Electrosurgical Generator Fiber Optic Isolation Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrosurgical generators face issues with high and low frequency leakage currents, which existing methods struggle to fully mitigate due to inefficiencies and unwanted electrical effects, particularly with the use of electrostatic shields and opto-isolated barriers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fiber optic connection circuit within the electrosurgical generator, powered by a low voltage power supply, provides a primary isolation barrier at both the RF amp output module's high voltage and low voltage power supply sides, utilizing logic devices like CPLDs or FPGAs and fiber optic channels for effective isolation of voltage and current sensors, controls, and relay operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If electrostatic shields and transformers are used to mitigate leakage currents, then leakage current reduction is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrostatic shields and transformers with an opto-isolated barrier that uses optical signals instead of electrical connections. This substitution eliminates the need for complex electrostatic shielding structures and transformer couplings, reducing device complexity while maintaining leakage current mitigation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an opto-isolated barrier as an intermediary between the power source and the RF output module. This barrier uses optical coupling to transfer signals without direct electrical connection, effectively blocking leakage current paths while simplifying the overall system architecture compared to traditional electrostatic shielding methods.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If transformers and relay switches with electrostatic shields are used, then leakage current is reduced, but the shield's voltage creates unwanted electrical effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical shielding structures with an opto-isolated barrier that uses optical signals. Since optical signals do not carry electrical voltage, the barrier blocks leakage currents without creating the voltage-related unwanted electrical effects that plague electrostatic shields.
Solution Approach 2:
The opto-isolated barrier serves as an intermediary that transfers control signals optically without establishing electrical potential differences. This eliminates the 'effective opening' problem in electrostatic shields where shield voltage creates unwanted electrical effects in neighboring circuits.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If opto-isolated barriers with floating power supplies are added to relays, then leakage current is eliminated, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the opto-isolated barrier functionality directly into the RF output module architecture, eliminating the need for separate floating power supplies and external opto-isolators. This integration reduces device complexity and cost while maintaining the leakage current elimination benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements an opto-isolated barrier that provides electrical isolation without requiring additional floating power supply circuits. The optical coupling mechanism inherently provides the isolation function, simplifying the overall system compared to approaches that add separate opto-isolators and floating power supplies to existing relays.
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 effectively reduces leakage currents by providing a robust isolation barrier that mitigates electrical interference and electromagnetic issues, enhancing the generator's performance and reliability while avoiding the drawbacks of previous methods.
Implementation Method 1
A fiber optic connection circuit is in operative communication with the controller and includes one or more types of logic devices and one or more types of fiber optic channels. The fiber optic connection circuit is configured to mitigate leakage current associated with a plurality of components operatively associated with the electrosurgical generator by providing isolation.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary
An electrosurgical system is provided. The electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator (20) adapted to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue. A power source (26) operably couples to the electrosurgical generator (20) and is configured to deliver power to one or more types of loads connected to the electrosurgical generator (20). The electrosurgical generator (20) includes a controller (24) including a microprocessor (38) coupled to the electrosurgical generator (20) and configured to control the output of the electrosurgical generator (20). A fiber optic connection circuit (42) is in operative communication with the controller (24) and includes one or more types of logic devices (46) and one or more types of fiber optic channels (44). The fiber optic connection circuit (42) is configured to mitigate leakage current associated with at least one of a plurality of components operatively associated with the electrosurgical generator (20) by providing isolation.