Apparatus and method for generating intermittent impacts

Abstract

The application relates to a device capable of generating intermittent impact, comprising a flexible interface and a special ultrasonic device, wherein a liquid environment is arranged between the flexible interface and the special ultrasonic device; the special ultrasonic device is used to generate intermittent acoustic beam flow or jet flow, and the intermittent time is longer than a threshold value, the acoustic beam flow or jet flow generated under the threshold value generates a micro water hammer effect; at least a part of the flexible interface generates reciprocating displacement towards the outside of the flexible interface in response to the micro water hammer effect. The reciprocating displacement towards the outside can generate intermittent impact, and the intermittent impact can realize vibration, hammering and other effects. The application also provides a method capable of generating intermittent impact, and parts of the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the fields of microfluidics and ultrasonic technology, and in particular to a device and method for generating intermittent impacts, as well as components applied to the device for generating intermittent impacts. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, facial vibration massagers, vibration / tapping massagers, or fascia guns work by generating high-frequency vibrations or high-frequency reciprocating taps on a specific area of ​​the face or body to achieve massage and stimulation effects.

[0003] The current method of achieving high-frequency vibration or high-frequency reciprocating hammering works on the principle that the rotational motion of the electric motor is transmitted to the eccentric wheel, which then converts the rotational motion into reciprocating motion and finally transmits it to the vibrating head, thereby generating vibration and hammering effects through the output of the vibrating head.

[0004] This application provides an alternative technical solution to replace the aforementioned mechanical structure including an electric motor, in order to achieve the output of intermittent impacts, which can achieve effects such as vibration and hammering. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides an apparatus and method for generating intermittent impacts, as well as components applied to the apparatus for generating intermittent impacts, which can achieve effects such as vibration and hammering.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the first aspect of this application provides a device capable of generating intermittent impacts, comprising a flexible interface and an ultrasonic device:

[0007] The flexible interface and the ultrasonic device include a liquid environment;

[0008] When the ultrasonic device is working, it generates ultrasonic waves of 0.5-30 GHz that act on the liquid environment to generate directional fluid motion toward the flexible interface in the liquid. The directional fluid motion includes an acoustic beam or jet.

[0009] The ultrasonic device is driven to operate for at least one driving cycle with a first power. Each driving cycle includes a first stage and a second stage. In the first stage, the ultrasonic device is driven to operate and generate ultrasonic waves of 0.5-30 GHz. In the second stage, the driving of the ultrasonic device is stopped. The magnitude of the first power causes the ultrasonic device to generate the acoustic beam or jet during the first stage.

[0010] The proportion of the second stage in at least one driving cycle is adjusted to intermittently generate acoustic beams or jets, and the duration of the intermittent interval is greater than a threshold, below which the intermittently generated acoustic beams or jets produce a micro water hammer effect.

[0011] At least a portion of the flexible interface responds to the micro water hammer effect, generating a reciprocating displacement toward its outer side.

[0012] As one possible implementation of the first aspect, the device includes a cavity having an open end closed by the flexible interface, the cavity containing a liquid to form the liquid environment; the ultrasonic device is disposed on the inner wall of the cavity opposite to the flexible interface.

[0013] As one possible implementation of the first aspect, the device includes a patch on which the ultrasonic device is mounted; the patch is covered at least at the portion including the ultrasonic device with a flexible interface having a gap with the ultrasonic device, the flexible interface and the space formed having liquid forming the liquid environment.

[0014] As one possible implementation of the first aspect, the body constituting the cavity or the patch is made of a flexible material; the outer side of the flexible interface includes an adhesive layer.

[0015] As one possible implementation of the first aspect, it includes at least one of the following: the ultrasonic device comprises a plurality of devices arranged in an array; and the ultrasonic device has a support portion between it and the flexible interface to maintain the gap.

[0016] As one possible implementation of the first aspect, it includes a relatively separate first part and a second part, which are connected by a signal line; the first part includes the flexible interface, the ultrasonic device, and the liquid environment; the second part includes a drive circuit for driving the ultrasonic device to operate.

