Detachable Transducer Array Connector With Connection Status Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing TTFields therapy systems, such as the Optune system, are cumbersome due to the large number of wires required for attaching temperature sensors and transducer arrays to patients, which can lead to accidental disconnection and ineffective treatment.
Innovation Solution
A system with a connector that includes a monitoring circuit to provide feedback on the status of the connection, reducing the number of wires needed by integrating indicator pins and sockets to detect disconnection and ensuring safe and effective treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate wires are used to connect temperature sensors and transducer arrays, then reliable temperature monitoring and TTFields delivery are achieved, but the system becomes cumbersome and prone to accidental disconnection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate wires (power, ground, data, temperature sensor connections) into a single integrated connector assembly. The connector integrates multiple contact points and circuitry into one unified component that attaches to the transducer array, reducing the number of separate wire connections from multiple individual wires to a single consolidated connector, thereby simplifying the overall wiring while maintaining all necessary electrical and sensing connections
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates a monitoring circuit that provides real-time feedback on the connection status between the connector and the transducer array. This feedback mechanism detects whether the connector is properly attached and communicates this status to the control system, enabling the system to respond to connection issues (such as accidental disconnections) and maintain treatment reliability without requiring multiple separate monitoring wires
2Loss of information
If more wires are used for sensor attachment, then monitoring capability is improved, but the risk of accidental disconnection increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple monitoring functions (temperature sensing, connection status detection, data transmission) are merged into the integrated connector, allowing comprehensive monitoring capability to be achieved through a single consolidated connection rather than multiple separate wired sensors, thereby reducing disconnection risk while maintaining monitoring effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring circuit within the connector continuously provides feedback on connection integrity and sensor status. This feedback mechanism detects disconnection events in real-time and communicates them to the control system, ensuring that monitoring capability is maintained and treatment can be adjusted or halted if connection issues are detected, thus improving both monitoring capability and connection reliability
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for imposing electric fields through a target region in a body of a patient are described. Generally, the apparatus includes at least one transducer array and a connector electrically connected to the at least one transducer array. The connector has at least one indicator electrical connector configured to provide feedback related to a status of the connector.