Use of finite element analysis to optimize probe design for double sensor method-based thermometer.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Device Design
• Physiological Monitoring

Background:

• Body temperature is a critical vital sign.
• Double sensor thermometers estimate deep tissue temperature from skin surface.
• Optimizing thermometer design is needed for accurate, continuous monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate key design factors for double sensor thermometers.
• Evaluate the impact of design on accuracy, waiting time, and temperature tracking.
• Identify optimal probe configurations for reliable body temperature monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Considered four design factors: cover material, insulator material, insulator radius, and insulator height.
• Evaluated thermometer performance using accuracy, initial waiting time, and temperature change tracking metrics.
• Utilized finite element analysis to simulate thermometer performance under varying conditions.

Main Results:

• Probe material and size significantly influence accuracy and initial waiting time.
• Four specific designs (aluminum cover, foam insulator, various dimensions) achieved high accuracy (<0.1°C).
• Initial waiting time averaged around 10 minutes with consistent temperature change traceability.

Conclusions:

• Probe design is critical for double sensor thermometer performance.
• Optimized designs offer high accuracy for continuous body temperature monitoring.
• Findings provide insights for manufacturing improved thermometers for specific applications.