Energy Treatment Tool Control Device for Surface Temperature Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In energy treatment tools, the surface temperature of non-holding portions can rise excessively, potentially damaging tissues and requiring accurate temperature acquisition to prevent overheating.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a temperature acquiring section for the heating element and a surface temperature estimating section that calculates the surface temperature of non-contacting portions based on the heating element's temperature change after power cessation, using thermal conductivity and resistance pattern characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a heating element with resistance heating pattern is disposed in forceps to apply heat energy to biological tissue, then the treatment to coagulate or incise the biological tissue can be performed, but the temperature of the portion other than the holding surface in the holding portion rises excessively
Solution Approach 1:
A temperature acquiring section is introduced as an intermediary device to detect the temperature of the heating element. This indirect measurement allows the system to monitor thermal conditions without direct contact with the heated surfaces, enabling control to prevent excessive temperature rise in non-holding portions while maintaining effective heat application to the tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device uses the temperature information acquired by the temperature acquiring section to provide feedback control. By continuously monitoring the heating element temperature and adjusting the power supply accordingly, the system prevents excessive temperature rise in non-holding portions while maintaining effective heat application to the tissue during treatment.
2Reliability
If the temperature of the heating element is increased to ensure adequate heat application to the holding surface, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the surface temperature of the first holding member different from the holding surface becomes very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical temperature measurement at the holding surface with an electrical/thermal field-based approach. The temperature acquiring section measures the heating element temperature through thermal conduction and electrical resistance characteristics, allowing indirect inference of the holding surface temperature without direct physical contact or mechanical sensing elements in the critical heat application zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a thermal model that copies the temperature distribution characteristics of the heating element to predict the temperature at the holding surface and other portions. By measuring the heating element temperature and using thermal conduction principles, the system generates a copy of the temperature field that can be used to control and prevent excessive temperatures in non-holding portions.
3Measurement precision
If direct temperature sensors are installed on the holding surface to measure surface temperature, then accurate temperature acquisition is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing temperature sensors directly on the holding surface, the patent uses the heating element itself as an intermediary temperature indicator. The heating element's temperature, which can be measured through its electrical resistance and thermal characteristics, serves as a proxy for the holding surface temperature, eliminating the need for direct sensor installation in the critical heat application zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element serves dual functions: it is both the heat source for tissue treatment and the temperature indicator for monitoring. By utilizing the heating element's own thermal and electrical characteristics, the system achieves temperature measurement without requiring separate dedicated temperature sensors, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
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 precise acquisition and management of surface temperatures, preventing tissue damage and simplifying the tool's configuration by estimating surface temperatures without direct measurement, thus avoiding overheating issues.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element configured to generate heat corresponding to supplied power, thereby heating the holding surface
Implementation Method 2
a temperature acquiring section that acquires a temperature of the heating element
Implementation Method 3
a surface temperature estimating section that estimates, as a surface temperature, a temperature of at least a part of a surface of the first holding member which is different from a portion facing the second holding member, based on a change of the temperature of the heating element after supply of the power is stopped
Data Source
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AI summary
A control device (100) is a control device for an energy treatment tool including a first holding member (212) and a second holding member (214) which hold a biological tissue, and a heating element (224) configured to generate heat corresponding to supplied power, thereby heating the holding surface. The control device (100) includes a temperature acquiring section (140) that acquires a temperature of the heating element; and a surface temperature estimating section (150) that estimates, as a surface temperature, a temperature of at least a part of a surface of the first holding member which is different from a portion facing the second holding member, based on a change of the temperature of the heating element after supply of the power is stopped.