Wearable Temperature Sensor for Adaptive HVAC Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wearable devices can measure and display user temperature but do not provide a service for controlling the temperature, lacking the ability to sense temperature changes and automatically adjust air-conditioning settings based on user comfort.

Innovation Solution

A wearable device equipped with temperature measurement units and a control unit that compares user temperature to normal values, transmitting data to a service server to adjust air-conditioning settings and provide location-based services, such as coupons for nearby stores, when a significant temperature difference is detected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wearable device only measures and displays user temperature, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot provide temperature control services

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control service capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the wearable temperature measurement device with external temperature control systems (air conditioners, heaters) by establishing communication between them. The wearable device serves as a portable temperature sensor that transmits data to external control systems, merging measurement and control functions across device boundaries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wearable device acts as an intermediary between the user's body temperature and the environmental temperature control systems. It measures user temperature and serves as a communication bridge to trigger appropriate temperature control actions in the surrounding environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the wearable device transmits temperature data continuously to a service server, then personalized temperature control services can be provided, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepersonalized service capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The service server performs preliminary actions by storing user temperature data and establishing temperature patterns in advance. When the wearable device transmits new temperature data, the server compares it against pre-established patterns to determine whether temperature control services are needed, avoiding continuous transmission and processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of continuously transmitting all temperature data, the system transmits only when necessary - when the temperature difference exceeds a threshold or when patterns indicate a need for intervention. This partial transmission approach reduces energy consumption while maintaining service effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Loss of information

If the wearable device integrates multiple sensors for comprehensive monitoring, then more information can be measured, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation measurement completenessVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wearable device is designed as a multi-functional platform that can measure not only user temperature but also other parameters such as environmental temperature, UV intensity, and location. By making the device universal, the patent justifies the inclusion of multiple sensors within an acceptable form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent expands the functionality of the wearable device by adding sensors that measure different dimensions of environmental and physiological data (temperature, UV, location). This multi-dimensional approach allows comprehensive monitoring without requiring a proportional increase in device size, as each sensor targets a specific dimension of information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables real-time temperature control and personalized comfort services by automatically adjusting air-conditioning and providing relevant offers based on user temperature patterns and location.

Implementation Method 1

a first temperature measurement unit for measuring a temperature of a user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

a second temperature measurement unit for measuring an external temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS10222276B2System and method for controlling temperature of user

Publication Date: 2019.03.05 SK PLANET CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed herein are a system and method for controlling the temperature of a user. The wearable device may include a first temperature measurement unit configured to measure a temperature of a user and a control unit configured to calculate a temperature difference by comparing the temperature measured by the first temperature measurement unit with a previously stored temperature of the user at normal times, provide temperature measurement information to an external device if the calculated temperature difference is more than a reference temperature difference for a predetermined time, and receive service information for controlling the temperature of the user based on the temperature measurement information from the external device.