Wearable Patch Temperature Sensors Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable temperature monitoring devices for patients are limited by inaccuracies due to mispositioning and failure to account for ambient conditions, causing discomfort and inefficiency in continuous temperature measurement.
Innovation Solution
A wearable patch with multiple temperature sensors and an insulative layer, along with an antenna for data transmission, is designed to determine patient temperature by simultaneously measuring skin surface temperatures and applying correction factors to account for ambient influences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single temperature sensor is used in existing wearable patches, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to differentiate between skin surface temperature and ambient temperature influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature sensing function into multiple separate sensors positioned at different locations on the patch. Specifically, it uses at least two temperature sensors: one positioned to measure skin surface temperature and another to measure ambient temperature. This segmentation allows the system to differentiate between the temperature of interest (skin temperature) and environmental interference, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular sensor placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an insulative layer as an intermediary between the temperature sensors and the skin surface. This insulative layer acts as a thermal barrier that prevents ambient temperature from directly influencing the sensors while allowing the sensors to accurately measure skin temperature through conduction. The intermediary layer thus enables precise temperature measurement by isolating the sensing mechanism from environmental interference.
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are placed close to blood vessels for accurate measurement, then the measurement precision improves, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in locating and positioning over invisible blood vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The insulative layer serves as a mediator that allows the temperature sensors to accurately measure skin temperature without requiring direct placement over blood vessels. By using thermal conduction through the insulative layer, the system can obtain accurate temperature readings from the skin surface itself, eliminating the need for precise anatomical positioning over invisible blood vessels while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of precise physical positioning over blood vessels with a thermal conduction-based measurement approach. Instead of relying on mechanical placement accuracy over specific anatomical landmarks, the system uses thermal properties of the skin and insulative layer to obtain accurate temperature readings from any position on the skin surface, thereby significantly improving ease of operation.
3Measurement precision
If the patch is designed to account for ambient temperature effects, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and insulative layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature measurement function into distinct sensing zones: one dedicated to measuring skin temperature and another to measuring ambient temperature. This segmentation allows the system to process and differentiate between the two temperature sources, improving measurement precision by enabling the calculation of actual skin temperature while compensating for ambient effects, while keeping the device complexity manageable through clear functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the patch structure by introducing an insulative layer with specific thermal resistance properties. This parameter change allows the system to control heat flow between the skin, sensors, and ambient environment, enabling accurate temperature measurement while accounting for ambient conditions. The insulative layer's thermal properties are optimized to block ambient temperature interference while allowing sufficient thermal conduction from the skin to the sensors.
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 accurate, continuous patient temperature monitoring by minimizing the impact of ambient conditions and ensuring accurate positioning, enhancing comfort and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a layer of electrically and/or thermally insulative material spacing the fourth temperature sensor from the third temperature sensor
Implementation Method 2
determining a first temperature, of a skin surface of a patient, with a first temperature sensor of a wearable patch
Data Source
AI summary
A patch includes a substrate, and a plurality of temperature sensors. Such sensors include a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, a third temperature sensor connected to the substrate between the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor, and a fourth temperature sensor substantially overlaying the third temperature sensor. The patch also includes a layer of insulative material spacing the fourth temperature sensor from the third temperature sensor. In such examples, the patch also includes an antenna configured to transmit information associated with temperatures determined by the first, second, third, and fourth temperature sensors.