Creating an antenna band for the myTemp system

Master thesis (2021)

Authors

N.J.M. Meijnders Industrial Design Engineering

Contributors

K.M.B. Jansen Emerging Materials - IDE (mentor)
I.A. Ruiter Applied Ergonomics and Design - IDE (mentor)
H. Bouman (mentor)
Faculty
Industrial Design Engineering, Industrial Design Engineering
Copyright: © 2021 Nathalie Meijnders
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Published Date

05-11-2021

Language

English

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Faculty

Industrial Design Engineering

Abstract

This graduation report describes the design process of the antenna band of the myTemp system. The myTemp system is a high accuracy core temperature measuring device, that uses an indigestible measuring pill and an antenna band to measure the temperature inside the intestines. It is mainly used in thermo-physiological or exercise-related research, often to research how the core temperature changes in athletes when exercising in hot, humid environments. By researching this, heat-related illnesses or exertional heat strokes can be avoided that are caused by a too high core temperature.

The main benefit of the myTemp system lies in the fact that the indigestible measuring pill does not contain a battery and can therefore be manufactured at a lower price than competitive products. This also means that there is no risk of battery leakage in the body.

This requires that the system uses an antenna belt. This belt consists of a case containing electronics and a wire that goes around the torso of the user. This wire creates a magnetic field that is able to both charge and well as communicate with the indigestible measuring pill.



In this project the main objective was to improve the comfort of the antenna belt, fit the belt to people with different body sizes, increase the reliability of the antenna-pill connection and increase the user experience.

The project consists of three phases: the research phase and two ideation phases. In the research phase, relevant information is gathered about the context, user experience and the technology used. In the first ideation phase, multiple antenna configurations have been tested and compared to find an alternative antenna. In the second ideation phase, a user test has been conducted to improve the user experience of the device.

At the end of the report, the design is presented and recommendations are given for future development.