I.

Introduction
Infant incubator is a Biomedical Device which provides Warmth,
Humidity and Oxygen all in a controlled environment.
Last semester, we designed a simple incubator including LED
phototherapy for treating jaundice. And in this course, we want to
add
functions
for
temperature
regulation
and
humidity
measurement. In addition, we are going to enhance some previous
functions such as LED phototherapy, incubator design
Goal:
- Temperature measurement and control;
- Humidity monitor;
- Data display on led, computer;
- Gate and air-hole design;
- Improve led panel for phototherapy;

II. Methods
A.
Temperature
1.
Theory
Infants should be nursed in the neutral thermal environment and
have a core body temperature between 36.5 37.2 degrees
Celsius.
The neutral thermal environment is the temperature range where
heat production is at the minimum needed to maintain normal body
temperature. It depends on birthweight, postnatal age, and whether
the infant is clothed or naked.
The most efficient way to maintain infant body temperature is to
measure the environment temperature (inside the incubator)
together with body temperature; so that we can adjust the warmer
to the level that is suitable for the infant.
In this semester, we will focus on measuring the temperature inside
the incubator.

2.
Implementation
a)
Measurement
Methods of measuring temperature:
1.Thermocouple (mostly used in industry)
+A thermocouple is an electrical device consisting of two different
conductors forming electrical junctions at differing temperatures. A
thermocouple produces a temperature-dependent voltage as a result
of the thermoelectric effect, and this voltage can be interpreted to
measure temperature. Thermocouples are a widely used type
of temperature sensor.
+Principle: Temperature changing causes the change in electromotive
force(mV).
Pros: lasting, large range (-1001400oC)
Cons: not sensitive and being affected by factors causing errors in
result
+There are many types of thermocouples, each with its own unique
characteristics in terms of temperature range, durability, vibration
resistance, chemical resistance, and application compatibility. Type J, K,
T, & E are Base Metal thermocouples, the most common types of
thermocouples. Type R, S, and B thermocouples are Noble Metal
thermocouples, which are used in high temperature applications

2. Thermistor
+A thermistor is a type of resistor whose resistance is dependent on
temperature
+Thermistors are of two opposite fundamental types:

With NTC, resistance Decreases as temperature rises to protect

against inrush overvoltage conditions. Commonly installed series in
a circuit.

With PTC, resistance Increases as temperature rises to protect

against overcurrent conditions. Commonly installed series in a
circuit.

+Range:-90oC 130oC

3.Resistance temperature detectors (RTDs)

An RTD sensing element consists of a wire coil or deposited film of pure
metal. The elements resistance increases with temperature in a known
and repeatable manner. RTDs exhibit excellent accuracy over a wide
temperature range and represent the fastest growing segment among
industrial temperature sensors. Their advantages include:
+ Temperature range: from -260 to 650C (-436 to 1202F).
+ Sensitivity: The voltage drop across an RTD provides a much larger
output than a thermocouple.

4. Semiconductor Temperature Sensors

Semiconductor temperature sensors are the devices which come in the
form of integrated circuits i.e. ICs hence, popularly known as IC
temperature sensors. These are the electronic devices manufactured in
an identical fashion to present-day electronic semiconductor devices
like microprocessors.
Their design results from the fact that semiconductor diodes have
temperature-sensitive voltage vs. current characteristics. When two
identical transistors are operated at a constant ratio of collector
current densities, the difference in base-emitter voltages is directly
proportional to the absolute temperature.
Major characteristics of semiconductor thermometers include:
They provide reasonably linear output.
They are available in moderately small sizes

 They are not capable enough to measure high temperatures.

Their temperature range is typically limited between -40 to
+120C.
They give fairly accurate temperature readings if properly
calibrated.
They offer very small interchangeability.
Semiconductor temperature sensors are not suitably designed for
making well thermal contact with external surfaces.
Use of these temperature sensors enables simple interfacing with
other electronic devices like amplifiers, regulators, Digital signal
processors, and microcontrollers etc.
These types of temperature sensors are considered ideal for
embedded applications where they are installed within the
equipment itself.
Unlike other temperature sensors like thermocouples and RTDs,
their electrical and mechanical performance is not very robust.

5. Radiation thermometers (aka Pyrometers)

A pyrometer is typically made up of an optical system and a
detector. The optical system (a lens) is used to focus the infrared
(IR) energy naturally emitted by an object onto a sensor or detector.
This sensor is responsive to the infrared radiation and hence
transforms IR energy into electrical energy. The electrical output
signal of the detector can be displayed in terms of temperature. To
do this, standard ambient temperature need to be considered.
Emittivity of an object plays a significant role in conversion of the
electrical signal into a correct temperature signal.
Following are the major characteristics of infrared radiation
thermometers:
Infrared radiation thermometers exclusively measures IR energy
being radiated from an object in the range of 0.7 to 20 micron
wavelength.
Unlike other temperature sensors, no physical contact is required
between the IR radiation thermometer and the surface of the
object. They are specifically made to measure radiation from a
distance.

IR radiation thermometers are usually designed into the shape of

a pistol as shown in the figure below. They can also be provided
with a laser pointer so that precise areas could be identified .

Generally, the infrared sensor is relatively big and not accurate. Hence,
these sensors is not suitable for the incubator.

IC sensor has suitable working range.

Also, it is power-saving, cost-efficient and simple to use with the
microcontroller.
After considering, we decided to choose IC DS18B20 to measure
temperature inside the incubator.

