Independent Electrotherapy Channel Control for Multi-Point Diathermy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diathermy devices are limited in treating multiple neurologically active vascularised points simultaneously, as they require multiple electrodes and precise positioning, and cannot independently control current amplitude at each point, leading to inefficient treatment and potential overheating.
Innovation Solution
An electrotherapy device with multiple active electrodes and a single return electrode, controlled by a system that allows independent monitoring and varying of voltage, frequency, and phase for each active electrode, enabling flexible treatment of multiple points without excessive heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple electrodes are used to treat multiple neurologically active vascularised points simultaneously, then treatment efficiency is improved, but device complexity and positioning difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the treatment system into multiple independent active electrode channels, each capable of treating a specific neurologically active vascularised point. This segmentation allows simultaneous treatment of multiple points while maintaining independent control over each channel's parameters, resolving the contradiction between treatment efficiency and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a single return electrode that serves all active electrodes simultaneously, creating a multi-functional configuration. This universal return electrode design enables treatment of multiple points without requiring multiple return electrodes, thereby improving productivity while controlling device complexity.
2Productivity
If current amplitude is increased to treat multiple points simultaneously, then treatment efficacy is improved, but risk of overheating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies local quality control by allowing independent adjustment of current parameters for each active electrode channel. This enables optimization of current amplitude at each specific treatment point based on local tissue characteristics, improving treatment efficacy while preventing overheating through localized parameter control rather than uniform high-current application across all points.
Solution Approach 2:
The device implements parameter changes by enabling dynamic adjustment of voltage, frequency, and phase for each active electrode independently. This capability allows the system to modify current parameters in real-time to achieve effective treatment while maintaining safe temperature levels, resolving the contradiction between treatment efficacy and overheating risk.
3Temperature
If conventional diathermy equipment is used with strong currents, then heating effect is improved, but constant movement of electrode is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies dynamics by enabling dynamic control of current parameters (voltage, frequency, phase) for each active electrode through independent generators. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain effective heating at static electrode positions, eliminating the need for constant electrode movement while preserving the therapeutic heating effect.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent generators are used for each active electrode, then independent current control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges multiple active electrode channels into a single integrated device architecture with a common control system. By combining the generators and control electronics into one unified device while maintaining independent parameter control for each channel, the system achieves independent current control without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the control infrastructure is shared across all channels.
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
Enables simultaneous treatment of multiple neurologically active vascularised points with precise control over current parameters, reducing the risk of overheating and improving treatment efficacy by minimizing common impedance interference.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the electrical impedance of said tissue, the electric current that circulates through the tissue causes a rise in the temperature thereof through the Joule effect.
Implementation Method 2
The present invention relates to an electrotherapy device applicable to living tissue, said electrotherapy being moderate diathermy produced by radiofrequency (RF) electric currents applied by means of contact electrodes.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electrotherapy device comprising: a plurality of active electrodes; a return electrode; and a plurality of voltage generators which are each connected to an active electrode; wherein said device comprises a controller for the voltage generators, which is provided with means for monitoring and/or varying the voltage supplied to each one of the active electrodes independently.