Wearable TTFields Garment With Integrated Voltage Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tumor treating field (TTFields) systems are cumbersome due to the need for a bulky external AC voltage generator, limiting patient mobility and adherence to treatment protocols.
Innovation Solution
Integration of AC voltage generation components, including an amplifier, control circuitry, and batteries, into wearable garments such as vests or belts, allowing for a low-profile, self-contained voltage generator that can be worn on the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bulky external AC voltage generator is used to generate TTFields, then the treatment function is reliable, but patient mobility and adherence to treatment protocols deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the AC voltage generator with the transducer assembly by integrating the voltage generation components directly into the transducer housing. This combination eliminates the need for separate external generator equipment and connecting leads, allowing the entire TTFields delivery system to be worn on the patient's body. The merging of these previously separate components resolves the contradiction by maintaining treatment reliability while dramatically improving patient mobility and ease of operation.
2Power
If a bulky external AC voltage generator is used, then sufficient power can be delivered to transducers, but device complexity and patient burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power generation components (AC voltage generator) with the transducer assembly into a single integrated unit. This merging eliminates the complexity of external connections, multiple separate devices, and extensive lead wiring. The integrated design maintains sufficient power delivery to the transducers while significantly reducing overall system complexity and patient burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the TTFields system into multiple wearable transducer assemblies that can be distributed across different body locations. Each transducer assembly contains its own integrated voltage generation components, allowing for modular deployment. This segmentation approach reduces the complexity of any single device while maintaining the overall power delivery capability through distributed architecture.
3Power
If leads connect transducers to external generator, then voltage can be transmitted, but patient comfort and freedom of movement are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the voltage generation function from the external generator and incorporates it directly into the transducer assembly. This extraction eliminates the need for connecting leads between separate devices. By removing the leads and integrating the voltage source, the system maintains full voltage transmission capability while completely eliminating the restriction on patient freedom of movement that leads would impose.
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
Enhances patient mobility and adherence to treatment by eliminating the need for a bulky external device, potentially leading to longer treatment times and improved outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
an amplifier for converting an input voltage to the AC voltage
Implementation Method 2
at least one battery coupled to the amplifier and configured to supply the input voltage to the amplifier
Implementation Method 3
TTFields are induced non-invasively into the region of interest by transducers placed on the subject's body and applying AC voltages between the transducers
Data Source
AI summary
A garment configured to generate an AC voltage, the garment including: a support layer configured to be worn on a subject's body; an amplifier for converting an input voltage to the AC voltage; control circuitry communicatively coupled to the amplifier and configured to control the frequency and amplitude of the AC voltage output from the amplifier; and at least one battery coupled to the amplifier and configured to supply the input voltage to the amplifier; wherein the amplifier, the control circuitry, and the at least one battery are integrated into the garment such that the weight of the amplifier, the control circuitry, and the at least one battery is supported by the support layer.