Frequency-Selective Transducer Control on a Single Main-Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
In applications with limited space, such as implantable or insertable catheters, there is a need for localized transducer addressing and energizing without the bulkiness of multiple independent power paths, requiring a method to selectively control energy flow and deposition in space and time.
Innovation Solution
The approach involves adjusting the frequency of an AC electromagnetic input signal to select an energy flow path and control energy delivery using a single main-line, where resonators along the line resonate at specific frequencies, allowing only matching resonators to energize transducers, thereby reducing the number of required power lines and enabling fast operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple independent power paths are used to address and energize localized transducers, then each transducer can be independently controlled, but the device becomes bulky and impractical for space-constricted applications
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple power delivery functions are merged into a single shared power line. The patent combines multiple independent power paths into one common line that serves all transducers, eliminating the need for separate cables or conduits for each transducer while maintaining independent addressing capability through frequency-selective filtering.
Solution Approach 2:
The single shared power line performs multiple functions: it delivers power to multiple different transducers, carries frequency-selective signals for addressing individual transducers, and enables independent control of each transducer location. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for dedicated independent power paths.
2Measurement precision
If frequency-selective filtering is used to address specific transducers along a power line, then precise energy delivery is achieved, but signal loss and interference may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the frequency parameter of the electrical signal to achieve selective transducer addressing. By varying the frequency of the signal applied to the shared power line, specific transducers can be addressed without physical reconfiguration, enabling precise energy delivery to selected locations while minimizing continuous power loss.
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 method allows for precise control of energy delivery to specific locations along a catheter or similar device, reducing bulkiness and enabling rapid reaction times by using a single main-line for multiple transducers, while minimizing power loss and overheating risks.
Implementation Method 1
The resonator can be configured to resonate at its characteristic AC electromagnetic input signal frequency, such as to energize the transducer at a first energy level
Data Source
AI summary
Localized heating can use a fixed-frequency planar transmission line resonators arranged along a main-line, selected by tuning an electromagnetic input signal frequency applied to the main line for depositing heat in an adjacent active substrate. More generally, adjusting input signal frequency can be used to selectively address and energize an electromagnetic-to-heat, an electromagnetic-to-vibration, or other transducer to controllably direct energy toward a desired transducer load. Resonators or other electromagnetically energized transducers can be arranged to electromagnetically interfere, such that specifying or adjusting a relative phase of applied electrical signals can be used to specify or adjust the energy directed toward a desired transducer load. Temperature sensing can characterize a material in a target region near the transducer. A cold-hot-cold temperature profile can better manage temperature and avoid overheating a dielectric material such as the active substrate material.