Conductive Fabric Pad Structure for Cooler TTField Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tumor treating field (TTField) systems experience heating issues due to current application, leading to discomfort and reduced treatment duration, and use rigid materials that do not contour to the patient's body.
Innovation Solution
The development of conductive pads incorporating a conductive fabric material that includes a conductive gel layer with air-channels or non-planar shapes to improve thermal management and conform to the patient's body, reducing heat buildup while maintaining effective TTField generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current is applied to generate TTFields, then tumor treatment effectiveness is improved, but temperature increases causing discomfort and reduced treatment duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a phase change material (paraffin wax) as an intermediary thermal management layer between the conductive electrode and the patient's skin. This mediator absorbs excess heat generated during TTField delivery through phase transition (melting), preventing heat transfer to the patient while maintaining effective treatment current
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of paraffin wax (solid to liquid at body temperature range) to passively absorb and regulate heat. The phase change material melts during treatment, absorbing latent heat of fusion, thereby maintaining a stable temperature interface between the electrode and skin without active cooling mechanisms
2Reliability
If rigid ceramic materials are used for transducer arrays, then electrical insulation and safety are improved, but adaptability to patient's body contours deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transducer array into multiple functional segments: rigid ceramic disks for electrical insulation and safety, flexible conductive fabric layers for contour adaptation, and phase change material layers for thermal management. Each segment performs its specific function while collectively solving the overall system contradiction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining rigid ceramic materials (for insulation), flexible conductive fabrics (for contour adaptation and current conduction), and phase change materials (for thermal regulation). This composite approach allows each material to contribute its advantageous properties while mitigating individual limitations
3Duration of action of moving object
If current application duration is extended for effective treatment, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but heat buildup increases causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material provides passive, autonomous thermal management without requiring external control systems or energy input. The material automatically absorbs heat as it transitions from solid to liquid phase, self-regulating the temperature at the skin interface throughout the extended treatment duration
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 conductive pads effectively reduce temperature and enhance TTField strength, providing more comfortable and prolonged treatment sessions by contouring to the patient's body and minimizing heating issues.
Implementation Method 1
The conductive gel element is directly connected to the electrode element so as to receive an electrical current from the electrode element
Implementation Method 2
a conductive gel layer with air-channels or non-planar shapes to improve thermal management and conform to the patient's body, reducing heat buildup
Data Source
AI summary
A system for generating a TTField utilizing at least one conductive pad is herein described. The system comprises a generator configured to generate an electrical signal; a first lead coupled to the generator and a first conductive pad and configured to carry the electrical signal; the first conductive pad has a first electrode element comprising a first conductive fabric to supply electrical current to a patient; a second lead coupled to the generator and a second conductive pad and configured to carry the electrical signal; and the second conductive pad having a second electrode element comprising a second conductive fabric to supply electrical current to the patient.