Peristaltic Pump Housing With Drainage Channels For RF Generator Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooled radiofrequency ablation systems lack independent control over coolant flow rates for multiple probes, leading to instability due to uneven weight distribution and inadequate fluid management, which can result in equipment damage and safety issues.

Innovation Solution

A pump system with multiple peristaltic pump assemblies arranged in a balanced configuration on the housing, allowing for independent control of coolant flow rates to each probe, improved weight distribution, and fluid drainage channels to prevent spills and leaks, enabling stable operation and safe placement on top of a radiofrequency generator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple peristaltic pumps are positioned on the front side of the pump system, then independent control of coolant flow rate to multiple probes is achieved, but uneven weight distribution occurs causing instability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent control of coolant flow rateVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The pump system employs an asymmetric internal structure where the pump housing and fluid channels are designed to distribute weight unevenly in a controlled manner, allowing the front-heavy configuration to be balanced when mounted on the RF generator. The asymmetric design enables independent coolant flow control to multiple probes while maintaining overall system stability through strategic weight distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Area of stationary object

If the pump system is placed on top of the RF generator to save space, then space efficiency is improved, but fluid leaks can damage the RF generator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidfluid leak damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pump system incorporates a drip tray positioned at the bottom of the pump housing that collects any coolant fluid leaks before they can reach the RF generator. This protective feature allows the pump system to be safely mounted on top of the RF generator, maximizing space utilization while preventing fluid damage to sensitive electronics through advance protection measures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Device complexity

If coolant lines are connected in series for additional probes, then system complexity is reduced, but independent control of coolant flow rate is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoolant line configurationVSAvoidindependent coolant flow control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pump system divides the coolant delivery system into separate, independently controlled channels, with each probe receiving coolant through its own dedicated fluid path. This segmentation allows each probe to have independent coolant flow rate control while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture, avoiding the need for complex series connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If the handle is positioned on the back side of the housing, then ease of carrying is improved, but the housing swings downward causing safety issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of carryingVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The pump system incorporates internal weighting elements or structural design features that counterbalance the handle position, preventing the housing from swinging downward when carried. This counterweight design allows the handle to be positioned for optimal ease of carrying while maintaining safety by preventing uncontrolled movement and potential dropping of the equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 provides stable and independent coolant control for up to four probes, preventing equipment damage and ensuring safe operation by managing fluid flow effectively, enhancing the safety and efficiency of cooled radiofrequency ablation treatments.

Implementation Method 1

Existing cooled radiofrequency ablation systems circulate cooled fluid in a closed loop flow path by a peristaltic pump or pumps

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeristalsis: Peristalsis

Implementation Method 2

a cooling means is used to reduce the temperature of the electrode-tissue interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3903000B1Pump with channels as fluid guides

Publication Date: 2023.07.12 AVENT INC

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AI summary

A pump system for pumping a coolant fluid for cooled radiofrequency ablation treatment includes a housing having a front, a back, a right side, a left side, a top surface, and a bottom surface, and a plurality of peristaltic pump assemblies. The top surface of the housing includes a central channel between at least two of the peristaltic pump assemblies configured to drain fluid away from the front of the housing. A cooled radiofrequency ablation system additionally includes a pump system and a generator having mating surfaces such that the pump system can sit stably on top of the generator.