Electrosurgical Shaft PCB Layout for Moving Electrode Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical tools face challenges in maintaining electrical connections between components when the electrosurgical electrode rotates and/or axially moves relative to the housing, complicating design and increasing manufacturing costs, especially when features like light sources and smoke evacuation are included.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a printed circuit board in the interior bore of the shaft to conduct electrosurgical energy from a power cord to the interior surface of the shaft, allowing for rotational and axial movement of the electrosurgical electrode while maintaining electrical connections, and including a smoke evacuation channel and optical structure to facilitate efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the electrosurgical electrode rotates and/or axially moves relative to the housing, then the versatility and adaptability of the tool is improved, but maintaining electrical connections becomes more complex and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) that can bend and deform to accommodate the rotational and axial movements of the electrosurgical electrode. The FPC maintains continuous electrical connection through its inherent flexibility, eliminating the need for complex rotary connectors or sliding contacts. This resolves the contradiction by enabling electrode movement while keeping the electrical connection system simple and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic electrical connection system where the flexible printed circuit board adapts its shape in real-time to match the movement of the electrode. The FPC transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that moves with the electrode, maintaining electrical continuity throughout the range of motion without requiring complex mechanical connectors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple features like light sources and smoke evacuation are included, then the functionality and versatility of the tool is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (electrosurgery, light illumination, smoke evacuation) into a single unified tool structure. The flexible printed circuit board serves as a common platform that distributes power and signals to all functional components. By sharing the same housing, power source, and control system, the patent reduces overall device complexity despite adding multiple functions, resolving the contradiction between versatility and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functional components (electrode, light source, smoke evacuation channel) into a single integrated assembly that moves together as one unit. The flexible printed circuit board consolidates the electrical connections for all these components into a single flexible structure, simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to assembling separate devices. This merging approach maintains versatility while reducing the complexity of electrical connection maintenance.
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
The solution ensures reliable electrical connectivity and functional integration of features like light illumination and smoke evacuation, enhancing the tool's versatility and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The printed circuit board is configured to conduct the electrosurgical energy from the power cord to an interior surface of the shaft. The shaft is configured to conduct the electrosurgical energy to the electrosurgical electrode.
Implementation Method 2
As the electric current passes through the tissue, an impedance of the tissue converts a portion of the electric current into thermal energy (e.g., via the principles of resistive heating), which increases a temperature of the tissue
Data Source
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AI summary
In an example, an electrosurgical tool includes a handle defining an interior cavity, a power cord configured to couple to and receive electrosurgical energy from an electrosurgical generator, and a shaft extending distally from the interior cavity of the handle. The shaft defines an interior bore. The electrosurgical tool also includes a printed circuit board in the interior bore of the shaft. The printed circuit board is electrically coupled to the power cord. The printed circuit board is configured to conduct the electrosurgical energy from the power cord to an interior surface of the shaft. The shaft is movable relative to the handle and the printed circuit board. The electrosurgical tool also includes an electrosurgical electrode extending distally from a distal end of the shaft. The shaft is configured to conduct the electrosurgical energy to the electrosurgical electrode.