Hollow Coaxial Cable for Electrosurgery with Nested Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cables for conveying radiofrequency and/or microwave energy to electrosurgical instruments are inefficient due to wasted space, leading to power losses and off-centre positioning of additional components, which can cause operational issues during use.
Innovation Solution
A hollow cable design with inner and outer electrically conductive layers separated by dielectric material, allowing additional components to be passed through, maximizing cable diameter and reducing power losses, while enabling relative rotation between the electrosurgical instrument and the cable to improve control and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional structures (such as additional tubes) are provided alongside the conventional cable to provide supplies or components to the electrosurgical instrument, then the functionality of the system is improved, but the overall size increases and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places additional tubes and components inside the hollow interior of the cable rather than alongside it. The cable has a hollow cylindrical structure that accommodates pull-wires, guide-wires, and other components within its inner diameter, effectively nesting multiple functional elements within the cable's volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it conveys radiofrequency energy through its conductive layers while also providing a pathway for additional supplies and components through its hollow interior. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate external structures.
2Volume of stationary object
If the cable diameter is limited due to space constraints from additional external structures, then the overall arrangement size is reduced, but power losses in the cable increase
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting additional components within the cable's hollow interior, the cable can maintain a larger outer diameter without increasing the overall arrangement size. This allows the conductive layers to be thicker while keeping the external footprint compact, thereby reducing power losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the structural parameter of the cable from solid to hollow, which allows optimization of the conductor thickness and overall diameter independently. This parameter change enables larger cable diameter for reduced power loss while maintaining compact overall size.
3Use of energy by moving object
If additional components are positioned towards the edges of the arrangement, then the cable center is available for energy transmission, but operational control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions additional components such as pull-wires and guide-wires within the hollow interior of the cable, centered along the cable's axis. This central positioning allows these components to reach the electrosurgical instrument more effectively while the cable's hollow structure protects and guides them.
4Loss of energy
If a hollow cable design is used to maximize cable diameter and reduce power losses, then the cable structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow cable structure provides a natural nesting environment for additional components. The conductive layers form the cable wall, the dielectric material provides insulation, and the hollow interior accommodates pull-wires and other components, creating an integrated multi-functional structure.
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
The hollow cable design reduces power losses and improves actuation of electrosurgical instruments by maximizing cable diameter and allowing for more precise control through relative rotation, enhancing the delivery of radiofrequency and microwave energy.
Implementation Method 1
a hollow tube comprising inner and outer electrically conductive layers separated by dielectric material to form a transmission line
Implementation Method 2
The hollow cable design with inner and outer electrically conductive layers separated by dielectric material, allowing additional components to be passed through
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the invention provide a hollow cable for conveying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to an electrosurgical instrument that can fit within, e.g. slide relative to, the hollow cable. The hollow cable provides a bipolar electrical connection to the electrosurgical instrument that is maintained when the electrosurgical instrument is rotated relative to the hollow cable. The cable may comprise a hollow coaxial transmission line having a rotatable component mounted at its distal end. The rotatable component comprises a longitudinal passageway continuous with the hollow coaxial transmission line. The rotatable component is rotatable relative to the transmission line and comprises a first and second conductive portions that are respectively electrically connected first and second terminals on the coaxial transmission line and which are configured to maintain an electrical connection with their respective terminal when rotated relative to the coaxial transmission line.