Flexible Polymer Transducer Arrays for Comfortable TTFields Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transducer arrays for tumor treating fields (TTFields) therapy are stiff and uncomfortable due to their use of solid ceramic discs, which are necessary for sufficient capacitive coupling but cause positioning difficulties and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
Employing polymer compositions with high dielectric constants, such as Poly(VDF-TrFE-CTFE), Poly(VDF-TrFE-CFE), and Poly(VDF-TrFE-CFE-CTFE), to create flexible transducer arrays that can effectively capacitively couple AC signals into the body, using thin layers and adhesive support structures for comfort and adherence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid ceramic discs are used for transducer arrays, then sufficient capacitive coupling is achieved, but the arrays become stiff and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional ceramic to polymer with high dielectric constant, transforming the transducer array from rigid to flexible while maintaining capacitive coupling effectiveness. This parameter change resolves the contradiction between reliability (capacitive coupling) and ease of operation (positioning and comfort).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining polymer layers with high dielectric constant materials to achieve both flexibility and sufficient capacitance. The composite approach allows the transducer array to be both comfortable for patient wear and effective for capacitive coupling.
2Quantity of substance
If ceramic-based transducer arrays are used, then high capacitance is obtained, but the arrays are rigid and difficult to position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition parameter from ceramic to polymer, achieving the desired capacitance level through polymer formulations with high dielectric constants rather than traditional ceramic materials. This enables flexibility while maintaining the required electrical properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical rigidity of ceramic discs with the flexibility of polymer materials, replacing a rigid mechanical structure with a flexible one that can conform to body contours while providing equivalent electrical performance.
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 flexible polymer-based transducer arrays provide effective capacitive coupling while reducing discomfort and improving positioning, maintaining the efficacy of TTFields therapy.
Implementation Method 1
the polymer layer having a front face; and an electrical lead positioned in electrical contact with the layer of conductive material. The polymer layer comprises at least one of Poly(VDF-TrFE-CTFE), Poly(VDF-TrFE-CFE), and Poly(VDF-TrFE-CFE-CTFE).
Implementation Method 2
employing polymer compositions with high dielectric constants, such as Poly(VDF-TrFE-CTFE), Poly(VDF-TrFE-CFE), and Poly(VDF-TrFE-CFE-CTFE), to create flexible transducer arrays that can effectively capacitively couple AC signals into the body
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are devices for applying an alternating electric field to a living subject or an in vitro medium at a frequency between 100 kHz and 500 kHz. Also described herein are methods of using the described devices for applying an AC electric field to a target region comprising rapidly dividing cells, e.g., cells associated with a variety of disorders or conditions. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.