Multi-Lumen Probe Hose for Flexible High-Voltage Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing argon plasma coagulation probes face limitations due to thermal stress and the need for high electrical voltages, leading to stiffness and restricted design possibilities.
Innovation Solution
A monopolar instrument with a flexible probe hose having multiple lumens and a central electrode, where the electrode is uninsulated at the distal end, and the hose is designed with a concentric center section and separation walls for enhanced insulation and flexibility, allowing for a miniaturized and flexible design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the probe hose wall thickness is increased to achieve necessary dielectric strength for high electrical voltages, then electrical insulation is improved, but probe flexibility deteriorates and stiffness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe hose is segmented into multiple functional lumens (first lumen for electrical conductor, second lumen for gas flow, third lumen for additional gas or fluid) rather than a single thick-walled structure. This segmentation allows each lumen to have optimized wall thickness for its specific function, maintaining dielectric strength where needed while preserving flexibility through thinner overall walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe hose employs composite construction with different materials for different lumens - the first lumen has enhanced insulation properties for electrical isolation, while other lumens use materials optimized for flexibility and gas flow. This composite approach allows the hose to achieve necessary dielectric strength without uniformly thickening all walls, thus maintaining probe flexibility.
2Reliability
If the probe hose wall thickness is increased to withstand thermal stress from plasma creation, then thermal resistance is improved, but probe flexibility deteriorates and design possibilities are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The probe hose is divided into multiple lumens with differentiated functions, allowing thermal management to be optimized independently for each lumen. The first lumen can have enhanced thermal insulation for the electrical conductor, while gas-flow lumens can have thinner walls optimized for flexibility and plasma generation, enabling diverse design configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections and lumens of the probe hose have locally optimized properties - the first lumen has enhanced insulation quality for electrical and thermal protection, while other lumens have properties optimized for gas flow and flexibility. This local differentiation allows the probe to withstand thermal stress without uniformly thickening the structure, preserving design versatility.
3Reliability
If a single thick-walled hose design is used to ensure dielectric strength, then electrical insulation is improved, but gas flow capacity and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The single thick-walled hose is segmented into multiple lumens - the first lumen provides electrical insulation with appropriate wall thickness, while the second and third lumens provide dedicated gas flow pathways. This segmentation allows gas flow capacity to be increased through multiple channels without requiring the first lumen to have reduced insulation thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-lumen hose uses composite material construction where the first lumen has materials optimized for electrical insulation, while the second and third lumens have materials optimized for gas flow characteristics. This composite approach allows simultaneous optimization of electrical insulation and gas flow capacity without compromising either function.
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 solution provides a highly flexible and miniaturized probe that can withstand high electrical voltages without thermal damage, enabling effective argon plasma coagulation with improved design flexibility and uniform gas flow.
Implementation Method 1
The active end of the electrode is the section thereof that is in contact with the gas stream exiting the gas outlet openings and is ionizing this gas stream
Implementation Method 2
The center section, the separation walls and the outer hollow cylindrical section are preferably parts of one and the same plastic hose that consists of the same material and transition seamlessly into one another. A high electrical insulation ability and a high flexibility are obtained.
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument includes a probe hose in the center of which a conductor is provided for electrical supply of an electrode. Concentrically around the conductor multiple gas-guiding lumens are arranged that are isolated from one another by separation walls. The separation walls support a center section that is centrally arranged and accommodates the conductor. With this probe design particularly flexible and particularly slim probes can be created that have a particularly high dielectric strength.