[0017] One possible implementation of the first aspect includes a first part and a second part that are assembled together and detachable; the first part includes the flexible interface, the ultrasonic device, and the liquid environment; the second part includes a drive circuit for driving the ultrasonic device to operate.

[0018] A second aspect of this application provides a method for generating intermittent impacts, using any of the means for generating intermittent impacts described in the first aspect, the method comprising:

[0019] The flexible interface of the device that can generate intermittent impacts is made to fit tightly against the target object;

[0020] A supersonic device is driven to operate for at least one driving cycle with a first power. Each driving cycle includes a first stage and a second stage. In the first stage, the supersonic device is driven to operate and generate supersonic waves of 0.5-30 GHz. In the second stage, the driving of the supersonic device is stopped. The magnitude of the first power causes the supersonic device to generate an acoustic beam or jet during the first stage.

[0021] The proportion of the second stage in at least one driving cycle is adjusted to intermittently generate acoustic beams or jets, and the duration of the intermittent interval is greater than a threshold, below which the intermittently generated acoustic beams or jets produce a micro water hammer effect.

[0022] At least a portion of the flexible interface responds to the micro water hammer effect, generating a reciprocating displacement toward its outer side to produce intermittent impacts toward the target object.

[0023] As a possible implementation of the second aspect, the micro-water hammer effect is controlled by at least one of the following methods to adjust the intermittent impact toward the target object: controlling the strength of the micro-water hammer effect by controlling the strength of a first power level to adjust the strength of the intermittent impact toward the target object; controlling the strength of the micro-water hammer effect by the proportion of a second stage to adjust the strength of the intermittent impact toward the target object; and controlling the interval of the micro-water hammer effect by the length of the driving cycle to adjust the frequency of the intermittent impact toward the target object.

[0024] A second aspect of this application provides a component for use in the device described in the first aspect that can generate intermittent impacts.

[0025] The component includes a first part, which includes a flexible interface, an ultrasonic device, and a liquid environment.

[0026] The component also includes an interface for enabling signal connection between the ultrasonic device and the drive circuit included in the second part.

[0027] The solution provided in this application can intermittently generate sound beams or jets to produce a micro-water hammer effect on a flexible interface. The flexible interface responds to this micro-water hammer effect by reciprocating outwards. This reciprocating outward movement can generate intermittent impacts, which can achieve vibration, hammering, or other effects. This application does not have the complex mechanical components mentioned in the background art, and represents another solution for achieving vibration and hammering effects. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 These are images and diagrams illustrating jet and secondary flow phenomena.

[0029] Figure 2This is a diagram of the acoustic beam generated in a liquid environment according to an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a timing diagram of the output signal of the driving device of the ultrasonic device provided in this application embodiment:

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the driving device for the ultrasonic device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the output signal of the water hammer effect generated by the driving device of the ultrasonic device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 6a This is a schematic diagram of a device capable of generating intermittent impacts provided in the first embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 6b yes Figure 6a A sectional view;

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another device capable of generating intermittent impacts provided in the first embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a simulation diagram of several special ultrasonic devices generating intermittent sound beams provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0037] Figure 9 This is a simulation diagram of the intermittent acoustic beam generated by the operation of three special ultrasonic device arrays provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions provided in this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the system architecture and business scenarios provided in the embodiments of this application are mainly for illustrating possible implementations of the technical solutions of this application and should not be construed as the sole limitation on the technical solutions of this application. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the technical solutions provided in this application are equally applicable to similar technical problems as system architectures evolve and new business scenarios emerge.

[0039] It should be understood that the solutions for achieving micro-water hammer effect based on acoustic beam provided in the embodiments of this application include devices, methods, components, and applications capable of generating intermittent impacts. Since these technical solutions solve problems based on the same or similar principles, some repetitive details may not be repeated in the description of specific embodiments. However, it should be considered that these specific embodiments have mutual references and can be mutually referenced and combined.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. In case of any inconsistency, the meaning set forth in this specification or derived from the content described herein shall prevail. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this application only and is not intended to limit this application. To accurately describe the technical content of this application and to accurately understand the invention, the following explanations or definitions of the terms used in this specification are provided before describing specific embodiments:

