Electronic Switch Control for Tissue Coagulation and Dissection

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for coagulation and cutting of biological tissue are costly to manufacture and require complex mechanical devices for safe handling, particularly in single-use instruments.

Innovation Solution

A device with an instrument and apparatus that uses an evaluation circuit to generate a control signal based on the polarity of an evaluation signal, allowing for electronic or optical control of a switch unit to switch between coagulation and cutting modes without mechanical switches, enabling simple and safe operation and manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanical switches are used to switch between coagulation and cutting modes, then safe handling is guaranteed, but manufacturing costs increase and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe handlingVSAvoidmechanical devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical switches with an electronic control system. A control circuit receives a control signal and automatically switches the switch unit between coagulation and cutting modes based on the polarity of an evaluation signal, eliminating the need for mechanical switching components while maintaining safe operation through electronic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit automatically determines the appropriate mode (coagulation or cutting) by evaluating the polarity of the evaluation signal and autonomously controlling the switch unit accordingly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual mechanical switching while ensuring safe handling through automated mode selection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If mechanical switches are used to switch between coagulation and cutting modes, then safe handling is guaranteed, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe handlingVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical switches with an electronic control system. A control circuit receives a control signal and automatically switches the switch unit between coagulation and cutting modes based on the polarity of an evaluation signal, eliminating the need for mechanical switching components while maintaining safe operation through electronic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If complex mechanical devices are used for mode switching, then safe handling is guaranteed, but the instrument is less suitable for single-use due to cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe handlingVSAvoidsingle-use suitability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical switches with an electronic control system. A control circuit receives a control signal and automatically switches the switch unit between coagulation and cutting modes based on the polarity of an evaluation signal, eliminating the need for mechanical switching components while maintaining safe operation through electronic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11839417B2Device and method for coagulation and dissection of biological tissue

Publication Date: 2023.12.12 ERBE ELEKTROMEDIZIN GMBH

AI summary

A device and a method for coagulation and/or dissection of biological tissue is disclosed. The device comprises an apparatus and an instrument electrically connected thereto. The instrument includes an operation circuit with a manually operated switch. An evaluation circuit of the apparatus provides an evaluation signal for the instrument. The apparatus can create a supply voltage or a supply current for the instrument. In the initial condition the evaluation signal comprises only one polarity. The evaluation signal is provided to a control circuit of the instrument in which a characteristic of the evaluation signal is adjusted depending on the operating condition of the switch. The evaluation circuit detects this characteristic and initiates the output of the supply voltage and changes the polarity of the evaluation signal according to the requested cutting mode. In the cutting mode the evaluation signal comprises at least temporarily also a second polarity.