Segmented Transducer Array for TTFields Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tumor treating field (TTFields) systems face challenges in maintaining the position of transducer arrays during patient movement and in providing comfort due to the rigidity of the arrays, especially when placed near sensitive areas.
Innovation Solution
A transducer array system comprising a hub and transducer subarrays with flexible support layers and electrode elements, designed to maintain position while allowing for comfortable placement on the patient's body, even near sensitive areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid transducer arrays are used, then therapeutic efficacy is maintained through stable positioning, but patient comfort deteriorates due to rigidity and interference with sensitive areas
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer array is divided into multiple independent transducer subarrays, each capable of being positioned and configured separately. This segmentation allows the array to conform to the patient's body contours while maintaining therapeutic field integrity, resolving the contradiction between stable positioning and patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible transducer subarrays that can conform to the patient's body surface. These flexible structures maintain reliable positioning through adaptability to body contours rather than rigidity, thereby improving patient comfort while preserving therapeutic efficacy.
2Ease of operation
If transducer arrays are made flexible to improve comfort, then patient comfort improves, but position stability deteriorates during patient movement
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer array system incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities where subarrays can be adjusted and repositioned to maintain optimal therapeutic field geometry during patient movement. This dynamic adaptation preserves position stability while maintaining flexibility for patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent describes nested structures where transducer elements are arranged in concentric or layered configurations that maintain geometric relationships during movement. This nested arrangement preserves positional stability while allowing overall flexibility for patient comfort.
3Productivity
If transducer arrays are placed near sensitive areas to maximize therapeutic coverage, then therapeutic value improves, but patient comfort and ease of placement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the array into smaller subarrays, the system can selectively position active elements near sensitive areas while using inactive or reduced-intensity elements in highly sensitive zones. This maintains therapeutic coverage while improving ease of placement and patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality variations where different subarrays or regions of the array have different operational characteristics. This allows intensive therapy near but not directly on sensitive areas, optimizing therapeutic coverage while preserving patient comfort and ease of placement.
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 effectively maintains the therapeutic efficacy of TTFields by ensuring consistent field application while improving patient comfort and reducing interference with sensitive areas.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode receives an alternating current waveform having a frequency in a range between 50 kHz-1 MHz from the hub via the subarray port
Data Source
AI summary
A transducer array is herein disclosed. The transducer array comprises a hub and a transducer subarray. The hub comprises a housing having a housing peripheral edge having a boundary, and a hub port supported by the housing, wherein the hub port is positioned within the boundary of the housing peripheral edge. The transducer subarray comprises an electrode, a subarray port, and a support layer having a support layer peripheral edge and supporting the electrode and the subarray port. The subarray port couples the hub port and the electrode, and the electrode receives an alternating current waveform having a frequency in a range between 50 kHz-1 MHz from the hub via the subarray port.