Modular Pulse Generator for High-Voltage Electroporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electroporation devices, particularly unipolar pulse generators, are limited by insufficient maximum voltage levels and lack versatility, making them inadequate for widespread use in irreversible electroporation techniques, especially for treating tumor tissues.
Innovation Solution
A modular, high-voltage generator system capable of producing unipolar or bipolar electrical pulses with adjustable amplitude, width, and frequency, utilizing a control unit and modular structure that allows connection in series or parallel, along with a charging unit and isolation transformers, enabling higher voltage and current levels, and configurability of pulse trains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional unipolar pulse generators are used, then the device structure is simple, but the maximum voltage level is insufficient for effective electroporation
Solution Approach 1:
The generator is divided into multiple independent voltage modules (e.g., five 2 kV modules) that can be connected in series to achieve higher output voltages (up to 10 kV). Each module operates independently, allowing flexible configuration to meet different voltage requirements while maintaining manageable complexity in each individual module.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables the generator to perform multiple functions: it can produce both unipolar and bipolar pulses, operate in different voltage configurations (series or parallel connections), and be adapted to various electroporation applications. The same basic module structure serves multiple purposes through different connection arrangements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-parameter generators are used, then the device is simple to operate, but the configurability of pulse duration and voltage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The generator incorporates dynamic control capabilities that allow real-time adjustment of pulse parameters including voltage amplitude, pulse duration, and repetition frequency. The control system can dynamically reconfigure the connection of voltage modules and adjust switching timings to produce different pulse waveforms (unipolar or bipolar) with varying parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables independent variation of multiple pulse parameters: voltage level (through module configuration), pulse width (through switching control), and frequency (through repetition rate control). This allows optimization of treatment parameters for different tissue types and therapeutic goals without requiring hardware changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If high voltage levels are achieved through non-modular designs, then the voltage requirement is met, but the device lacks versatility for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses segmented modular voltage modules that can be independently configured. For applications requiring lower voltages, fewer modules are connected in series; for higher voltages, more modules are engaged. This segmentation provides a scalable solution that maintains versatility across different voltage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The same modular hardware platform serves multiple application needs by changing connection configurations and control parameters. The generator can be adapted for different tissue types, pulse durations, and treatment protocols, making it universally applicable across various electroporation scenarios without sacrificing high voltage capability.
4Productivity
If conventional generators are used, then the treatment time is longer, but the ablation volume is smaller
Solution Approach 1:
The generator delivers periodic pulse trains with optimized frequency and duration parameters. By using bipolar pulse sequences with appropriate timing, the system achieves more effective tissue ablation per unit time compared to conventional unipolar generators, increasing productivity while reducing total treatment duration.
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 system achieves significantly higher voltage and current levels than existing devices, allowing for more effective ablation volumes, reduced treatment time, and improved safety by minimizing electrochemical reactions and neurostimulation, with a compact and lightweight design that eliminates the need for low-frequency transformers.
Implementation Method 1
the generation modules are coupled to the charging unit by means of isolation transformers
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a modular, variable electronic power system for generating unipolar or bipolar electrical pulses and the associated uses thereof. Said system comprises one or more electrical pulse generation modules (2) connectable in series; a charging unit (1) for the pulse generation modules (2); and a control unit (3) for the generation modules (2) and the charging unit (1). Advantageously, each generation module (2) comprises an AC/DC rectifier (8) and a DC/AC inverter (9) connected to said AC/DC rectifier (8) in a bridge configuration for generating bipolar electrical output pulses or pulse trains. Likewise, the charging unit (1) comprises a DC/DC step-up converter (6) connected to an indirect DC/AC inverter (5). The system of the invention provides, at the same time, high versatility for adaptation to different applications, and high values in its output voltage and current levels.