Wearable Patch Dual Sensors Core Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable temperature monitoring devices for continuous patient temperature measurement are prone to inaccuracies due to mispositioning and ambient temperature influences, as they require close proximity to blood vessels and do not effectively account for variations in thermal resistance.
Innovation Solution
A wearable patch with dual temperature sensors embedded in materials of different thermal resistances, allowing for the determination of skin surface temperatures and a correction factor to accurately estimate core body temperature by assessing the orientation relative to blood vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single temperature sensor is used to measure skin surface temperature, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision is reduced due to ambient temperature influences and thermal resistance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature measurement function into two separate sensors: a first temperature sensor embedded in the first portion to measure skin surface temperature, and a second temperature sensor embedded in the second portion to measure ambient temperature. This segmentation allows each sensor to perform its specific measurement function independently, improving overall measurement precision while maintaining reasonable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The first insulative material in the first portion acts as a thermal intermediary that isolates the first temperature sensor from ambient temperature influences while allowing it to accurately measure skin surface temperature. This intermediary structure enables precise temperature measurement by controlling thermal interaction between the sensor and its environment
2Measurement precision
If the patch is placed close to a blood vessel to obtain accurate temperature measurement, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced due to mispositioning risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback by comparing the skin surface temperature measured by the first sensor with the ambient temperature measured by the second sensor. This temperature difference feedback indicates whether the patch is properly positioned over a blood vessel, allowing users to adjust positioning based on real-time measurement feedback without requiring precise anatomical knowledge
Solution Approach 2:
The patch performs self-positioning verification by automatically detecting temperature differences between the skin surface and ambient environment. When properly positioned over a blood vessel, the system self-identifies correct placement through the temperature gradient detection, eliminating the need for manual positioning by healthcare professionals
3Device complexity
If the skin surface temperature is measured without accounting for thermal resistance variations, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is reduced due to arteriole opening and closing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic thermal resistance compensation by continuously monitoring the temperature difference between skin surface and ambient environment. This dynamic measurement approach captures real-time thermal resistance variations caused by arteriole constriction and dilation, allowing the system to adapt to changing physiological conditions and maintain accurate core body temperature estimation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from a single static temperature reading to a dynamic temperature difference measurement. By measuring both skin surface temperature and ambient temperature and calculating their difference, the system compensates for thermal resistance variations in the skin, improving core body temperature estimation accuracy without significantly increasing device complexity
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
The patch provides improved accuracy in continuous temperature monitoring by accounting for thermal resistance variations and ambient influences, enhancing the reliability of core temperature determination.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature sensor embedded substantially within the first material of the first portion and disposed adjacent to the first surface
Implementation Method 2
a second temperature sensor embedded substantially within the second material of the second portion and disposed adjacent to the third surface
Implementation Method 3
a first portion comprising a first insulative material
Implementation Method 4
a difference between a first temperature of the skin surface determined by the first temperature sensor and a second temperature of the skin surface determined by the second temperature sensor is indicative of an orientation of the patch relative to a blood vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable patch includes a first portion comprising a first material, a second portion comprising a second material different from the first material, a first temperature sensor disposed proximate a first surface of the patch, and a second temperature sensor disposed proximate an additional surface of the patch.