[0041] 1) Ultrasonic Device: A high-frequency resonator, which can be a device that generates mechanical vibration by applying voltage based on the piezoelectric effect. In this application, a piezoelectric resonator that generates ultrasonic waves of not less than 0.5 GHz (GHz is equivalent to gigahertz) during operation is used. Preferably, it is a piezoelectric resonator that generates ultrasonic waves of not less than 1 GHz and not more than 30 GHz during operation, for example, it can be 2 GHz to 2.5 GHz. Such piezoelectric resonators can be, for example, surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices, bulk acoustic wave (BAW) devices, etc. For example, when it is BAW, it can be a thin-film bulk acoustic wave resonator (FBAR), a solid-state assembled resonator (SMR), or a Lamb wave resonator (LWR). For ease of description, the piezoelectric resonator that can generate ultrasonic waves of not less than 0.5 GHz will be referred to as an ultrasonic device from now on.

[0042] 2) Jet phenomenon: This is a phenomenon that occurs when the sound waves from an ultrasonic device act on a liquid. The regional vibration generated at the working interface of the ultrasonic device can form a traveling wave in the liquid and exert a continuous thrust on the local liquid in the liquid environment, causing at least a portion of the liquid to move in a straight line along the direction of sound wave propagation. This phenomenon of straight-line movement is called jet phenomenon.

[0043] Secondary flow phenomena, including eddies and thermal backflow, are another phenomenon generated when ultrasonic devices act on liquids. They include eddies (or micro vortices) caused by local circulation generated by the jet driving the liquid, and thermal backflow generated by the heating of ultrasonic devices.

[0044] The jet phenomenon and secondary flow phenomenon can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 1 The images and diagrams shown. Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic of using eddies to capture particles.

[0045] 3) Acoustic Beam: Since the acoustic beam in this application is generated based on a supersonic device, it is also referred to as a supersonic acoustic beam. In this application, the acoustic beam is a unique type of jet phenomenon, characterized by the fluid moving at high speed along the direction of sound wave propagation and the jet appearing as a thin cylinder within its path. Before significant attenuation, the acoustic beam is essentially in a laminar state with the surrounding liquid, exhibiting low mixing with the surrounding liquid. Figure 2 An image of the resulting acoustic beam, captured by a high-speed camera, is shown. Figure 2 It can be seen that the acoustic beam has focusing properties and is no longer like... Figure 1 A cluster of jets, and Figure 2 It is clearly not visible in the middle Figure 1 Secondary flow phenomena in [the context of something].

[0046] The conditions for generating the ultrasonic beam in this embodiment are: driving the ultrasonic device with a first power for at least one driving cycle, each driving cycle including a first stage and a second stage (see...). Figure 3 The drive unit outputs a signal portion that, in the first stage, drives the ultrasonic device to generate a 0.5-30 GHz ultrasonic effect in a liquid environment, and in the second stage, stops driving the ultrasonic device. The first power is sufficient to enable the ultrasonic device to generate a focused columnar acoustic beam perpendicular to the solid-liquid interface within the first stage. The duration of the first stage at the first power is less than a threshold, or the duty cycle of the first stage within one drive cycle is less than a threshold, to suppress the temperature of the ultrasonic device within a controllable temperature threshold and to prevent the ultrasonic device from generating secondary flows (including eddies and backflows) in the liquid environment.

[0047] The intensity of the acoustic beam is related to the duration of the first stage (or the duty cycle within a driving cycle) and the intensity of the first power. For example, a shorter first stage duration better suppresses temperature and secondary current, but the acoustic beam intensity is also lower (a shorter first stage duration means a shorter time for energy accumulation). Conversely, a higher first power results in a higher acoustic beam intensity, leading to a higher temperature rise in the ultrasonic device. Therefore, applying a higher first power and a shorter first stage not only yields a higher intensity acoustic beam but also effectively suppresses the temperature and secondary current. Thus, when real-time control of the acoustic beam intensity is required, the preferred approach is to use a shorter, fixed first stage (e.g., the duty cycle of the first stage within the cycle is fixed) and control the intensity of the generated acoustic beam by applying different first power values. A secondary approach is to apply the same first power value and adjust different first stage values ​​(e.g., the duty cycle of the first stage within the cycle) to control the intensity of the generated acoustic beam, or to simultaneously adjust both the first stage value and the first power to control the intensity of the generated acoustic beam.

