Independent Panel Triggering for Tunable nsPEF Pulse Generators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high voltage pulse generators for treating cancerous tumors face challenges in delivering nanosecond pulsed electric fields (nsPEFs) with minimal distortion and maximum utility and safety, particularly in selectively targeting tumors while minimizing impact on surrounding tissue.
Innovation Solution
A pulse generation system with independently exercisable portions, including a controller, output terminal, and multiple pulse generator circuits, where the controller selectively transmits driving signals to generate output voltage pulses, allowing for flexible impedance matching and variation of pulse duration, using a Marx-switch stack hybrid circuit with power MOSFETs to achieve high efficiency and low impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple pulse generator circuits are used to deliver high voltage nsPEFs, then treatment efficacy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse generator is divided into multiple independent pulse generator circuits (first pulse generator circuit, second pulse generator circuit, etc.), each capable of generating high voltage pulses independently. These segmented circuits can be selectively activated based on treatment requirements, improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which pulse generator circuits to activate based on treatment needs. The controller can exercise individual circuits independently or in combination, allowing flexible adaptation to different treatment scenarios without requiring all circuits to be constantly active, thus managing complexity while maintaining efficacy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pulse generator circuits are selectively activated, then adaptability is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each pulse generator circuit is designed with universal functionality to generate high voltage pulses independently. This multi-functionality allows any circuit to be activated based on treatment requirements, providing adaptability without requiring different specialized circuits for different scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple pulse generator circuits are pre-configured and ready for activation. The controller can selectively exercise individual circuits based on predetermined treatment protocols or real-time requirements, allowing rapid adaptation without complex real-time configuration decisions.
3Productivity
If independently exercisable portions are used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse generator system is segmented into independently exercisable portions (first pulse generator circuit, second pulse generator circuit, etc.), allowing parallel or selective operation to improve treatment productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The independently exercisable pulse generator circuits enable continuous treatment delivery without requiring system reconfiguration. Multiple circuits can be activated sequentially or in parallel to maintain continuous useful action, improving productivity while the modular design keeps complexity manageable.
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 effectively delivers high voltage nsPEFs to tumors, inducing apoptosis with minimal impact on normal cells, and can be adjusted to suit various load resistances and pulse durations, enhancing treatment efficacy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A 'nanosecond pulsed electric field,' sometimes abbreviated as nsPEF, includes an electric field with a sub-microsecond pulse width of between 0.1 nanoseconds (ns) and 1000 nanoseconds
Implementation Method 2
using a Marx-switch stack hybrid circuit with power MOSFETs to achieve high efficiency and low impedance
Data Source
AI summary
A pulse generation system is disclosed. The pulse generation system includes a controller, an output terminal, and a plurality of pulse generator circuits. The controller is configured to cause a driving signal pulse to be transmitted to any selected one or more of the pulse generator circuits, and to cause the driving signal pulse to not be transmitted to any selected one or more other pulse generator circuits. Each of the pulse generator circuits is configured to generate an output voltage pulse at the output terminal in response to the driving signal pulse being transmitted thereto.