Miniaturized Ceramic Electrode With Thin Dielectric for Curved Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ceramic electrodes used for applying high-frequency alternating electric fields to treat tumors are too large for curved body surfaces, leading to poor wearing comfort and the need for excessive contact gel.
Innovation Solution
A ceramic electrode design with a thin dielectric layer (≤150 μm) and a mechanically stabilizing support element, allowing for miniaturization while maintaining high capacitance, and a functional separation between the dielectric and support components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electrode area is reduced to improve fitting on curved surfaces, then the capacitance value decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of dielectric layer thickness from conventional values (≥1 mm) to thin values (≤150 μm). This parameter change enables the electrode to achieve high capacitance (20-50 nF) with a significantly reduced electrode area, thereby improving fitting on curved surfaces while maintaining adequate capacitance for TTF application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite ceramic materials with specific compositions ((1-y)Pba(Mg Nb c)O3-e+yPbaTidO3 and Bam(TinZrp)O3) that possess high dielectric constants. These composite materials enable the thin dielectric layer to achieve the necessary capacitance values despite the reduced thickness and area
2Volume of moving object
If the dielectric layer is made thin to miniaturize the electrode, then the mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode into distinct functional layers: a thin dielectric layer (≤150 μm) for capacitance and a separate support element for mechanical stability. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently - the dielectric layer can be made thin for miniaturization while the support element provides the necessary mechanical strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by giving different regions of the electrode different properties: the dielectric layer has high dielectric constant for capacitance function, while the support element has high mechanical strength for structural stability. Each layer performs its specific function locally without compromising the other
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
The design achieves a significant reduction in size and weight, improving wearing comfort and stability, while maintaining high capacitance values, suitable for treating tumors on curved surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining high capacitance values of 20 to 50 nF
Implementation Method 2
a dielectric layer (2) having a thickness (D) less than or equal to 150 μm... a ceramic material with a high dielectric constant
Data Source
AI summary
A ceramic electrode comprising a support member as a mechanically stabilizing component, a dielectric layer having a thickness (D) which is less than or equal to 150 μm, and an electrode layer.