[0048] 4) Regarding the first stage within the drive cycle: In the first stage of the drive cycle, the drive unit continuously outputs several signals. For example, when the signal generator outputs a 1GHz signal, assuming the duration of the first stage is 1 microsecond, the drive unit will output 1000 signals (1GHz * 1 microsecond = 1000) during this first stage time (1 microsecond). The power applied during the first stage time (1 microsecond) will be applied to these 1000 signals to drive the ultrasonic device. In the second stage of the drive cycle (corresponding to...) Figure 3 (Switch signal low level) No drive signal output.

[0049] 5) Driving device for special ultrasonic devices: such as Figure 4 One embodiment is shown, including a control unit and a drive unit, the drive unit comprising a signal generator and a power amplifier. Its signal output principle can be found in [reference needed]. Figure 3 As shown.

[0050] The signal generator is used to generate high-frequency signals. The frequency of the original high-frequency signal it generates is the same as or approximately the operating frequency (or natural frequency) of the ultrasonic device used as a load. The waveform of the signal generator can be a rectangular wave (e.g.,...). Figure 3 The signals shown include square waves, sawtooth waves, sharp pulses (or triangular waves), stepped waves, sine waves, or half-waves. The output signal of the corresponding drive unit is modulated into rectangular waves, sawtooth waves, sharp pulses (or triangular waves), stepped waves, sine waves, or half-waves.

[0051] A power amplifier is used to amplify the signal to be output so that it can drive a high-performance ultrasonic device.

[0052] The control unit can be a switching power supply, which controls the output switching signal. This switching signal can be a periodic signal, with a high level corresponding to the switching on phase (such as the conduction phase of the switching power supply's switching transistor). Figure 3 In the first stage, the switch-off stage corresponds to a low level, which is... Figure 3 The second stage involves controlling the operating voltage or amplification factor input to the power amplifier to achieve different output powers, which is the first power mentioned above. The first power can also be understood as the average energy density input to the ultrasonic device during one drive cycle (which consists of a first stage and a second stage). Since the energy level is related to power and time, the amount of energy input to the ultrasonic device during one drive cycle is related to the level of the first power, the duration of the first stage, or its duty cycle.

[0053] The acoustic beam and related technologies for driving ultrasonic devices to generate acoustic beams, as described above, can also be found in the relevant description in Chinese patent application number CN2024108322079.

[0054] 6) Micro water hammer effect: The conventional water hammer effect is an important phenomenon in fluid mechanics. It describes the pressure fluctuation phenomenon caused by a sudden change in flow velocity in a liquid flow system. For example, when a valve in a pipeline suddenly closes or opens, a shock wave will be generated in the pipeline due to the inertia of the fluid. This shock wave is like a hammer hitting the pipeline, hence the name "water hammer effect".

[0055] In this application, the micro-water hammer effect refers to the directional (i.e., beam direction) shock wave generated by the intermittent (e.g., pulsed) sound beam produced by driving an ultrasonic device in a liquid. It is easy to understand that the sound beam attenuates in a liquid; therefore, the strength of the micro-water hammer effect at a certain location in the liquid is related to the distance from that location to the ultrasonic device. The micro-water hammer effect described in this application refers to the area within which the micro-water hammer effect occurs.

[0056] Furthermore, due to the high focusing of the acoustic beam, the resulting micro-water hammer effect also exhibits highly focused directionality (it's easy to understand that directionality corresponds to the stage where the acoustic beam has not significantly attenuated), which is the aforementioned directional shock wave (i.e., the direction of the acoustic beam). The scheme for realizing the micro-water hammer effect based on the acoustic beam provided in this application can control the ultrasonic device to intermittently generate a highly focused acoustic beam in a liquid, thereby forming a water hammer effect. The acoustic beam based on the water hammer effect has a stronger force than a continuous acoustic beam (referring to a beam without water hammer effect).

