Electrosurgical Shield Fault Detection Using Multi-Parameter Monitoring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrosurgical instrument fault detection systems are limited by their reliance on analog circuits and only sensing current in the shield, lacking flexibility to detect faults based on multiple radio frequency parameters, which can lead to delayed or inadequate fault detection and inability to customize monitoring for varying surgical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A system with monitoring circuitry that measures active voltage, active current, and shield current to detect resistance, capacitance, and power faults, allowing for contemporaneous detection of multiple fault conditions using a combination of parameters such as average real power, RMS current, and impedance, enabling more precise and flexible fault detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If only shield current sensing is used for fault detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of fault detection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidfault detection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the monitored parameters from单一的 shield current to multiple parameters including active voltage, active current, shield current, average real power, and impedance. This allows the system to detect faults more accurately by analyzing multiple aspects of the electrosurgical instrument's electrical characteristics simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The monitoring circuitry is designed to perform multiple functions: measuring voltage, current, power, and impedance; detecting various fault conditions; and providing customizable thresholds for different surgical procedures. This multi-functional approach improves fault detection capability without requiring separate dedicated systems for each parameter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If analog circuits are used for fault detection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional analog fault detection circuits with a digital monitoring system that uses a microcontroller or processor to analyze electrical parameters. This substitution enables programmable fault thresholds, digital signal processing, and greater adaptability to different surgical instruments and procedures while maintaining manageable system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic and customizable fault detection thresholds that can be adjusted based on the specific surgical procedure, instrument type, and clinical requirements. This dynamic configuration capability allows the same hardware to adapt to varying operational conditions without requiring physical reconfiguration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If single parameter monitoring is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability and productivity of fault detection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidfault detection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the fault detection process into distinct measurement components (voltage measurement, current measurement, power calculation, impedance computation) while integrating them into a unified monitoring system. This segmentation allows each parameter to be measured and analyzed independently with its own optimized algorithm, improving overall reliability while maintaining systematic operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Loss of time

If fault detection is delayed, then the loss of time is reduced, but the reliability and safety of electrosurgical procedures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloss of timeVSAvoidprocedure safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary fault detection by continuously monitoring multiple electrical parameters and comparing them against predefined safety thresholds before faults can develop into hazardous conditions. This proactive approach enables early detection of insulation degradation, shield failures, or other potential problems, allowing preventive action before patient safety is compromised

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9757183B2Multiple parameter fault detection in electrosurgical instrument shields

Publication Date: 2017.09.12 ENCISION INC

AI summary

A system and method for detecting faults within an electrosurgical instrument having a shield and an active electrode uses multiple possible fault conditions. In one embodiment the monitoring system comprises an electrosurgical generator coupled to the electrosurgical instrument and adapted to deliver power to the active electrode of the electrosurgical instrument, monitoring circuitry coupled to the electrosurgical generator and the electrosurgical instrument.