Segmented TTF Electrodes With Thermal Cutoff for Longer Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tumor treating fields (TTF) systems face challenges in preventing cryogenic burns on the skin while maintaining effective treatment time, as the heat generated by alternating electric fields can exceed safe skin temperature thresholds.
Innovation Solution
A tumor treating fields system with a method for applying alternating current signals, featuring insulated electrodes with integrated temperature sensors and switching circuits. The system selectively disconnects electrodes with high temperatures to prevent heat buildup, ensuring continuous treatment without causing cryogenic burns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the alternating electric field is applied continuously to achieve effective tumor treatment, then the treatment duration is improved, but the skin temperature rises causing cryogenic burns
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is divided into multiple independently controllable electrode units, each with its own temperature sensor and switching circuit. This segmentation allows selective disconnection of only the overheated electrode units while maintaining operation of other electrodes, thus preserving treatment duration while preventing burns at specific locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors are integrated into each electrode unit to provide real-time temperature feedback. The control system uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the application of alternating current signals, disconnecting electrodes when temperature thresholds are exceeded and reconnecting them when temperatures normalize, thereby maintaining safe operating temperatures throughout extended treatment periods.
2Temperature
If the entire insulated electrode is turned off to prevent cryogenic burns, then the skin temperature is controlled, but the treatment time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The insulated electrode is segmented into multiple independently controllable electrode units. When temperature sensors detect overheating in specific units, only those units are disconnected while other units continue to operate, maintaining treatment efficacy without causing burns.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of completely shutting down the entire electrode array when localized overheating occurs, the system applies partial action by disconnecting only the specific overheated electrode units. This partial disconnection maintains sufficient treatment effect while preventing burns at the problematic locations.
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are arranged on the insulated electrodes to detect skin temperature in real time, then the temperature monitoring precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature sensors are distributed across multiple electrode units rather than concentrated in a single location. Each electrode unit contains its own temperature sensor, enabling localized temperature monitoring and control. This segmentation approach improves measurement precision at multiple points while organizing complexity into modular, manageable units.
Solution Approach 2:
Each electrode unit is self-regulating with its own temperature sensor and switching circuit. When a sensor detects overheating in its local area, the corresponding electrode unit automatically disconnects without requiring complex centralized control, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining precise temperature monitoring.
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 prevents cryogenic burns by dynamically controlling the application of alternating current signals based on real-time temperature feedback, thereby optimizing treatment duration and patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
Due to the application of alternating electric fields, the heat applied to the surface of the subject's skin rises
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of temperature sensors are arranged on the insulated electrodes to detect the temperature of the skin at corresponding positions
Data Source
AI summary
A tumor treating fields system includes an electric field generator, generating a plurality of alternating current signals; at least two pairs of insulated electrodes, each of the electrodes includes a plurality of electrode sheets, and an electrical connector with a switching circuit including switches that are respectively connected with the plurality of sheets, each sheet has a temperature sensor; and an adapter, transmitting the plurality of alternating current signals to the respective switch of the switching circuit of the corresponding electrode, the switch individually controls an electrical connection of the adapter to the corresponding sheet to selectively apply the alternating current signals. The present system individually controls each sheet electrically connected with the switching circuit to selectively apply the alternating current signals to the corresponding sheet. When the temperature of an electrode sheet is too high, the sheet is disconnected independently, while other sheets of the insulated electrode work normally.