[0057] On the other hand, intermittently generated jets can also have a micro water hammer effect. Compared with the micro water hammer effect corresponding to the acoustic beam, the micro water hammer effect corresponding to the acoustic beam has higher focusing and stronger micro water hammer force.

[0058] This application provides a device that can generate intermittent impacts without requiring the complex mechanical structures described in the background art, thereby achieving the effects of vibration and hammering through these intermittent impacts. The solution provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0059] See Figure 6a , Figure 6b and Figure 7 As shown, the first embodiment of this application provides a device capable of generating intermittent impacts, including a flexible interface and a supersonic device:

[0060] The flexible interface and the ultrasonic device include a liquid environment;

[0061] When the ultrasonic device is working, it generates ultrasonic waves of 0.5-30 GHz that act on the liquid environment to generate directional fluid motion toward the flexible interface in the liquid. The directional fluid motion includes an acoustic beam or jet.

[0062] The ultrasonic device is driven to operate for at least one driving cycle with a first power. Each driving cycle includes a first stage and a second stage. In the first stage, the ultrasonic device is driven to operate and generate ultrasonic waves of 0.5-30 GHz. In the second stage, the driving of the ultrasonic device is stopped. The magnitude of the first power causes the ultrasonic device to generate the acoustic beam or jet during the first stage.

[0063] The proportion of the second stage in at least one driving cycle is adjusted to intermittently generate acoustic beams or jets, and the duration of the intermittent interval is greater than a threshold, below which the intermittently generated acoustic beams or jets produce a micro water hammer effect.

[0064] At least a portion of the flexible interface responds to the micro-water hammer effect, generating a reciprocating displacement toward its outer side. This outward reciprocating displacement can intermittently impact objects in contact with the outer side of the flexible interface, creating a vibrational or hammering effect.

[0065] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6b As shown, the device includes a cavity with an open end, the open end being closed by the flexible interface, and a liquid within the cavity forming the liquid environment; the ultrasonic device is disposed on the inner wall of the cavity facing the flexible interface. In this embodiment, the cavity has a certain height (referring to the distance from the opening end of the cavity to the inner wall of the cavity facing the flexible interface) to accommodate the liquid and form the liquid environment.

[0066] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7As shown, the device includes a patch on which the ultrasonic device is mounted. The patch has a flexible interface with a gap between it and the ultrasonic device, at least at the portion containing the ultrasonic device. The flexible interface and the space formed contain liquid, creating a liquid environment. In this embodiment, the liquid exists between the flexible interface and the patch; specifically, the gap is achieved through the elasticity of the flexible interface to accommodate the liquid.

[0067] In some embodiments, the main body constituting the cavity or the patch is made of a flexible material; the outer side of the flexible interface includes an adhesive layer. This allows for convenient application of the patch to the area to be vibrated or struck, such as the legs, back, chest, etc.

[0068] In other embodiments, the main body or patch constituting the cavity is made of a flexible material, and the main body or patch has straps or other bands on both sides, so that the main body or patch can be placed over the columnar part to be vibrated or hammered, and fixed by wrapping the bands around the columnar part. One example is that the main body or patch has outwardly extending edges on both sides, and the edges may have holes for attaching Velcro straps.

[0069] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6b As shown, the ultrasonic device comprises multiple components arranged in an array to generate an array-like micro-water hammer effect. Therefore, it can be applied to apply acoustic beams or jets with a micro-water hammer effect to large-area flexible interfaces. The ultrasonic devices can be discrete components or multiple ultrasonic chips integrated on a single substrate.

[0070] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic device includes at least two ultrasonic chips arranged in an array on the same substrate, the at least two ultrasonic chips sharing a common electrode. This integration method can reduce wiring and energy loss due to line resistance. For example, a substrate may have three ultrasonic chips, with the upper electrodes of the piezoelectric layers of the three chips connected to the same endpoint on the substrate, and the lower electrodes also connected to the same endpoint. These two endpoints are used for connecting an external driving circuit, such as... Figure 9 A simulation diagram of pulsed acoustic beams generated by three ultrasonic chips is shown.

