Hyperthermia Therapy Emitter Usage Monitoring and Auto-Disable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hyperthermia therapy devices face challenges with antenna applicator degradation, making it difficult to predict when they become non-functional or hazardous, and there is a need for a device that automatically disables itself after reaching its safe operation lifetime.
Innovation Solution
A hyperthermia therapy apparatus featuring a signal generator, modulator, and emitter with a microprocessor-controlled system that varies pulse repetition rates and duty cycles, includes a usage monitor to automatically prevent further use when a predetermined threshold is reached, and incorporates safety features like thermal monitoring and tamper-proofing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the antenna applicator is used continuously to provide hyperthermia therapy, then the therapeutic effectiveness is maintained, but the antenna degrades to the point of non-functionality and potential harm
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of the antenna's operational parameters and usage history, calculating its remaining safe operation lifetime before degradation occurs. The microprocessor tracks cumulative usage and predicts when the antenna will reach its degradation threshold, enabling preventive action before failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors antenna performance parameters and usage patterns, feeding this information back to the microprocessor which calculates the remaining safe operation lifetime. This feedback loop enables the system to adapt its operation based on actual antenna condition, automatically disabling when safety thresholds are approached.
2Reliability
If the antenna applicator is monitored manually for degradation, then usage can be tracked, but it requires careful record-keeping and is prone to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna system performs self-monitoring of its own operational parameters and usage history. The microprocessor automatically tracks cumulative usage, calculates remaining safe operation lifetime, and determines when the antenna should be disabled, eliminating the need for manual record-keeping and reducing human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical record-keeping with electronic digital tracking. The microprocessor stores and processes usage data electronically, automatically calculating safety thresholds and controlling antenna operation, thereby eliminating human error in monitoring and record-keeping.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the antenna applicator is automatically disabled when reaching usage limit, then patient safety is improved, but the device complexity increases due to monitoring and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor performs multiple functions: it monitors antenna usage parameters, calculates remaining safe operation lifetime, determines when automatic disabling should occur, and controls the antenna operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving comprehensive safety monitoring.
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 apparatus ensures safe and effective hyperthermia therapy by automatically disabling the emitter when it reaches its usage limit, preventing harm to patients and the device, while maintaining therapeutic efficacy through controlled energy delivery and monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a signal generator configured to generate a carrier signal... The carrier signal typically has a frequency in range of 6 mHZ to 250 mHZ
Implementation Method 2
a signal modulator configured to selectably modulate the carrier signal with a modulating signal... The modulating signal may comprise a frequency of between about 0.1 Hz and about 50 KHz
Implementation Method 3
an emitter configured to deliver the modulated carrier signal to a target location on the living subject... The generation of the carrier signal may be pulsed, and the signal generator may be further configured to selectively vary a pulse repetition rate
Implementation Method 4
The generation of the carrier signal may be pulsed, and the signal generator may be further configured to selectively vary a pulse repetition rate of the pulsed carrier signal... The apparatus may be used to enhance phase transitions in cell biology
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for providing hyperthermia therapy to a living subject, in particular a human, animal or plant. The apparatus has contains a signal generator, a signal modulator and an emitter to enable the apparatus to provide hyperthermia treatment. Hyperthermia therapy may be provided to a living subject by generating a signal, selectably modulating the signal and delivering the signal to the target location on the living subject. It is possible to interrupt any further use of the apparatus after a predetermined period.