Electrosurgical Switch Detection Using H-Bridge Measurement Current

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrosurgical instrument monitoring systems require complex circuitry to detect activation of instrument switching means, particularly due to the need for negative voltages and currents, which increases circuit complexity and requires precise calibration of analog optocouplers.

Innovation Solution

A device with a power converter and control device generates a measurement current using controllable switching means, allowing detection of instrument switching means activation without negative voltages by using a H-bridge topology and different conducting directions for switches, simplifying circuitry and eliminating the need for negative voltage sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If negative voltages and currents are used to detect activation of instrument switching means, then detection capability is improved, but circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using negative voltages to detect switching means activation, the patent inverts the approach by using only positive voltages and detecting the absence or presence of current flow through different paths. The H-bridge configuration allows the system to detect which switching means is activated by monitoring current direction and path rather than using negative voltage polarity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an H-bridge circuit as an intermediary mechanism between the power source and the switching means. This H-bridge acts as a mediator that can route current through different paths based on which switching means is activated, allowing detection without requiring negative voltages. The H-bridge converts the switching state into detectable current patterns using only positive voltage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If analog optocouplers are used for detecting switching means activation, then detection accuracy is improved, but calibration complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidcalibration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical coupling system (analog optocouplers) with an electrical system based on H-bridge topology and digital signal processing. Instead of using optical signals that require precise mechanical alignment and calibration, the system uses electrical current routing through the H-bridge, which can be detected and evaluated digitally without complex calibration procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The evaluation device in the patent automatically determines which switching means is activated by analyzing the current flow patterns through the H-bridge, without requiring external calibration or adjustment. The system self-evaluates the switching state based on the detected current patterns, eliminating the need for manual calibration of analog optocouplers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If individual connection lines are used for each switching means, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidconnection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the single common connection line multi-functional by using the H-bridge circuit to route current through different paths within the same physical line. The H-bridge allows the common connection line to serve multiple detection purposes simultaneously, identifying which specific switching means is activated without requiring separate dedicated lines for each switch, thus maintaining reliability while reducing connection complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution reduces circuit complexity, avoids the use of complex analog circuitry for negative voltages, and accurately detects the activation of instrument switching means with reduced electromagnetic interference, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of electrosurgical instrument monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

a power converter for generating an electrical measurement current, wherein the power converter being configured with at least a first and a second controllable switching means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical switching:

Implementation Method 2

using a H-bridge topology and different conducting directions for switches

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240206951A1Device for detecting activation of an instrument switching means of an electrosurgical instrument, electrosurgical generator, detecting method and operating method

Publication Date: 2024.06.27 OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH

AI summary

A device for detecting activation of electrosurgical instrument switching steps, including: a power converter for generating an electrical measurement current, wherein the power converter has at least a first and second controllable switching step; a control device for the controllable switching step, at least first and second instrument switching steps, wherein the first and second instrument switching steps being electrically connected to the power converter, and an evaluation device for evaluating the generated measurement current.