Microwave Generator Instrument ID for Device-Specific Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Microwave generators struggle to adapt to the latest technologies and changing user needs, and lack the ability to efficiently manage device compatibility and operating thresholds for connected instruments, leading to potential inefficiencies and safety risks.

Innovation Solution

A modular microwave generator system that includes a device ID reader to identify connected instruments, communicate data requests, and set device-specific operating thresholds based on resistance measurements, as well as a temperature monitoring system to predict and manage thermal limits during ablation procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the microwave generator uses fixed operating thresholds, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot adapt to different device types and changing user needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different devicesVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary device identification by measuring resistance values before operation begins. The device ID reader measures the resistance of the connected microwave instrument, and the generator controller compares this measured resistance with stored resistance value indicators to identify the device type in advance, allowing the system to automatically configure appropriate operating thresholds before the ablation procedure starts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The microwave generator automatically configures its operating parameters by reading the device ID from the connected instrument. The system self-determines the appropriate operating thresholds by comparing the measured resistance with stored indicators and automatically selecting the corresponding configuration, eliminating the need for manual setup and reducing system complexity while improving adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If the microwave generator manually configures operating parameters, then the system is easy to understand, but it cannot keep up with latest technologies and changing needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to update featuresVSAvoidtime to configure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary device identification by measuring resistance values before operation begins. The device ID reader measures the resistance of the connected microwave instrument, and the generator controller compares this measured resistance with stored resistance value indicators to identify the device type in advance, allowing the system to automatically configure appropriate operating thresholds before the ablation procedure starts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the measured resistance value to automatically determine the device type and configure appropriate operating parameters. The device ID reader provides feedback about the connected device's electrical characteristics, and the generator controller uses this feedback to automatically select and apply the correct operating configuration, eliminating manual setup time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the microwave generator uses generic operating thresholds, then the system is simple to manufacture, but it cannot ensure safety for all device types

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary device identification by measuring resistance values before operation begins. The device ID reader measures the resistance of the connected microwave instrument, and the generator controller compares this measured resistance with stored resistance value indicators to identify the device type in advance, allowing the system to automatically configure appropriate operating thresholds before the ablation procedure starts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies different operating thresholds tailored to each specific device type. By measuring the resistance and identifying the device type, the generator controller selects device-specific operating parameters including maximum power settings, maximum treatment time, and maximum device temperature thresholds, ensuring each device operates within its safe limits rather than using universal generic thresholds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If the microwave generator measures device resistance, then it can identify device type, but it requires additional monitoring hardware

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice identification capabilityVSAvoidhardware complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device ID reader serves multiple functions: it measures the resistance of the connected microwave instrument to identify device type, and this same measurement capability is used to verify device compatibility and ensure safe operation. By making the resistance measurement function multi-purpose, the system avoids adding separate dedicated hardware for each function, thereby reducing overall hardware complexity while maintaining device identification capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables safe and efficient operation of microwave generators by ensuring compatibility and setting appropriate operating thresholds, reducing the risk of thermal overload and enhancing system adaptability to different instruments.

Implementation Method 1

The instrument monitoring module includes a device ID reader configured to measure a resistance of the coupled microwave instrument

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

a microwave signal generator configured to deliver a microwave signal to a microwave instrument

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMicrowave Radiation: Microwave Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS12551276B2System and method for determining a device-specific operating configuration for a microwave generator
Publication Date: 2026.02.17 COVIDIEN LP
  • US12551276B2 patent drawing
  • US12551276B2 patent drawing
  • US12551276B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A microwave generator includes a microwave signal generator configured to deliver a microwave signal to a microwave instrument coupled to the microwave generator and a generator controller storing a plurality of resistance value indicators. A device ID reader is configured to measure a resistance of the coupled microwave instrument. The generator controller is configured to compare the measured resistance of the coupled microwave instrument with the plurality of resistance value indicators to identify a type of the coupled microwave instrument. An instrument monitoring controller is configured to communicate a data request to the coupled microwave instrument based on the identified type of the coupled microwave instrument. The generator controller is configured to set at least one operating threshold of the microwave generator based on one of an operating configuration corresponding to one of the plurality of resistance value indicators or data communicated from the coupled microwave instrument.