Dual-Output Generator Harmonic Control for Surgical Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical energy systems cannot simultaneously power ultrasonic and electrosurgical instruments at different frequencies, limiting their application in advanced surgical techniques.
Innovation Solution
A dual-output generator is developed, featuring a power supply and inverter with a controller that modulates switching angles to generate waveforms at specific frequencies, suitable for both ultrasonic and electrosurgical instruments, using an H-bridge topology with wide bandgap field effect transistors and filters to isolate low and high frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-output generator is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to power different instrument types simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is divided into separate output channels (first output for ultrasonic instruments, second output for electrosurgical instruments), each with independent frequency generation and control circuits. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific instrument type while maintaining overall system integration through a shared power supply and control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator is designed with multi-functional capability to power both ultrasonic and electrosurgical instruments simultaneously through a single device. The system incorporates multiple output interfaces that can independently deliver appropriate waveforms to different instrument types, eliminating the need for separate generators for each instrument category.
2Productivity
If multiple frequencies are generated simultaneously, then the productivity of surgical procedures is improved, but the manufacturing precision of waveform generation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The waveform generation function is segmented into separate dedicated circuits for different frequency ranges. The first output channel generates ultrasonic frequencies (20-100 kHz) while the second output channel generates electrosurgical frequencies (20-100 kHz), with each channel having its own oscillator and modulation circuitry to ensure waveform purity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
Filter circuits are introduced as intermediary components between the switching elements and output terminals. These filters (including low-pass filters for ultrasonic output and band-pass filters for electrosurgical output) selectively pass desired frequency components while attenuating unwanted harmonics and switching frequencies, thereby ensuring waveform accuracy.
3Power
If switching elements are operated at high frequency, then the power output is increased, but the loss of energy due to harmonics increases
Solution Approach 1:
Filter circuits are positioned as intermediary components between the switching elements and output terminals. These filters selectively attenuate harmonic frequencies while passing the desired output frequencies, thereby reducing energy loss to unwanted harmonics and improving overall system efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching elements operate at optimized frequency parameters that balance power transfer efficiency with harmonic generation. By carefully selecting switching frequencies and duty cycles, the system maximizes useful power output while minimizing energy dissipation through harmonic content.
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
Enables simultaneous operation of ultrasonic and electrosurgical instruments at multiple frequencies, reducing unwanted harmonics and improving surgical precision and efficiency by providing independent power regulation for each instrument type.
Implementation Method 1
The inverter includes at least one switching element operated at a switching angle. The generator also includes a controller coupled to the inverter and configured to modulate the switching angle to generate a first waveform at a first frequency and a secondary waveform at a second frequency.
Implementation Method 2
a dual-output generator configured to output two or more waveforms at different frequencies allowing the dual-output generator to provide low-frequency output, which may be suitable for ultrasonic surgical instruments, and a high-frequency output, which may be suitable for electrosurgical instruments, while reducing the amplitude of all remaining frequencies other than the two selected low and high frequencies to about zero.
Implementation Method 3
reducing the amplitude of all remaining frequencies other than the two selected low and high frequencies to about zero
Data Source
AI summary
A dual-output generator is configured to output two or more waveforms at different frequencies. In particular, the dual-output generator is configured to provide low-frequency output, which may be suitable for ultrasonic surgical instruments, and a high-frequency output, which may be suitable for electrosurgical instruments, while reducing the amplitude of all remaining frequencies other than the two selected low and high frequencies to about zero.