Wearable Temperature Sensor Layout for Core Body Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for noninvasive core body temperature measurement lack accuracy due to variations in skin surface temperature and peripheral measurements, which do not accurately represent internal body temperature.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with multiple temperature sensors positioned at different distances from the skin and thermally conductive elements to determine thermal gradients, using thermal energy paths and comparisons to estimate internal body temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single point measurement devices or heat flux measurement devices are used to measure skin surface temperature, then the measurement process is simple, but the accuracy of core body temperature estimation deteriorates due to dramatic variations from core body temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature measurement system into multiple discrete temperature sensors positioned at different locations (skin surface and deeper tissue levels). Instead of using a single measurement point, the system segments the measurement into multiple spatial points, allowing for gradient analysis and more accurate core body temperature estimation through mathematical modeling of thermal传导 patterns.
2Ease of operation
If peripheral temperature measurements (armpit, rectum, under tongue) are taken, then the measurement is noninvasive and easy to obtain, but the accuracy deteriorates as these only represent approximations rather than true internal body temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces thermally conductive elements as intermediaries between the skin surface and the temperature sensors. These elements facilitate thermal energy transfer from deeper tissue layers to the sensors, allowing the system to capture temperature information that better represents core body temperature while maintaining noninvasive measurement capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are positioned at different locations to improve measurement accuracy, then core body temperature estimation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple temperature sensors and thermally conductive elements into an integrated wearable device structure. The sensors are positioned at different depths and locations within a single device unit, and their measurements are processed together through mathematical models to estimate core body temperature. This merging approach maintains measurement accuracy while consolidating the complex components into a unified system.
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
Provides more accurate estimates of internal body temperature by utilizing thermal energy paths and gradients, reducing the risk of cross-contamination, and allowing use during ordinary activities without disrupting operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first pair of temperature sensors, the first pair of temperature sensors comprising a first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor, each configured to generate one or more signals responsive to detected thermal energy
Implementation Method 2
one or more thermally conductive probes can be utilized to transmit energy from a substrate of the wearable device (which can adhere to the subject's skin) toward aligned temperature sensor(s)
Implementation Method 3
Some implementations include an air gap (which can act as a thermal insulator) between one of such pairs and a thermally conductive element
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable device configured to secure to skin of a user and noninvasively measure body temperature of the user can include first and second pairs of temperature sensors configured to generate one or more signals responsive to detected thermal energy, a thermally conductive element positioned at least partially between the second pair of temperature sensors, and one or more hardware processors configured to receive the one or more signals generated by each of said first and second pairs of temperature sensors and determine one or more body temperature values of the user based on at least comparisons between different ones of the first and second pairs of temperature sensors. In some implementations, the wearable device includes thermally conductive probes for transmitting thermal energy toward ones of the first and second pairs of temperature sensors and a substrate positioned between the probes and the skin.