Independent Panel Triggering for Flexible High-Voltage Pulse Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current high voltage pulse generators for nsPEF treatments face challenges in delivering pulses with minimal distortion and maximum utility and safety, particularly in treating internal cancerous tumors, where existing technologies struggle to efficiently generate high voltage pulses with flexibility in impedance matching and pulse duration.

Innovation Solution

A pulse generation system comprising a controller, driver circuit, and multiple pulse generator circuits with switch drivers, allowing selective activation of circuits to generate high voltage pulses with adjustable duration and impedance matching, using a Marx-switch stack hybrid circuit with power MOSFETs to achieve high efficiency and low impedance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple pulse generator circuits are used to generate high voltage pulses, then the pulse generation capability and flexibility are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepulse generation flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

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 being selectively activated. This segmentation allows the system to generate high voltage pulses with different characteristics by activating different combinations of circuits, thereby improving adaptability while managing complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamic selection of pulse generator circuits based on treatment requirements. The controller can selectively activate specific pulse generator circuits to match different load impedances and pulse duration requirements, making the system adaptable without requiring all circuits to be permanently configured for every operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If pulse generator circuits are selectively activated, then the efficiency and safety are improved, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors the activation state of different pulse generator circuits and adjusts the selection based on treatment requirements and system performance. This feedback ensures safe operation by preventing inappropriate circuit activation while maintaining efficient pulse generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Each pulse generator circuit is designed to be self-contained with its own switching mechanisms (such as MOSFETs), allowing the circuit to regulate its own operation when activated. This self-service capability reduces the overall control complexity by distributing control functions across individual circuits rather than requiring centralized control of all components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Duration of action of moving object

If high voltage pulses with extended duration are generated, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepulse durationVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system generates pulses with extended duration through periodic activation of pulse generator circuits. By carefully controlling the timing and sequence of circuit activation, the system achieves longer effective pulse duration for improved treatment effectiveness while managing energy consumption through controlled间歇 operation rather than continuous high-power delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 enables efficient delivery of high voltage pulses with low impedance and flexibility in pulse duration, effectively treating cancerous tumors by inducing apoptosis with minimal impact on normal tissue, and can drive various loads with high current and extended pulse duration.

Implementation Method 1

A pulse generation system includes a first pulse generator circuit, a second pulse generator circuit, and a controller. The pulse generation system may include a Marx-switch stack hybrid circuit with power MOSFETs to achieve high efficiency and low impedance.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive discharge: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

The system enables efficient delivery of high voltage pulses with low impedance and flexibility in pulse duration, effectively treating cancerous tumors by inducing apoptosis with minimal impact on normal tissue, and can drive various loads with high current and extended pulse duration.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3589224B1Pulse generator with independent panel triggering
Publication Date: 2022.09.21 PULSE BIOSCIENCES INC
  • EP3589224B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3589224B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3589224B1 patent drawingFigure 3

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.