Wearable Dual-Sensor Body Temperature Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable electronic devices face challenges in accurately measuring body temperature due to the limitations of either contact-type sensors, which are vulnerable to external influences, or non-contact-type sensors, which have complex structures and higher manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A wearable electronic device is designed with both a contact-type temperature sensor and a non-contact-type temperature sensor arranged at different positions within the device. The processor combines data from both sensors to determine body temperature, utilizing the contact sensor for immediate measurements and the non-contact sensor for real-time data and heat flow monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a contact-type temperature sensor is used, then the manufacturing cost is lower and the structure is simpler, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to vulnerability to external environmental influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both contact-type and non-contact-type temperature sensors in the same wearable device. The contact-type sensor (e.g., thermistor) provides cost-effective baseline measurements, while the non-contact-type sensor (e.g., infrared sensor) compensates for environmental interference. The processor integrates data from both sensors to produce accurate body temperature readings, resolving the contradiction between low manufacturing cost and high measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a non-contact-type temperature sensor is used, then the measurement accuracy is improved by avoiding external environmental influences, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the simple contact-type sensor structure with the more sophisticated non-contact-type sensor. The contact-type sensor provides a simple, low-cost measurement path that is less susceptible to certain environmental factors, while the non-contact-type sensor handles scenarios where contact is not feasible or where additional accuracy is needed. This combination reduces overall device complexity compared to using only non-contact sensors while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
3Device complexity
If only a contact-type temperature sensor is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the reliability of temperature measurement deteriorates under varying external conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processor continuously monitors temperature readings from both contact-type and non-contact-type sensors. When environmental conditions cause discrepancies between the two measurements, the system uses the non-contact sensor data to correct and compensate for errors in the contact sensor readings. This feedback loop enhances measurement reliability while maintaining relatively simple device structure through integrated processing.
4Reliability
If only a non-contact-type temperature sensor is used, then the measurement reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines inexpensive contact-type sensors with more expensive non-contact-type sensors in a hybrid configuration. The contact-type sensors provide reliable baseline measurements at low cost, reducing the dependency on expensive non-contact sensors. The non-contact sensors are used strategically to enhance reliability in specific scenarios. This merging approach achieves high measurement reliability while controlling manufacturing costs through the use of lower-cost components for routine measurements.
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 dual-sensor approach enables accurate and reliable body temperature measurements, compensating for the limitations of individual sensor types and improving measurement accuracy across various use environments.
Implementation Method 1
The contact-type body temperature sensor may measure the user's body temperature using a thermistor, the resistance of which is changed sensitively by a temperature change
Implementation Method 2
The non-contact-type body temperature sensor may detect thermal energy radiated from the skin, for example, using an infrared (IR) absorber
Implementation Method 3
may estimate the user's body temperature, based thereon, using the Stefan-boltzman formula
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments, a wearable electronic device may include: a housing comprising a first plate including a first surface facing in a first direction, and a second plate including a second surface facing a second direction opposite to the first direction; a substrate disposed in a space between the first plate and the second plate of the housing; a processor; and at least two temperature sensors, wherein the at least two temperature sensors comprise a contact-type temperature sensor and a non-contact-type temperature sensor arranged at positions different from each other in the housing, and the processor is configured to: determine a body temperature using the temperatures measured by the contact-type temperature sensor and the non-contact-type temperature sensor.