Electrode Positioning Actuators with Interlocking Control Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical techniques face challenges in precisely positioning and holding multiple electrodes in place, particularly when independent movement of multiple electrodes is required for effective ablative electrical treatment within a body.
Innovation Solution
The development of an apparatus with primary and secondary actuators, along with a control mechanism, allows for the independent movement and locking of multiple electrodes relative to a sheath inserted into a body. This apparatus includes a primary actuator for moving a primary electrode, a secondary actuator for moving a secondary electrode, and a control mechanism that selectively prevents movement of one actuator based on the position of the other, enabling precise positioning and locking of the electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple electrodes are positioned independently for ablative electrical treatment, then treatment precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple actuators and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent actuators (primary actuator and secondary actuator), each responsible for positioning a specific electrode. This segmentation allows independent control of each electrode's position, achieving precise positioning while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism dynamically enables or disables actuator movement based on the current state of the system. The secondary actuator is disabled when the primary actuator is moving, and vice versa, preventing conflicting movements and ensuring precise positioning through dynamic state management
2Adaptability or versatility
If actuators are enabled to move independently, then electrode positioning flexibility is improved, but risk of conflicting movements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism dynamically changes the enabled/disabled state of actuators based on real-time system state. When the primary actuator is moving, the secondary actuator is automatically disabled, and when the primary actuator is stationary, the secondary actuator can be enabled. This dynamic state management provides positioning flexibility while preventing conflicting movements
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism preemptively prevents conflicting movements by disabling one actuator before the other can initiate a conflicting action. The system monitors the state of actuators and proactively blocks potential conflicts before they occur, ensuring reliable operation
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for positioning electrodes within a body. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for slidably moving multiple features relative to a sheath inserted into a body and positioned relative to a reference point includes a primary actuator configured to move a primary electrode, a secondary actuator configured to move a secondary electrode, and a control mechanism. The control mechanism is configured to selectively prevent movement of at least one of the primary actuator based on a position of the secondary actuator and of the secondary actuator based on a position of the primary actuator and lock positions of the primary actuator and the secondary actuator.