Multiplexer Consolidates Sensor Signals for Electrosurgical Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave ablation devices face challenges in controlling energy delivery due to the limited number of power, ground, and data lines, which can lead to inadequate temperature control and unwanted heating of healthy tissue, especially when using invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical system with a multiplexer that consolidates signals from multiple sensors onto a limited number of lines, using a channel select algorithm to automatically select channels and control power output based on detected tissue properties, allowing for precise energy delivery and improved temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect tissue properties for better temperature control, then temperature control precision is improved, but the number of signal lines required increases beyond available connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor signal lines into a single communication channel by implementing a time-division multiplexing system. Sensors are connected to a microcontroller that sequentially reads their outputs, allowing multiple sensors to share the same communication bus and reducing the number of required signal lines while maintaining full temperature monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal communication interface that handles multiple sensor types (temperature sensors, impedance sensors, pressure sensors) through a single standardized protocol. This multi-functional approach allows different sensor outputs to be transmitted through the same communication channel, eliminating the need for dedicated signal lines for each sensor type
2Measurement precision
If more sensors and signal lines are added to improve temperature monitoring, then temperature control accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent sensor connections into a single integrated communication bus, reducing the number of wiring connections required. This simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing assembly steps and minimizing the complexity of cable management while maintaining comprehensive sensor coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-identifying sensor nodes that automatically configure themselves on the communication bus. Each sensor includes identification circuitry that allows the microcontroller to automatically detect and initialize sensors without manual configuration, reducing assembly complexity and enabling easier manufacturing
3Loss of information
If multiple signal lines are used for sensor data transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but the available power, ground, and data line connections are exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of sensor data through time-division multiplexing. The microcontroller sequentially reads from multiple sensors at different time intervals, allowing all sensor data to be transmitted through a single communication channel. This periodic action ensures that no sensor data is lost while using minimal connection resources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from spatial multiplexing (multiple parallel signal lines) to temporal multiplexing (single line used at different times). By adding the time dimension to the data transmission approach, the system maintains full sensor data capability while reducing the spatial requirement from multiple simultaneous lines to a single shared line
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator configured to provide electrosurgical energy to an electrosurgical device coupled thereto which, in turn, delivers electrosurgical energy to tissue. The electrosurgical device may include a plurality of sensors configured to detect one or more tissue properties and output a detected tissue property signal relating thereto. One or more multiplexers having a plurality of channels are electrically connected to each of the corresponding plurality of sensors. The multiplexer(s) may be configured to receive the detected tissue property signal from each sensor of the plurality of sensors and output at least one output signal along a signal line. The signal line is configured to connect to the electrosurgical generator to control a power output of the electrosurgical generator. A channel select algorithm is configured to automatically select channels from the plurality of channels.