Wearable device for noninvasive body temperature measurement
Inventors
Forrest, Kevin • Al-Ali, Ammar • Telfort, Valery G.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12364403-B2
Publication Date
2025-07-22
Expiration Date
2041-03-19
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Abstract
A wearable device for a noninvasive measurement of a user's body temperature can include a housing, a first substrate coupled to the housing and having an opening, a second substrate coupled to the first substrate and configured to secure to skin of a user, a mounting frame enclosed by the housing and the first substrate, a circuit board secured by the mounting frame, a temperature sensor coupled to the circuit board and configured to determine a body temperature of the user, and a thermally conductive probe. The thermally conductive probe is secured by the mounting frame and positioned proximate to the first temperature sensor. The thermally conductive probe extends at least partially through the opening in the first substrate and transmits a thermal energy from a portion of the user's skin to the first temperature sensor.
Core Innovation
The invention is a wearable device for noninvasive measurement of a user's body temperature, comprising a housing, multiple substrates coupled to the housing and configured to secure to the user's skin, a circuit board with at least one opening, a temperature sensor mounted adjacent to the opening on the circuit board, and a thermally conductive probe positioned proximate to the temperature sensor and extending through the substrate opening to transmit thermal energy from the skin to the sensor. This device enables continuous or periodic, comfortable, and potentially long-term monitoring of the user's core body temperature.
The device includes features such as a mounting frame that secures the circuit board and thermally conductive probe to the housing, a battery configured to power the system, multiple temperature sensors for enhanced accuracy, and materials that aid in thermal and wireless signal management. The thermally conductive probe can apply pressure to the skin indirectly to facilitate thermal transmission, while the substrates can insulate and protect the skin and electronics. The circuit board openings enhance thermal conduction to the sensor, aided by thermally conductive paste and pads.
The problem addressed is that existing devices for estimating core body temperature based on skin surface or peripheral measurements can be inaccurate due to variations influenced by physiology, environment, and measurement location. Clinical temperature measurements often approximate rather than truly measure internal body temperature, creating a need for improved noninvasive devices and systems capable of more accurate continuous or periodic core body temperature measurement and wireless transmission of physiological information.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes multiple independent claims that focus on the wearable device's structure and its features that enable accurate and noninvasive body temperature measurements.
Integration of thermally conductive probe with circuit board opening
A thermally conductive probe extending through at least one opening in the circuit board and substrates, positioned such that thermal energy from the user's skin is transmitted towards a temperature sensor mounted adjacent to the circuit board opening.
Orientation and physical characteristics of the thermally conductive probe
The thermally conductive probe is oriented perpendicular to the plane of the circuit board, is rigid, cylindrical with a recessed portion for mounting, and secured in a mounting frame slot that surrounds less than the entire probe perimeter.
Thermal interface materials enhancing thermal transmission
Inclusion of thermally conductive materials such as a thermal paste containing zinc oxide positioned adjacent to the probe's end and a metallic material (gold or copper) positioned adjacent to the circuit board opening between the thermal paste and circuit board, increasing effective thermal conduction.
Mounting frame structure for secure engagement
A mounting frame securing the thermally conductive probe and circuit board to the housing, including slots sized and shaped to receive and secure the probe, interacting with posts that also engage cavities in the housing to stabilize components.
Multiple temperature sensors and wireless communication capability
Provision for multiple temperature sensors spaced apart, including an ambient temperature sensor, and a wireless transceiver configured to transmit body temperature data to a separate computing device.
Circuit board opening arrangements and thermal conduction configuration
The circuit board includes at least one opening or a plurality arranged in specific patterns filled or unfilled with thermally conductive materials to facilitate thermal energy transmission from the probe to the temperature sensor.
Battery and battery holder design for optimized size and securement
A battery holder configured with opposing arms and prongs to electrically and mechanically couple a coin cell battery to the circuit board, with a mounting frame sized and shaped to maximize battery size within the housing.
The claims cover a comprehensive wearable device featuring a thermally conductive probe integrated with circuit board openings and supported by a mounting frame, thermal interface materials enhancing heat transfer, circuit board and substrate arrangements for optimal thermal and wireless functionality, robust sensor placement for accurate body temperature determination, and optimized battery and housing design for prolonged use and comfort.
Stated Advantages
Enables improved noninvasive continuous or periodic measurement of core body temperature.
Configurable for comfortable long-term wear over multiple days.
Capable of wireless transmission of physiological data to separate computing devices.
Incorporates features to reduce power consumption by measuring only body temperature when other sensors are not included.
Includes disposable or waterproof design options to reduce cross-contamination and allow normal user activities like showering.
Thermally conductive probe design enhances the accuracy of internal temperature estimation by direct thermal energy conduction from skin to sensor.
Use of thermal interface materials and insulating substrates optimize thermal measurement accuracy and sensor performance.
Housing and mounting frame design maximize battery size to extend device lifetime while minimizing device bulk and improving comfort.
Inclusion of multiple temperature sensors allows for ambient temperature correction and more accurate core temperature estimation.
Documented Applications
Measuring a subject's body temperature continuously or periodically for clinical monitoring.
Wireless transmission of physiological information such as temperature data to patient monitors, mobile devices, or servers for display and further processing.
Use in health monitoring systems to limit spread of infection in organizations as part of broader health management.
Applications in remote patient care and continuous monitoring systems for managing one or more users' health status related to infections or illnesses.
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