Electrosurgical RF Generator Power Verification via Inverter Input

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for verifying the power output of RF generators for electrosurgical instruments are prone to systematic errors, costly, and increase leakage currents due to redundant measurement systems.

Innovation Solution

A method involving direct measurement of input power and accounting for known power dissipation factors, such as modulation level, RF mode, and ambient temperature, to verify the output power by comparing it with calculated comparative power, thereby avoiding redundant and costly sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two redundant FPGA systems are used to measure output power, then measurement reliability is improved, but systematic errors cannot be detected and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoiderror detection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by measuring input power separately and using it to calculate expected output power, rather than directly comparing two output power measurements. This intermediary measurement path allows for error detection while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of measuring output power with two redundant systems and comparing them, the patent inverts the approach by measuring input power and calculating expected output power, then comparing this calculated value with the actual output power measurement. This inversion enables detection of systematic errors in the output measurement system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If two redundant FPGA systems are used to measure output power, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the measurement function from the output path and places it at the input path. By measuring input power separately and using it to calculate expected output power, the system avoids the complexity of implementing two full redundant measurement systems at the output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The input power measurement serves multiple functions: it provides a reference for calculating expected output power, enables error detection, and reduces the need for complex redundant output measurement systems. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If additional redundant sensors are added, then measurement reliability is improved, but leakage current increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidleakage current
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses input power measurement as an intermediary to verify output power accuracy without adding redundant sensors to the output path. This approach maintains measurement reliability while avoiding the harmful effect of increased leakage current that would result from additional output sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4616818A1Method for verifying a power recording of an RF generator of an electrosurgical instrument and corresponding RF generator
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH
  • EP4616818A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4616818A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4616818A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Method for verifying a power recording of an RF generator to control at least one electrosurgical instrument, wherein the RF generator has an inverter for generating an RF signal, and the inverter via an Inverter input is supplied with electrical current and via an Inverter output emits an RF signal with a voltage value and a current value for driving an electrosurgical instrument, comprising the steps recording of an output power delivered via the RF signal by directly measuring the RF signal by means of an RF power acquisition device, as directly recorded out-put power, recording of a comparative power based on a power measured on the input side of the inverter and verifying the functioning of the RF power acquisition device by comparing the recorded comparative power with the directly recorded output power.