HF Surgical Generator Isolation Circuit for Compact Safe Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-frequency surgical devices face challenges in achieving high operational reliability due to the need for large insulation distances and complex signal transmission components, which increase space and weight requirements.
Innovation Solution
A generator system with a galvanically isolated intermediate control circuit that allows for reduced insulation distances and simplified signal transmission, utilizing transformers and optocouplers to manage control signals, enabling smaller relays and fewer high-voltage-resistant components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large insulation distances are used in existing high-frequency surgical devices, then safety is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into two galvanically isolated parts: a control unit in the intermediate circuit and an intermediate control circuit in the application unit. This segmentation allows each part to have optimized insulation distances suitable for its specific voltage requirements, rather than requiring one large insulation distance throughout the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
A galvanic isolation interface (using optocouplers or transformers) is introduced as an intermediary between the control unit and the intermediate control circuit. This intermediary enables safe signal transmission while maintaining appropriate insulation distances on each side, resolving the contradiction between safety and compact design.
2Reliability
If large insulation distances are used in existing high-frequency surgical devices, then safety is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control system into galvanically isolated parts, each with optimized insulation distances, the overall amount of insulation material required is reduced, thereby reducing device weight while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The galvanic isolation interface acts as a mediator that enables safe operation with reduced insulation distances in both the control unit and application unit, leading to weight savings compared to a design with uniformly large insulation distances.
3Reliability
If many high-voltage-resistant components are used in existing high-frequency surgical devices, then safety is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into galvanically isolated units, each requiring high-voltage-resistant components only where necessary for their specific voltage levels. This reduces the total number of high-voltage-resistant components compared to a unified design, thereby reducing space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The galvanic isolation interface serves as a mediator that eliminates the need for extensive high-voltage-resistant components throughout the entire device, as each side of the isolation can be designed for its specific voltage requirements.
4Reliability
If complex signal transmission components are used in existing high-frequency surgical devices, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the control system into galvanically isolated units, the signal transmission requirements are simplified for each unit. Standard signal transmission components can be used within each unit rather than requiring complex high-voltage-resistant signal transmission components throughout the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The galvanic isolation interface acts as a mediator that enables the use of simple, standard signal transmission components on each side, rather than requiring complex signal transmission components capable of handling high voltages across the entire signal path.
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 design results in reduced space and weight requirements while maintaining safety, allowing for efficient and reliable operation of high-frequency surgical devices.
Implementation Method 1
the voltage supply to the intermediate control circuit is provided by transformers arranged between the intermediate control circuit and the control unit
Implementation Method 2
For signal transmission from the control unit to the intermediate control circuit, transmitters such as optocouplers are preferably used
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a generator for the delivery of high frequency alternating current to a medical instrument. The generator has a power supply unit, a high frequency generator primary unit (HF generator primary unit), an application unit, and a control unit. According to the invention, the HF generator primary unit is connected to the power supply unit and the application unit and designed to supply the application unit with high frequency alternating current during operation. The application unit is electrically connected in a switchable manner to connections for connecting a medical instrument via at least one relay. The control unit is galvanically separated from the application unit and designed to control the at least one relay and the application unit as applicable. The control unit is connected to the application unit via an intermediate control circuit, wherein the intermediate control circuit is galvanically separated both from the control unit and from the application unit.