Relay-Capacitor Multiplexer for High-Voltage IRE Pulse Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IRE systems face challenges in efficiently switching high voltage/current pulses between multiple electrodes, as legacy generators often have fewer channels than the number of electrodes, leading to costly high-rated switches that can handle the high power requirements.
Innovation Solution
A multiplexer system is developed, comprising a controller and multiple switching assemblies, each formed from low-rated relays and capacitors. These assemblies are configured in series and parallel to act as high-rated single pole single throw relays, capable of handling high voltage and current IRE pulses without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-rated switches are used to handle high voltage and current IRE pulses, then the system can efficiently switch pulses between multiple electrodes, but the cost and complexity of the switching components increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the high-power switching task into multiple segments by using several low-rated switches working in parallel. Each switch handles a portion of the total current, allowing the system to achieve high-power switching capability without requiring individual switches to be rated for the full high voltage and current loads. This segmentation enables cost-effective implementation while maintaining switching efficiency.
2Ease of manufacture
If low-rated relays are used in the switching assemblies, then the cost of components is reduced, but the assemblies may be damaged by high voltage and current IRE pulses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple low-rated relays and capacitors into switching assemblies that collectively handle high-power IRE pulses. By merging several components in specific configurations (parallel and series arrangements), the assembly achieves the necessary voltage and current handling capabilities without requiring individual components to be rated for high power, thus reducing component costs while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates capacitors in parallel with each relay to provide voltage suppression and energy absorption. These capacitors act as protective elements that absorb voltage spikes and prevent overvoltage damage to the relays before damage can occur, thereby enhancing the reliability of low-rated components in high-power applications.
3Power
If multiple switching assemblies are connected in series and parallel, then the assemblies can handle high voltage and current pulses, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs switching assemblies with universal configurations that can be replicated and combined in various numbers to meet different power requirements. Each assembly uses standardized components and connection patterns, allowing the system to scale from low to high power applications using the same basic building blocks, thereby managing complexity through modularity and standardization.
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 multiplexer system efficiently switches high voltage/current IRE pulses between multiple electrodes, reducing the need for expensive high-rated switches and enabling effective ablation procedures while maintaining the integrity of the switching components.
Implementation Method 1
Each relay pair from the set of relay pairs may have a capacitor connected in parallel therewith
Implementation Method 2
Each switching assembly may comprise a set of relay pairs... Each relay pair may comprise a pair of electrical contacts... that are switched between an open state, when the two electrical contacts do not connect, and a closed state, when the two electrical contacts connect
Data Source
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AI summary
A switching assembly for transferring trains of pulses, including a first terminal and a second terminal. A first plurality of first relays is connected in parallel, and have first contacts connected to the first assembly terminal, and second contacts. A first capacitor is connected in parallel with the first relays. A second plurality of second relays is connected in parallel, and have third contacts, and fourth contacts connected to the second assembly terminal. A second capacitor is connected in parallel with the second relays. A connection connects the second contacts to the third contacts. The pulses have amplitudes of at least 2 kilovolts. On activation of the first and second relays the first and second contacts connect and the third and fourth contacts connect, so that the first and second assembly terminals connect. On deactivation of the first and second relays the first and second assembly terminals disconnect.