Electrode Probe Assembly Without Thermocouple Connection Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high frequency electrode probes face challenges in efficiently connecting thermocouple and compensation conductive wires without using a connection joint, and require alignment with the probe tube's cutting edge surface, leading to complex assembly and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The high frequency electrode probe integrates a stopper tube at the probe's proximal end, sandwiching thermocouple conductive wires between the probe and stopper tube surfaces, eliminating the need for a connection joint and allowing direct connection to a thermocouple connector, while using a probe proximal cover with an indexing mechanism to align the cutting edge surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a connection joint is used to connect thermocouple conductive wires and compensation conductive wire, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connection joint function with the probe proximal part by forming an integrated structure where the probe tube proximal end portion directly provides both mechanical support and electrical connection pathways. The thermocouple conductive wires are embedded within the probe tube wall thickness, eliminating the need for a separate connection joint component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the connection joint from the assembly by redistributing its functions: the probe tube proximal end portion assumes the mechanical support function while the embedded wires provide the electrical connection function, thereby removing the redundant connection joint component entirely.
2Length of moving object
If thermocouple conductive wires are stretched to predetermined length, then sufficient flexibility is achieved, but wire strength and elasticity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the thermocouple conductive wires within the wall thickness of the probe tube, allowing the wires to be contained and supported by the tube structure. This nested configuration provides mechanical support that maintains wire strength while accommodating the required wire length for flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe tube wall acts as an intermediary structure that provides mechanical support to the embedded thermocouple conductive wires. The wall thickness serves as a protective medium that maintains wire integrity while allowing the wires to extend the required length.
3Ease of operation
If alignment between connection joint and probe tube cutting edge surface is performed, then workability during medical treatment is improved, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an indexing mechanism during the manufacturing process that pre-aligns the probe tube cutting edge surface with the probe proximal cover. This preliminary alignment action ensures correct orientation is built into the assembly, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during final assembly or medical treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The indexing mechanism utilizes asymmetric features (such as keyed interfaces or positioned landmarks) that provide unique orientation references. This asymmetry ensures that the probe tube cutting edge surface automatically aligns with the correct position on the probe proximal cover, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining workability.
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
This configuration simplifies the assembly process, reduces costs, and enhances the efficiency of electrical connections, ensuring stable and reliable operation without the need for complex joint connections or additional alignment steps.
Implementation Method 1
a thermocouple (14) including a pair of thermocouple conductive wires (W1+, W1-) electrically connected at a temperature measurement contact point (C1)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Provided is a high frequency electrode probe with a temperature measurement function, in which a thermocouple and a compensation conductive wire can be connected to each other without using a connection joint, or the compensation conductive wire is not required, and provided is a high frequency electrode probe with a temperature measurement function, in which an alignment between the connection joint and an orientation of a cutting edge surface of a probe tube is not required, and the cutting edge surface of the probe tube can be easily aligned with a probe proximal cover. The high frequency electrode probe with a temperature measurement function includes a cylindrical probe tube 11, a thermocouple including a pair of thermocouple conductive wires W1+ and W1- electrically connected at a temperature measurement contact point C1 disposed at a distal end portion of the probe tube 11, and a high frequency conductive wire WO electrically connected to the probe tube 11, in which a stopper tube 12 having flexibility is externally attached to a proximal end portion of the probe tube, and at least the thermocouple conductive wires W1+ and W1- are sandwiched between an outer peripheral surface of the probe tube l1 and an inner peripheral surface of the stopper tube 12 or sandwiched between the outer peripheral surface of the probe tube 11 and an inner peripheral surface of a medicinal liquid tube 16.