Nerve Electrode Temperature Sensing With Noise-Resistant Signal Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode apparatuses face challenges in accurately measuring and transmitting temperature data to an RF energy generator due to noise interference in the cable, leading to decreased accuracy in surgical procedures like denervation.
Innovation Solution
The electrode apparatus includes a sensor unit with a thermocouple for temperature measurement and a signal processor within the main body to convert analog signals to digital, directly processing the signal and reducing noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an analog signal is transmitted through a cable from the electrode apparatus to the RF energy generator, then the temperature measurement function is achieved, but the measurement accuracy decreases due to noise interference in the cable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by converting the analog signal to a digital signal at the source (electrode apparatus) before transmission. The signal processor converts the temperature sensor's analog output to digital format, performing the conversion action in advance to prevent noise contamination that would occur during cable transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a signal processor as an intermediary component between the temperature sensor and the RF energy generator. This intermediary device performs analog-to-digital conversion and transmits the digital signal through the cable, acting as a mediator that protects the measurement signal from noise interference during transmission.
2Measurement precision
If a thermocouple is used to measure the temperature of the tube in the body, then the temperature measurement function is achieved, but the measurement signal is greatly affected by small noise since the voltage difference is as low as several μV per 1°C
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processor performs preliminary action by immediately converting the thermocouple's微弱 analog voltage signal to a digital signal right after generation. This preliminary conversion prevents the fragile analog signal from being degraded by noise during subsequent transmission and processing stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical analog signal transmission system with a digital signal system. By substituting the analog voltage transmission with digital data transmission, the system eliminates the susceptibility to noise interference that plagues low-voltage analog signals like those from thermocouples.
3Ease of operation
If the electrode apparatus is connected to the RF energy generator through a cable for signal transmission, then the system functionality is maintained, but the accuracy of the measured analog signal decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the signal parameter from analog voltage to digital data. By transforming the signal type, the system maintains cable connectivity for power and data transmission while fundamentally improving signal accuracy, as digital signals are immune to the noise interference that degrades analog signals during cable transmission.
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
This design ensures accurate transmission of temperature data to the RF energy generator, enhancing the precision of surgical procedures by minimizing signal errors and noise interference.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor unit formed in a predetermined portion of the electrode unit and configured to measure a temperature of the tube in the body
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrode apparatus for blocking or controlling nerves in a body includes: a main body including a shaft; an electrode unit formed to be drawn out from one end of the shaft and configured to denervate or modulate at least a part of nerves on a tube in the body; an electrode guide including a plurality of joint units and a wire connecting the plurality of joint units to each other and configured to guide the electrode unit; a sensor unit formed in a predetermined portion of the electrode unit and configured to measure a temperature of the tube in the body; and a signal processor configured to convert an analog signal value measured by the sensor unit into a digital signal value and transmit the converted digital signal value to an RF energy generator.