Compact DC Generator for TTFields Square Wave Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric field generators for tumor treating fields (TTFields) are bulky, costly, and inefficient, requiring complex temperature monitoring and feedback systems to prevent overheating, which limits their portability and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A portable electric field generator with a compact design, powered by a 30V 90 watt-hour battery, generating alternating current square waves between 50 kHz to 1 MHz, eliminating the need for temperature sensors and feedback systems by maintaining voltage and current levels that prevent transducer array overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electric field generators are designed with temperature monitoring and feedback systems to prevent overheating, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing impedance measurement capability to automatically monitor and detect overheating conditions without requiring separate temperature sensors. The controller uses the impedance data that would otherwise be unused to infer temperature conditions and adjust operation accordingly, making the system self-monitoring using its inherent measurement capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters (voltage amplitude, duty cycle) based on impedance measurements to prevent overheating. By dynamically adjusting these parameters in response to impedance changes that indicate temperature rise, the system maintains safety without adding temperature sensing hardware
2Reliability
If conventional electric field generators include temperature sensors and feedback systems, then overheating prevention is improved, but portability and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The generator uses its existing impedance measurement function to self-monitor temperature conditions and self-adjust its operation to prevent overheating. This eliminates the need for separate temperature sensors and feedback systems, maintaining portability while ensuring safe operation
Solution Approach 2:
The impedance measurement capability, which serves the primary function of characterizing the transducer array and patient tissue, is also used as a temperature monitoring mechanism. This multi-functional use of the same measurement system prevents overheating without requiring additional dedicated temperature sensing hardware
3Reliability
If conventional generators use complex feedback systems for temperature control, then thermal safety is improved, but energy efficiency and battery life worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the impedance measurement data already being collected for primary operation to also monitor temperature conditions. This eliminates the need for separate temperature sensing and feedback processing, reducing energy consumption while maintaining thermal safety
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature monitoring function is extracted from a separate dedicated system and integrated into the existing impedance measurement pathway. By reusing the same measurement infrastructure for dual purposes, the system eliminates redundant energy-consuming components and processes
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 portable generator provides extended battery life, increased efficiency, and reduced size, allowing for uninterrupted TTFields delivery while avoiding discomfort due to heat, thus enhancing patient mobility and treatment accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a processor executing processor executable instructions to alternatingly enable the first output signal, and the second output signal to the first port and the second port to generate an alternating current square wave in a frequency range from 50 kHz to 1 MHz
Implementation Method 2
powered by a 30V 90 watt-hour battery
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for imposing electric fields through a target region in a body of a patient are described. Generally, the apparatus may include an electric field generator having a first circuit generating a first output signal having a positive voltage; a second circuit generating a second output signal having a negative voltage, and a processor executing processor executable instructions to alternatingly enable the first output signal, and the second output signal to a first port and a second port to generate an alternating current square wave in a frequency range from 50 kHz to 1 MHz.