Renewable Carbon Fiber Conductor for Residue-Free Electrosurgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrosurgical instruments with metal or stainless steel conductors pose challenges in sustainable disposal due to residue formation and non-biodegradable materials, complicating thermal disposal processes.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrical conductor made from renewable materials, such as carbonized cellulose fibers or chemical fibers, which allows for residue-free and climate-neutral thermal disposal, utilizing pyrolytic carbon coating for enhanced conductivity and ease of production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal or stainless steel conductors are used in electrosurgical instruments, then high electrical conductivity and mechanical strength are achieved, but sustainable disposal is compromised due to residue formation and non-biodegradable materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition of the conductor from metal to carbonized natural fiber material, fundamentally altering the chemical composition to enable complete combustion and eliminate metal residues during disposal while maintaining electrical conductivity through carbonization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material structure where natural fibers (cellulose) are carbonized to form conductive carbon networks within the fiber matrix, combining the structural properties of natural fibers with the electrical conductivity of carbon to achieve both functionality and sustainability
2Ease of manufacture
If carbonized natural fiber material is used for the electrical conductor, then sustainable and residue-free disposal is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases due to carbonization process requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies carbonization treatment to the natural fiber material before the conductor is put into service, pre-converting the material to its final conductive form during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures the conductor is ready for use without requiring complex in-situ conversion processes during disposal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional metal drawing and forming processes with a carbonization-based manufacturing approach, where the organic fiber structure is chemically transformed into conductive carbon material, substituting mechanical metalworking with thermal-chemical processing
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
Enables efficient, sustainable disposal of electrosurgical instruments by using carbon-based conductors with high electrical conductivity, reducing environmental impact and simplifying the disposal process while maintaining effective coagulation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the material or fiber material, in particular the cellulose or cellulose fibers, can be carbonized to convert the material or fiber material into carbon or carbon fibers. By means of pyrolysis or heat treatment, the material or fiber material can be carbonized in an inert atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
the electrode section or a tip of the electrode section surrounded by the gas ionizes a gas stream emerging from the tube in a region of the electrode section or tip to generate a plasma stream
Implementation Method 3
The electrode section or a tip of the electrode section surrounded by the gas ionizes a gas stream emerging from the tube in a region of the electrode section or tip to generate a plasma stream
Implementation Method 4
Heat development associated with the electrical current flow leads to protein denaturation, resulting in coagulation of the biological tissue
Implementation Method 5
Heat development associated with the electrical current flow leads to protein denaturation, resulting in coagulation of the biological tissue
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical conductor for an electrosurgical instrument (11), in particular for the coagulation of biological tissue, as well as a method and a use of a material for its production, wherein the electrical conductor is made from a material based on a renewable raw material.