[0071] In other embodiments, the ultrasound device includes: an array of relatively independent ultrasound devices, such as different ultrasound devices composed of different ultrasound chips located on different substrates.

[0072] In some embodiments, when multiple ultrasonic chips are used, these chips may have identical parameters to achieve the same function or effect under the same drive. In other embodiments, these chips may have different parameters to achieve different functions or effects simultaneously under the same drive.

[0073] In some embodiments, when multiple ultrasonic chips are present, the arrangement of these chips (e.g., position and orientation) allows the generated acoustic beams with micro-water hammer effects to be parallel or divergent, thereby increasing the area of ​​action on the flexible interface. For example, the chips are arranged in an array on the same plane or on the same convex surface. In some embodiments, the acoustic beams with micro-water hammer effects generated by the arrangement of these chips (e.g., position and orientation) can converge to increase the effect on a particular point. For example, the chips are arranged in an array on the same concave surface.

[0074] The overall shape of the array composed of multiple ultrasonic chips or multiple ultrasonic devices can be rectangular, ring-shaped, linear, or other shapes.

[0075] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic device and the flexible interface have a support portion that maintains the gap. In some embodiments, such as Figure 6b As shown, the flexible interface may have several protrusions on its inner side as the support portion, such as dot-shaped protrusions, strip-shaped protrusions, or mesh-like protrusions. These protrusions are offset from the ultrasonic device, maintaining a certain gap between the inner side of the flexible interface and the inner wall of the cavity or the surface of the patch where the ultrasonic device is located. This gap creates a distance between the ultrasonic device and the flexible interface. In other embodiments, the protrusions are disposed on the inner wall of the cavity or the surface of the patch where the ultrasonic device is located, achieving the same effect of maintaining the gap. In some embodiments, the distance between the ultrasonic device and the flexible interface caused by the protrusions can be greater than 0 and less than 2 cm. The protrusions may be integrally formed with the location. In other embodiments, the support portion is a mesh structure with a certain thickness, arranged between the surface of the ultrasonic device and the flexible interface.

[0076] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic device may be pentagonal, circular, or other polygonal shapes.

[0077] In some embodiments, the device includes a relatively separate first portion and a second portion, which are connected by a signal line. The first portion includes the flexible interface, the ultrasonic device, and the liquid environment. The second portion includes a drive circuit for driving the ultrasonic device. For example, the first portion may be the aforementioned patch or the aforementioned main body constituting the cavity, and the second portion may be a host unit including the drive circuit. The first portion has a signal connection interface for detachable connection to terminals on the signal line.

[0078] In some embodiments, such as Figure 7As shown, the device includes a first and a second part that are assembled together and detachable. The first part includes the flexible interface, the ultrasonic device, and the liquid environment. The second part includes a drive circuit for operating the ultrasonic device. One example is that the first part is the aforementioned patch or the aforementioned main body constituting the cavity, and the second part is a handheld portion including the drive circuit. The first and second parts are detachably assembled together, for example, by having clips or magnetic contacts on the back of the cavity body or patch body, thereby enabling detachable assembly. In other embodiments, they may be mounted as a non-detachable integral unit.

[0079] In some embodiments, the main unit or handheld device may also include a control device and a power supply device. For example, it may be equipped with a mechanical (e.g., push-button) switch, a touch switch, a drive power adjustment control (e.g., a knob), or a display screen. These switches or controls can be used to control the start and stop of the device, the driving mode of the ultrasonic device (e.g., intermittent operation, continuous operation), and the driving power of the ultrasonic device. In some embodiments, the power supply device includes a transformer and corresponding circuits (e.g., filtering, modulation modules, protection circuits, etc.), and is connected to an external mains power source. In other embodiments, the power supply device includes a rechargeable battery and corresponding circuits (e.g., DC / AC, adjustment module, charging circuit, protection circuit, etc.).

