Multipolar Cannula Thin-Film Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multipolar cannulas face challenges in compact design and efficient bioimpedance measurement due to bulky structures and complex electrode connections, limiting their ability to accurately determine tissue type and perform stimulation effectively.
Innovation Solution
A multipolar cannula design featuring a cannula tube with a conductive body as the first electrode and a thin-film applied electrically insulating layer and second electrodes, connected via a switch to a bioimpedance measuring unit, allowing for compact size and efficient electrical contacting, with an evaluation unit for signal processing and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional double-tube cannula structure is used with insulating plastic tubes, then electrical insulation between electrodes is achieved, but the cannula cross-section becomes bulky and large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thin-film technology to create an electrically insulating layer with a thickness of only a few micrometers (preferably less than 1 micrometer) that coats the cannula tube body. This thin-film insulating layer replaces the bulky insulating plastic tubes of conventional designs, providing the necessary electrical insulation between the first electrode (cannula tube body) and second electrode while dramatically reducing the cannula's cross-sectional area and external dimensions.
2Reliability
If electrodes extend over the entire length of the cannula tube, then electrical contact is maintained, but connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection function from the entire length of the electrode and concentrates it at a specific location. The first and second electrodes extend over the entire length of the cannula tube for reliable electrical contact with tissue, but their proximal ends are brought together at a single extraction point where a projection provides an electrically contactable connection. This allows simple external electrical contact without requiring complex connection mechanisms along the entire electrode length.
3Area of stationary object
If thin-film processes are used for applying insulating layer and electrodes, then cannula dimensions are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-film deposition processes that precisely control the thickness parameters of the applied layers. The electrically insulating layer is deposited with a thickness of a few micrometers (preferably less than 1 micrometer), and the second electrode is applied as a thin film with comparable thickness control. These parameter-controlled thin-film processes enable the reduction of cannula cross-sectional dimensions while maintaining adequate electrical insulation and conductivity functions through optimized layer thickness parameters.
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 precise bioimpedance measurements and tissue identification, along with stimulation capabilities, while reducing the cannula's external dimensions through thin-film technology and optimized electrode placement, enhancing user safety and handling.
Implementation Method 1
a layer that electrically insulates the first and the second electrode from each other
Implementation Method 2
For a bioimpedance measurement, the electrical resistance between the free ends of the first and second electrodes is determined
Implementation Method 3
the electrically insulating layer and at least the second electrode are applied to the cannula tube body using a thin-film process
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
Multi-polar cannula (10, 10') having a cannula tube (12) with a distal end (14) and a proximal end and with a first electrode (22) and at least one second electrode (24, 26, 28a, 28b, 28c), wherein the cannula tube (12) has a cannula tube body (18) and a layer (20) that electrically insulates the first and second electrodes (22, 24) from each other, wherein the distal end (14) of the cannula tube (12) has a distal tip (16), wherein the first electrode (22) is formed by the cannula tube body (18), and wherein the first electrode (22) and the second electrode (24) are connectable to a bioimpedance meter.