusted between a first value (when in contact with skin) and a second value (when not in contact with skin). By using this intermediary device with variable thermal properties, the system can achieve accurate core temperature measurements externally without requiring internal sensor insertion, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and invasiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal resistance parameter of the insulator dynamically. The processor controls the insulator to switch between a first thermal resistance value (providing appropriate thermal coupling for accurate measurement) and a second thermal resistance value (providing thermal isolation). This parameter change allows the same external sensor to achieve measurement accuracy comparable to internal sensors while maintaining the hygiene advantage of non-invasive measurement
2Object-affected harmful factors
If external temperature sensors are used to measure skin surface temperature, then invasiveness is reduced, but measurement accuracy worsens due to heat exchange with surroundings
Solution Approach 1:
The insulator serves as a controlled intermediary between the skin and the external temperature sensor. By adjusting the insulator's thermal resistance between a first value (when contact is made) and a second value (when contact is broken), the system can accurately measure core temperature externally. This resolves the contradiction by providing a controllable thermal interface that compensates for environmental heat exchange while maintaining non-invasive measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the thermal resistance of the insulator dynamic rather than static. The processor controls the insulator to change its thermal resistance value based on whether the sensor is in contact with the skin or not. This dynamic adjustment allows the external sensor to adapt its thermal coupling characteristics, achieving accurate core temperature measurements while maintaining the benefits of non-invasive measurement
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
Accurately determines core body temperature externally with minimal invasiveness, providing precise readings by compensating for individual variations in skin thermal resistance.
Implementation Method 1
an insulator having a thermal resistance that is controllable from a first thermal resistance to a second thermal resistance
Implementation Method 2
at least one temperature sensor operable to sense temperature at first and second sides of the insulator
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature sensing system includes an insulator having a thermal resistance that is controllable from a first thermal resistance to a second thermal resistance, and at least one temperature sensor operable to sense temperature at first and second sides of the insulator. A processor is configured to control the thermal resistance of the insulator to change from the first thermal resistance to the second thermal resistance.