Ablation Probe Handle Gasket for Sealed Cable Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave ablation probes and supply cables are cumbersome, difficult to manipulate, and prone to damage from fluid intrusion and twisting, which affects the integrity of electrical and coolant flow.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a waterproof gasket at the handle joint with the supply cable to allow limited rotation and prevent over-rotation, sealing the handle from fluid intrusion while maintaining cable functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the supply cable is made long to reach the target tissue, then the ablation probe can access distant targets, but the cable becomes cumbersome and difficult to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket assembly enables dynamic rotation of the supply cable relative to the handle through its circular configuration, allowing the cable to move freely within a rotational range while maintaining sealing. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by permitting cable length extension without compromising manipulability.
2Ease of operation
If the supply cable allows free rotation for ease of manipulation, then the cable is easier to handle, but internal elements and electrical signals may be damaged due to over-rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket assembly provides controlled dynamic rotation, allowing the supply cable to rotate freely within safe limits while the circular configuration naturally prevents over-rotation. This resolves the contradiction by enabling ease of manipulation through rotation while inherently protecting internal elements from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the supply cable and the handle, mediating the rotation motion. It allows necessary rotation for manipulation while constraining excessive rotation that would damage internal elements, thus protecting the system while maintaining operability.
3Reliability
If the connection between handle and supply cable is sealed to prevent fluid intrusion, then reliability is improved, but the connection becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it seals the connection between the handle and supply cable to prevent fluid intrusion, allows rotation of the cable, and prevents over-rotation. By combining these functions into a single component, the solution improves reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket assembly utilizes a flexible membrane structure that can deform to accommodate rotation while maintaining the seal. This flexible film approach provides effective fluid sealing without requiring complex rigid sealing mechanisms, thus improving reliability with minimal complexity increase.
4Ease of operation
If the gasket allows rotation of the supply cable, then ease of operation is improved, but the sealing effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The circularly configured gasket assembly is designed to rotate as a unit with the supply cable while maintaining its sealing function. The dynamic rotation capability is built into the sealing mechanism itself, allowing cable rotation without compromising sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane of the gasket assembly can deform during rotation while maintaining continuous sealing contact. This flexibility allows the gasket to accommodate rotational movement without creating gaps or compromising the fluid seal between the handle and supply cable.
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave ablation probe includes a handle configured to operably couple a supply cable to a probe needle, and a gasket positioned in the handle to seal a joint between the handle and the supply cable. The gasket is configured to allow a predetermined amount of rotation of the supply cable relative to the handle and to prevent rotation of the supply cable relative to the handle of more than the predetermined amount.