TTFields Transducer Array Temperature Sensing With Reduced Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing TTFields therapy systems for tumor treatment have cumbersome wiring configurations that complicate patient comfort and ease of use, with numerous wires and cables interfering with daily activities and requiring complex temperature measurement setups.
Innovation Solution
A system with distal circuits integrated into each transducer array for temperature sensing, using a reduced number of conductors and a central hub for data communication, reducing wire count and enabling easier attachment and detachment of transducer arrays on the patient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If long wires are used to connect thermistors to the cable box for temperature measurement, then temperature monitoring is achieved, but patient comfort deteriorates and cable tangling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature measurement function into distributed segments by placing multiple thermistors at different locations within the transducer array itself, rather than using a centralized remote measurement system. This segmentation allows temperature monitoring to be performed locally at each electrode element, reducing the need for long connecting wires and improving patient comfort while maintaining reliable temperature monitoring.
2Reliability
If multiple separate wires are used for temperature measurement and current delivery, then complete control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (temperature sensing, current delivery, and signal communication) into an integrated transducer array system where thermistors are embedded within the array structure itself. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate wires and cables needed, simplifying the overall wiring configuration while maintaining precise control over temperature and current delivery to each electrode element.
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
This configuration minimizes cable tangling, reduces system bulk, enhances patient comfort, and allows for more convenient use of transducer arrays by simplifying the wiring and temperature measurement process.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature measurements on the patient's skin are obtained using thermistors placed beneath some of the disks of the transducer arrays
Implementation Method 2
an AC signal generator for imposing electric fields through a target region in a subject's body
Data Source
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AI summary
TTFields therapy is a proven approach for treating tumors using electric fields. This application describes systems and methods for measuring temperature at the electrode elements of transducer arrays that are used to apply TTFields to a subject. Disclosed is an apparatus for use together with an AC signal generator (20) for imposing electric fields through a target region in a subject's body, the apparatus comprising: - a transducer array (50) comprising a plurality of capacitively-coupled electrode elements (52) configured for placement against the subject's body; a substrate (59) configured to hold the electrode elements (52) against the subject's body; and a plurality of temperature sensors (54) positioned to sense temperatures at respective ones of the electrode elements (52); - a cable (35) with multiple conductors and having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the cable (35) includes a first conductor (51) that permits AC current to flow between the proximal end of the cable (35) and the distal end of the cable (35), and a data path configured to carry digital data from the distal end of the cable (35) to the proximal end of the cable (35); and - a module (60) mounted directly or through intervening components to the distal end of the cable (35), wherein the module (60) includes a distal circuit (40) comprising an analog multiplexer (81) having an analog output and a plurality of selectable analog inputs, wherein each of the analog inputs is operatively connected to a respective one of the temperature sensors (54); an analog-to-digital converter (83) configured to digitize signals from the analog output of the analog multiplexer (81); and a controller (85) configured to sequentially select each of the analog inputs of the analog multiplexer (81), sequentially obtain, from the analog-to-digital converter (83), a plurality of temperature readings, each of the temperature readings corresponding to a respective one of the temperature sensors (54), and transmit digital data corresponding to the temperature readings.