[0080] In some embodiments, when the aforementioned micro-water hammer effect is based on acoustic beam generation, it can be specifically achieved as follows: adjusting the duty cycle of the second stage in at least one drive cycle to intermittently generate the acoustic beam. This can be done by adjusting the duty cycle of the second stage in each drive cycle. See also... Figure 5 The example shown in 'a' is described below:

[0081] Assumption Figure 3 Under the shown output duty cycle drive signal, based on the fluid characteristics (flowability, viscosity, continuity), the generated acoustic beam is a continuous acoustic beam (a continuous acoustic beam means that there is no or minimal water hammer effect). See also Figure 5 As shown in Figure 'a', increasing the duty cycle of the second stage, while still ensuring the generation of an acoustic beam, allows for the formation of an intermittent acoustic beam to generate a micro-water hammer effect when the duty cycle of the second stage increases to a certain extent. In this case, the duration of each cycle output by the drive device remains constant; what changes is the distribution ratio between the first and second stages. The shorter the first stage, the less energy the ultrasonic device receives within one cycle, and the lower the energy of each micro-water hammer. It is important to note that the first stage cannot be shorter than the duration sufficient to generate an acoustic beam (too low an energy level makes it difficult to generate an acoustic beam).

[0082] In some embodiments, adjusting the duty cycle of the second stage in at least one drive cycle to intermittently generate a sound beam can be achieved by adjusting the duty cycle of the second stage in at least one of at least two consecutive drive cycles. See also... Figure 5 Examples b and c in the text are described below:

[0083] Figure 5 In the example shown by b, relative Figure 3 The output drive signal is modulated into a low-level signal every 2n cycles, thereby generating an intermittent acoustic beam to produce a micro water hammer effect.

[0084] Figure 5 In the example shown by c, relative Figure 3 The output drive signal is modulated into a low-level signal every 3n cycles, thereby generating an intermittent acoustic beam to produce a micro water hammer effect.

[0085] in, Figure 5 Compared to b, c generates micro water hammers at a lower frequency, and each micro water hammer has a longer acoustic beam duration, resulting in higher energy per micro water hammer.

[0086] In other embodiments, the generation of micro-water hammer can also be achieved through variable time intervals (or variable frequencies), for example, relative to... Figure 3 The output drive signal is modulated into a low-level signal in its second and fifth cycles.

[0087] In some embodiments, in addition to adjusting the micro-water hammer effect in the manner provided above, the micro-water hammer effect can also be controlled in at least one of the following ways: controlling the strength of the micro-water hammer effect by controlling the strength of a first power level; controlling the interval degree of the micro-water hammer effect by controlling the duty cycle of the second stage.

[0088] In some embodiments, when the above-mentioned micro water hammer effect is generated based on jet generation, the principle is similar to that of generating micro water hammer effect based on acoustic beam, and will not be described in detail here.

[0089] In some embodiments, the different functions of the ultrasonic device's jet or beam can be achieved by adjusting the driving power, such as adjusting the period of the driving signal, the percentage of the driving level within a period, the power level, and the continuous duration of the drive. In some embodiments, when multiple ultrasonic chips are present, as mentioned above, different functions can be achieved under the same power drive when these chips have different parameters.

[0090] In some embodiments, a portion of the ultrasonic energy generated during the operation of the ultrasound device can be converted into heat energy, which can accelerate blood circulation, improve metabolism, and enhance local tissue nutrition. Furthermore, because the power applied to the ultrasound device is low, for example, not exceeding 10W, the thermal effect generated by the ultrasound will not damage the skin.

[0091] A second embodiment of this application provides a method for generating intermittent impacts, using the apparatus for generating intermittent impacts described in the first embodiment or any optional embodiment thereof, the method comprising:

[0092] The flexible interface of the device that can generate intermittent impacts is made to fit tightly against the target object;

[0093] A supersonic device is driven to operate for at least one driving cycle with a first power. Each driving cycle includes a first stage and a second stage. In the first stage, the supersonic device is driven to operate and generate supersonic waves of 0.5-30 GHz. In the second stage, the driving of the supersonic device is stopped. The magnitude of the first power causes the supersonic device to generate an acoustic beam or jet during the first stage.

[0094] The proportion of the second stage in at least one driving cycle is adjusted to intermittently generate acoustic beams or jets, and the duration of the intermittent interval is greater than a threshold, below which the intermittently generated acoustic beams or jets produce a micro water hammer effect.