DS18B20
Feature:
Power supply range
Operating temperature
range
Storage temperature range
Accuracy over the range of 10C to +85C
Waterproof Stainless steel sheath

3.0V to 5.5V
-55C to +125C (-67F to +257F)
-55CC to +125C (-67F to +257F)
0.5C

Size of Sheath

6*50mm

Connector

RJ11/RJ12, 3P-2510, USB.

Pin Definition

RED: VCC Yellow: DATA Black:

GND

Cable length

1meter, 2m, 3m, 4m are available

upon request.

b)
Temperature control
1. Radiant heaters
Electric radiant heating uses heating elements that reach a high
temperature. The element is usually packaged inside a glass envelope
resembling a light bulb and with a reflector to direct the energy output
away from the body of the heater. The element emits infrared radiation
that travels through air or space until it hits an absorbing surface,
where it is partially converted to heat and partially reflected.
2. Convection heaters
In a convection heater, the heating element heats the air in contact
with it by thermal conduction. Hot air is less dense than cool air, so it
rises due to buoyancy, allowing more cool air to flow in to take its
place. This sets up a convection current of hot air that rises from the
heater, heats up the surrounding space, cools and then repeats the
cycle. These heaters are sometimes filled with oil. They are ideally
suited for heating a closed space. They operate silently and have a
lower risk of ignition hazard if they make unintended contact with
furnishings compared to radiant electric heaters.
3. Fan heaters
A fan heater, also called a forced convection heater, is a variety of
convection heater that includes an electric fan to speed up the airflow.
They operate with considerable noise caused by the fan. They have a
moderate risk of ignition hazard if they make unintended contact with
furnishings. Their advantage is that they are more compact than
heaters that use natural convection.

B.

Humidity

1.
Theory
Premature neonates below 30 weeks gestation have an
underdeveloped epidermis and stratum corneum. This increases the
risk of high transepidermal water loss through the skin to the
atmosphere, leading to temperature instability, dehydration and
electrolyte imbalance. Increasing humidity to the surrounding
environment can significantly reduce these from occurring.

The epidermis of premature infants matures very rapidly after the first
7 - 14 days of life by which time it is similar to a term baby in structure
and function and becomes a much more effective barrier to
transepidermal water loss.

2.
Implementation
Methods of humidity measurement
1. Psychrometer (Wet- and Dry-Bulb Hygrometer)
The simplest type of hygrometer is a Psychrometer. This constitutes a
pair of temperature sensors. These are placed in a wet air stream. One
of the thermometers (the wet bulb) has a wet wick around it;
evaporation causes this thermometer to read a lower temperature than
the other. The difference in temperatures, and the absolute
temperature of the wet thermometer can be used to calculate the
relative humidity of the air.
2. Mechanical Hygrometers
Mechanical hygrometers utilise the change in dimensions of various
porous materials (such as wet paper and hair) as they absorb/exude
water vapor. This change in dimensions can be used to move a needle
or dial; which, when calibrated, will give the relative humidity.
3. Electrical Hygrometers
Electrical impedance sensors measure the changes in electrical
capacitance or resistance of a hygroscopic material. The material will
absorb or desorb water depending on the partial vapor pressure in the
atmosphere around it, thus changing its electrical properties. These
sensors measure relative humidity. While capacitive hygrometers can
withstand condensation, resistive ones usually cannot.
4. Dew-Point Sensors
Dew-point sensors measure the temperature of the surrounding air,
and the dew-point of a small sample thereof. The humidity of the air is
then inferred from the dew-point temperature and the initial air
temperature. Optical sensors cool a surface (usually a mirror) until
condensation starts to form. This indicates that the surface is at the
air's dew-point. Other methods of measuring dew-point include

measuring the oscillation rate of a quartz crystal. When condensation

forms on the crystal, this rate will change.
Electrical humidity sensors have low cost and simple circuit when using
with microcontroller, so we decided to choose an electrical humidity
sensor to measure humidity inside the incubator.

HS1101
Advantages:
-

It can be used for highly sensitive applications.

low cost

easy to interface with microcontroller with small extra circuitry

No calibration is required

How to use:
HS1101 is a capacitive humidity sensor, so it can be used with
555 timer circuit to generate square wave of different frequency.

Square wave frequency measurement

PIC16F877A, or ATMEGA8 microcontroller.
C.

using

Arduino

Uno

kit,

Incubator design
- Redesign light board: Use 2 LED board (6x15 leds for each) instead of
a 6x30 LED board; light intensity is distributed equally to every part of
an infants body to improve the treatment.
- Adding light bulbs (about 2-4 bulbs) on the light board to provide
enough heat & keep the temperature on a suitable range for the infant.
- Redesign the incubators door to put the infant in.
- Add some gates for doctors to access the incubator and take care of
the infant.

- Build an air-filter system, providing a suitable environment for the

infants, make them well-quarantined to the risk outside the incubator.
- Cover all electrical circuits by suitable materials.

D.

Information presentation
1.
LCD Display
2.
Data transmission to computer
3.
Sending SMS

III. Block diagram

Week
Works
Brainstorming
Researching /
Theory
Enhancing
Phototherapy
Enhancing Incubator
Design Selection
Studying
Programming
Microcontrollers
Simulating
Coding
Prototyping

10 11 12

Testing
Final Prototype
IV. Task schedule