Dual-Function Electrode Control Surface for Precise Sequential Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical techniques face challenges in simplifying the control and positioning of multiple electrodes within a body, particularly when independent movement and placement of each electrode is required for effective treatment.
Innovation Solution
A user interface with a single control surface is used to manipulate a primary and secondary electrode, allowing for sequential engagement and independent movement of these electrodes through an actuator controller, facilitating precise positioning and locking in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are positioned independently within a body, then treatment precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrode positioning functions into a single integrated control surface. The control surface includes a first portion for controlling the first electrode and a second portion for controlling the second electrode, allowing both electrodes to be manipulated from one unified interface rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each electrode.
Solution Approach 2:
The control surface is designed to perform multiple functions: it can control both electrodes independently, maintain their relative positions, and facilitate sequential or simultaneous manipulation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized controls while preserving precise positioning capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are positioned independently within a body, then treatment precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrode positioning functions into a single integrated control surface. The control surface includes a first portion for controlling the first electrode and a second portion for controlling the second electrode, allowing both electrodes to be manipulated from one unified interface rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each electrode.
Solution Approach 2:
The control surface is designed to be dynamically adaptable in its control functions. It can switch between controlling different electrodes, maintain relative positions, and facilitate sequential or simultaneous manipulation based on the procedural needs, making operation more intuitive and easier for the operator.
3Ease of operation
If a single control surface is used to control multiple electrodes, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control surface is segmented into distinct portions: a first portion for controlling the first electrode and a second portion for controlling the second electrode. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while remaining part of a unified control interface, managing complexity through organized modularity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control surface acts as an intermediary between the operator and the multiple electrodes. It translates operator inputs into coordinated movements of the electrodes, managing the complexity of multi-electrode control through a single mediating interface that handles the coordination logic.
4Productivity
If sequential manipulation of actuators is enabled through a single control surface, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control surface is pre-configured with distinct portions for controlling different electrodes, allowing the operator to perform sequential manipulations in a predetermined sequence. The first portion controls the first electrode and the second portion controls the second electrode, enabling efficient sequential positioning without requiring complex real-time coordination decisions.
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 solution simplifies the process of positioning and securing electrodes, enabling efficient and precise ablative electrical treatments by allowing simultaneous and independent control of multiple electrodes using a single control surface.
Implementation Method 1
An actuator controller is configured to move along the shaft in a first direction to engage and motivate the primary actuator and is further configured to move along the shaft in a second direction to engage and motivate the secondary actuator
Implementation Method 2
A primary actuator is movably couplable with the actuator shaft and couplable with a primary electrode with the primary actuator being configured to extend and retract the primary electrode. A secondary actuator is movably couplable with the primary actuator and couplable with a secondary electrode with the secondary actuator being configured to extend and retract the secondary electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for positioning electrodes using a single control surface. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes an actuator shaft defining a lumen through which a primary electrode and a secondary electrode are linearly movable. A primary actuator is movably couplable with the actuator shaft and a primary electrode with the primary actuator being configured to extend and retract the primary electrode. A secondary actuator is movably couplable with the primary actuator and a secondary electrode with the secondary actuator being configured to extend and retract the secondary electrode. An actuator controller is configured to move along the shaft in a first direction to engage and motivate the primary actuator and is further configured to move along the shaft in a second direction to engage and motivate the secondary actuator. The primary actuator and the secondary actuator are sequentially manipulatable using only the actuator controller.