Dual Power Amplifier Module for Surgical Energy Waveform Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Operating rooms are cluttered with multiple devices performing single tasks, leading to inefficiency and complexity due to the need for various specialized equipment and unique user interfaces, which complicates energy delivery and increases the risk of errors during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A modular energy system with a controller and dual power amplifier circuits, allowing for the selection of different power outputs and waveform generation to optimize energy delivery, integrated with a digital-to-analog converter to convert digital waveforms into analog signals for efficient power amplification, reducing the number of devices and simplifying user interfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized devices are used to perform different surgical tasks, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the equipment footprint and clutter in the operating room increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power amplifier circuits (first and second power amplifier circuits with different power ratings) into a single energy module, allowing the system to deliver both high power and highly refined waveforms through one consolidated device rather than requiring separate specialized equipment for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The energy module is designed with universal capability to perform multiple surgical functions by selecting between different power amplifier circuits based on the required power level, enabling a single device to replace multiple specialized devices while maintaining optimized performance for each surgical task
2Adaptability or versatility
If each capital equipment has unique user interfaces and techniques, then each device can be optimized for its specific operation, but surgical staff efficiency decreases due to the need to learn and interact with multiple different interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The energy module provides a unified user interface that controls both the first and second power amplifier circuits, allowing surgical staff to operate different power levels and waveform types through a single consistent interface rather than learning multiple different device interfaces
3Ease of operation
If high power is delivered with low efficiency amplifier circuit, then more control over wave shape is achieved, but too much heat is produced and energy delivery limits are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between the first power amplifier circuit (higher efficiency, lower power rating) and the second power amplifier circuit (lower efficiency, higher power rating) based on the required power level, allowing optimal matching of amplifier characteristics to the specific surgical task to minimize heat generation while maintaining waveform control
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes operational parameters by selecting different power amplifier circuits based on the required power output, switching between高效率 low-power mode and lower-efficiency high-power mode to maintain optimal thermal performance across different power delivery requirements
4Loss of energy
If high efficiency power amplifier circuit is used, then heat generation is reduced and energy limits are not exceeded, but control over wave shape is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the power amplifier selection based on real-time power requirements, using the higher efficiency first power amplifier circuit when sufficient for the task (maintaining good waveform control with less heat) and switching to the second power amplifier circuit when higher power is needed
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 modular energy system streamlines surgical procedures by consolidating equipment, reducing clutter, improving staff efficiency, and enhancing control over energy delivery, thereby minimizing errors and improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
converting, by a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) coupled to the controller, the digital waveform to an analog waveform
Implementation Method 2
a first power amplifier circuit having an input and an output. The input of the first power amplifier circuit is coupled to the controller and is configured to receive and amplify an input signal to generate a first output signal
Data Source
AI summary
A dual amplifier apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes an energy module having a controller and a first and second power amplifier circuit coupled to the controller. The first and second power amplifier circuits are configured to receive and amplify an input signal to generate a first output signal into a load coupled to the output of the first and second power amplifier circuit. A power rating of the first amplifier circuit is different from a power rating of the second amplifier circuit. The controller is configured to select the first or the second power amplifier circuit.