Handheld Cable Impedance Tester for Electrosurgical Defect Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
High frequency electrosurgical cables often fail to function properly, leading to delayed treatments and potential patient harm due to the lack of effective indication of cable defects, a problem that has persisted for decades without a suitable solution.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a substrate and electronic circuit that includes a start test switch and connectors for coupling to the cable ends, generating distinct signals based on impedance values to indicate whether the cable is functioning within a specified range, using a smoothly bending surface for hand-held operation and visual or auditory feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cable impedance testing is implemented to identify defective cables, then cable reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for additional testing apparatus and electronic circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The cable testing system utilizes the cable's own electrical properties (impedance) to perform self-diagnosis. The electronic circuit applies a test signal and measures the cable's impedance response, allowing the cable to effectively test itself without requiring external complex diagnostic equipment or manual inspection procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual cable inspection methods with an automated electronic testing system. Instead of physical examination or trial-and-error connection testing, the system uses electrical impedance measurement to automatically detect cable defects, reducing the need for mechanical intervention and human judgment.
2Loss of time
If manual cable inspection methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to delayed detection of cable defects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs cable impedance testing in advance before the cable is connected to the electrosurgical generator for patient treatment. By conducting the test preliminarily, the system identifies defective cables before they are used, preventing treatment delays and ensuring cable functionality is verified ahead of time.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic circuit provides immediate feedback on cable impedance by comparing the measured value against pre-stored reference ranges. When the impedance falls within the acceptable range, the system indicates the cable is functional; when outside the range, it signals a defect. This instant feedback eliminates the time delay associated with manual inspection and enables quick decision-making.
3Measurement precision
If impedance measurement range is expanded to detect more cable defects, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional circuit requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves precise impedance measurement across a wide range by adjusting the test signal frequency and amplitude parameters. The electronic circuit can modify these electrical parameters to optimize the measurement for different cable types and defect conditions, enabling accurate detection without requiring multiple separate measurement circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic circuit is designed with multi-functionality to handle various impedance measurement requirements. A single circuit configuration can measure different impedance ranges by changing operational parameters, and the same circuit can detect multiple types of cable defects (open circuits, short circuits, impedance variations) without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function.
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 quick and reliable identification of defective cables, preventing treatment delays and potential complications by providing clear feedback on cable impedance, ensuring safer and more efficient medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The cable has an impedance. The electronic circuit provides a first signal when the first end of the cable is coupled to the first connector and the second end is coupled to the second connector, the start switch is activated, and the impedance is between a minimum impedance value and a maximum impedance value.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a substrate having a smoothly bending surface to fit into a human hand. The substrate includes a start test switch, a first connector to couple to a first end of a cable, and a second connector to couple to a second end of the cable. The cable has an impedance. The electronic circuit is coupled to the, first connector and the second connector. In operation, the electronic circuit provides a first signal when the first end of the cable is coupled to the first connector and the second end is coupled to the second connector, the start switch is activated, and the impedance is between a minimum impedance value and a maximum impedance value. The electronic circuit provides a second signal when the first end of the cable is coupled to the first connector and the second end is coupled to the second connector, the start switch is activated, and the impedance is greater than the maximum impedance value.