Wireless Charging Electrosurgical Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrosurgical apparatuses require large generators for radiofrequency and microwave energy, limiting portability and convenience, especially in surgical settings.

Innovation Solution

An electrosurgical apparatus with a rechargeable power source that can be wirelessly charged, utilizing a resonant inductive coupler and transformer to efficiently transfer power, allowing for handheld operation and integration of RF and microwave energy generators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If large generators are used to provide RF and microwave energy, then sufficient power is delivered for surgical procedures, but the apparatus becomes non-portable and difficult to maneuver in surgical settings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidgenerator weight
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the power delivery function into two separate components: a portable handheld electrosurgical apparatus that can be maneuvered in surgical settings, and a separate external power source (docking station) that provides the necessary power. The handheld apparatus contains only the essential electrosurgical components and a rechargeable battery, while the power source remains external in the docking station.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handheld electrosurgical apparatus is designed to nest within or dock into the external power source station when not in use. The docking station serves as the outer structure that contains the power source and charging components, while the handheld apparatus fits into this station for recharging and storage, creating a nested configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Weight of moving object

If a rechargeable power source is integrated into the handheld apparatus, then portability is improved, but the apparatus requires wireless charging infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus portabilityVSAvoidcharging system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces traditional wired mechanical charging connections with wireless electromagnetic induction charging. The docking station uses an electromagnetic field to transfer power wirelessly to the handheld apparatus, eliminating the need for physical plug-and-socket connections and reducing mechanical wear and contact issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The docking station acts as an intermediary device that bridges the power source and the handheld apparatus through wireless electromagnetic coupling. Rather than directly connecting power cables, the system uses electromagnetic fields as an intermediary to transfer energy, simplifying the charging interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If wireless charging is implemented, then charging convenience is improved, but energy transfer efficiency may be reduced compared to wired connections

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging convenienceVSAvoidenergy transfer loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless charging system uses electromagnetic oscillation at specific resonant frequencies to maximize energy transfer efficiency. By tuning the electromagnetic coupling to resonate at the optimal frequency, the system achieves efficient power transfer despite the wireless interface, minimizing energy losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts charging parameters such as electromagnetic field strength, frequency, and coupling distance to optimize energy transfer efficiency. The docking station and handheld apparatus communicate to adjust these parameters in real-time, ensuring maximum efficiency under varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances ergonomics and portability, enabling efficient delivery of RF and microwave energy for surgical procedures while reducing weight and size, and allowing for both wireless and wired charging options.

Implementation Method 1

a receiver circuit comprising an inductive coupler configured to wirelessly receive power from a transmitter and supply received power to the rechargeable power source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a resonant inductive coupler and transformer to efficiently transfer power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS20230210576A1Electrosurgical apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.07.06 CREO MEDICAL LTD
  • US20230210576A1 patent drawing
  • US20230210576A1 patent drawing
  • US20230210576A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An electrosurgical apparatus is provided having a rechargeable power source which may be charged wirelessly. The apparatus comprises an oscillator for generating electromagnetic (EM) energy (e.g. radiofrequency energy or microwave frequency energy); a controller operable to select an energy delivery profile for the oscillator; a feed structure for conveying the electromagnetic energy to an output; a rechargeable power source arranged to supply power to the oscillator; and a receiver circuit comprising an inductive coupler configured to wirelessly receive power from a transmitter and supply received power to the rechargeable power source. The selection of an energy delivery profile may involve switching the oscillator on or off in one example, or may comprise more complex operation such as the selection of a pulse profile in some embodiments.