Electrode Positioning Actuator with Locking Control Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical techniques face challenges in precisely positioning and independently moving multiple electrodes within a body for effective ablative electrical treatment, particularly in maintaining the position of electrodes during minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
The development of an apparatus with a primary and secondary actuator system, along with a control mechanism, allows for the independent movement and locking of multiple electrodes relative to a sheath, enabling precise positioning and secure locking of electrodes at desired locations within the body for effective electrical treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are moved independently within a body, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent actuator units, with each actuator responsible for moving a specific electrode. This segmentation allows independent control of each electrode's position while maintaining a modular, manageable structure. The control mechanism is similarly segmented into separate control units for each actuator.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple electrodes and their corresponding actuators are nested within a single sheath structure. The actuators are positioned along the sheath, with each actuator and electrode assembly contained within the overall sheath framework. This nesting enables compact integration of multiple independent positioning systems without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If electrodes are locked in position during treatment, then treatment reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamically switchable between locked and unlocked states. During treatment, the electrode can be locked in place to ensure stability and reliability. When repositioning is needed, the lock can be released to allow easy movement. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing both stability during treatment and ease of operation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the actuator system such that it automatically engages when the actuator reaches a predetermined position. This self-locking feature ensures reliable positioning without requiring additional manual locking operations, maintaining ease of operation while improving reliability.
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.