TTFields Transducer Array Temperature Sensing With Reduced Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing TTFields therapy systems for tumor treatment have complex wiring configurations that result in cumbersome cables, potential interference with patient activities, and discomfort due to the number of wires and cables, which complicates temperature measurement and control.
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 transmission, allowing for thinner, more manageable cables and improved patient comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If long wires connect thermistors to the cable box and additional wires transmit temperature data to the field generator, then temperature measurement capability is achieved, but cable complexity and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (temperature sensing, data processing, and communication) into an integrated circuit board that is embedded within the transducer array itself. This eliminates the need for separate long wires connecting thermistors to an external cable box, as the temperature measurements are processed locally at the transducer array level, thereby reducing cable complexity while maintaining temperature measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a microcontroller unit as an intermediary component that processes temperature data locally within the transducer array. This intermediary handles the analog-to-digital conversion and data preparation, reducing the burden on external wiring and communication channels, thus simplifying the overall cable system while preserving measurement accuracy
2Reliability
If multiple wires are used for current delivery and temperature data transmission, then complete system functionality is achieved, but patient comfort and ease of movement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power delivery and data communication functions into shared wiring pathways within the transducer array. By integrating the temperature sensing circuitry and communication interface into the same structure that delivers therapeutic current, the system achieves complete functionality with fewer separate wire connections, thereby improving patient comfort and ease of movement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functional conductors and circuit boards that simultaneously handle multiple tasks. The same circuit board that processes temperature data also manages current delivery coordination, and the wiring structure serves both power transmission and data communication purposes, reducing the total number of wires needed while maintaining full system functionality
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 solution reduces cable tangling, interference with daily activities, and enhances patient comfort by minimizing the number of conductors and cables, while maintaining effective temperature control and compatibility with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
temperature sensors positioned to detect temperature at skin beneath the electrode elements
Implementation Method 2
capacitively coupled electrode elements
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. Temperature measurements can be obtained by interfacing with temperature sensors in the transducer arrays, and those temperature measurements can be transmitted to a central hub. Disclosed is a transducer array for use together with an AC signal generator (20) for imposing electric fields through a target region in a subject's body, the transducer array 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, a plurality of temperature sensors (54) positioned to sense temperatures at respective ones of the electrode elements (52), and a connector half (42) provided on the substrate (59), wherein the connector half (42) is electrically connected to the electrode elements (52) and the temperature sensors (54) so as to provide a path for AC current for the electrode elements (52) and receive signals from the temperature sensors (54). The connector half is configured to connect to a connector half of a cable, wherein the cable includes a first conductor (51) that permits the AC current to flow between the proximal end of the cable and the distal end of the cable, and a data path configured to carry signals from the distal end of the cable to the proximal end of the cable.