Switchable Output Transformer Layout for Electrosurgical Voltage Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical generators face challenges in efficiently providing a wide range of output voltages required for different electrosurgical applications, leading to increased complexity, space requirements, and potential patient leakage currents due to unused open-circuit voltages.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using multiple output transformers with interconnectable primary and secondary windings via switches, allowing for various transformer ratios to be established without generating unused open-circuit voltages. This configuration behaves like a single transformer, reducing complexity and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple output transformers are used to cover different transformer ratios, then the range of output voltages is expanded, but the space required in the generator increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple output transformers are merged into a single integrated transformer structure with multiple windings on both primary and secondary sides. This allows different transformer ratios to be achieved by switching between different winding combinations, eliminating the need for separate physical transformers and reducing the space required in the generator.
Solution Approach 2:
A single output transformer is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes. By incorporating multiple primary windings and multiple secondary windings with different turns ratios, the transformer can provide various output voltage levels for different electrosurgical applications, replacing the need for multiple dedicated transformers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an output transformer has multiple primary windings connected in series, then different transformer ratios are achieved, but voltages occur at open-circuit windings causing high stress on dielectric and increased patient leakage currents
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer winding connections are made dynamic through switching mechanisms that can reconfigure the series/parallel arrangements of primary and secondary windings based on the required output voltage. This dynamic reconfiguration ensures that only the necessary windings are active, preventing voltages from appearing on open-circuit windings and eliminating the associated harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The problematic open-circuit windings are effectively extracted or isolated from the active circuit by using switching mechanisms that disconnect them when not needed. This prevents voltages from appearing on inactive windings, thereby eliminating the source of high dielectric stress and patient leakage currents.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an output transformer has multiple secondary windings connected in series, then different transformer ratios are achieved, but voltages occur at open-circuit windings causing high stress on dielectric and increased patient leakage currents
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary windings are configured dynamically through switching mechanisms that can connect them in series or parallel based on the required output voltage. This dynamic configuration ensures that all secondary windings are properly loaded when active, preventing voltages from appearing on open-circuit windings and reducing dielectric stress on the transformer insulation.
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 approach enables a broader range of applications for electrosurgical generators by simplifying the transformer configuration, reducing space and material needs, and minimizing patient leakage currents, thus enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a high-frequency voltage source (12, 16) is provided which generates a sinusoidal high-frequency voltage (200 kHz-5 MHz) from a DC voltage. The high-frequency voltage source typically includes a voltage source connected to an inverter.
Implementation Method 2
an output transformer is also arranged between the high-frequency voltage source and the outputs for an electrosurgical instrument, via which the output voltage is scaled and which also ensures galvanic isolation from the patient circuit.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical generator for providing different high-frequency alternating voltages/high-frequency alternating currents includes at least two outputs to which an electrosurgical instrument is or can be connected, at least one high-frequency voltage source, and at least two output transformers connected on the primary side to the high-frequency voltage source and on the secondary side to the outputs for an electrosurgical instrument, wherein both the primary windings of the output transformers can be interconnected via switches and the secondary windings of the output transformers can be interconnected via switches.