[0095] At least a portion of the flexible interface responds to the micro water hammer effect, generating a reciprocating displacement toward its outer side to produce intermittent impacts toward the target object.

[0096] In some embodiments, the micro-water hammer effect is controlled by at least one of the following methods to adjust the intermittent impacts toward the target object: controlling the strength of the micro-water hammer effect by a first power level to adjust the strength of the intermittent impacts toward the target object; controlling the strength of the micro-water hammer effect by a second stage ratio to adjust the strength of the intermittent impacts toward the target object; controlling the interval of the micro-water hammer effect by the length of the driving cycle to adjust the frequency of the intermittent impacts toward the target object. Other optional methods for controlling the micro-water hammer effect can be found in the relevant descriptions in the first embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0097] The third embodiment of this application provides a component applied to the device capable of generating intermittent impacts described in the first embodiment.

[0098] The component includes a first part, which includes a flexible interface, an ultrasonic device, and a liquid environment.

[0099] The component also includes an interface for enabling signal connection between the ultrasonic device and the drive circuit included in the second part.

[0100] The first part can be the cavity or the patch described in the first embodiment.

[0101] The principle of generating micro-water hammer in this application will be further explained below. In this embodiment, the characteristics of generating micro-water hammer effect by producing intermittent sound beams in a liquid (the ultrasonic device is located in the liquid in the experiment, and no flexible interface is set in the facing direction) are first studied. The characteristics of generating sound beams with micro-water hammer effect by ultrasonic devices in liquids are as follows: intermittent sound beams of pentagonal, circular, and annular ultrasonic devices were simulated respectively, and some experiments were carried out. The conclusions are as follows:

[0102] 1) The effective range, area, and intensity of the acoustic beam generated by a supersonic device within a frequency range of 0.1–10 GHz, a power range of 0.1–100 W, and a total pulse period of 1–2000 ms exhibit the following relationship: Within 100 μm of the supersonic device surface, the effective area of ​​the acoustic beam is similar to the shape and area of ​​the device itself, and the point of maximum pressure also appears within this distance. When the distance exceeds 100 μm, the shape of the acoustic beam gradually tends to be circular, the effective area increases, and the intensity decreases. (See also...) Figure 8 The diagram shows a simulation of pulsed acoustic beams generated by several types of ultrasonic devices. Figure 8 Simulation diagrams of pulsed acoustic beams for pentagonal, circular, and annular ultrasonic devices are shown respectively.

[0103] 2) When the shape and area of ​​the ultrasonic device remain unchanged, the effective area and intensity of the acoustic beam increase with the increase of the driving power.

[0104] 3) When calculating the pressure generated by the acoustic beam at the solid-liquid interface using the dynamic pressure of the liquid, the dynamic pressure of the liquid can be: The formula is used for calculation. Where: p 动 ρ is the dynamic pressure of the liquid, v is the liquid density, and v is the liquid velocity at a certain point. The solid-liquid interface refers to the interface between the solid (using "solid" here for discussion) at a certain distance from the ultrasonic device and the ultrasonic device.

[0105] Here, dynamic pressure refers to the pressure exerted by a fluid due to its velocity, reflecting the fluid's kinetic energy. The characteristic of dynamic pressure is that it changes with fluid velocity; if the velocity increases, the dynamic pressure increases; if the velocity decreases, the dynamic pressure decreases.

[0106] The energy conversion at the solid-liquid interface is as follows: the acoustic pressure field generated by the ultrasonic device accelerates the fluid, forming an acoustic beam. This beam reaches its maximum velocity at a certain point after acceleration by the acoustic pressure field, at which point its kinetic energy is at its maximum. Further upward, it decelerates to some extent due to liquid resistance, and upon impacting the solid wall at the solid-liquid interface, its velocity drops to zero. At this point, all kinetic energy is converted into pressure potential energy upon impact with the wall. By calculating the kinetic energy at the maximum velocity, the pressure potential energy upon impact with the wall can be determined, allowing for the calculation of the pressure and force at that point. The calculations of pressure and force based on the maximum velocity are shown in the table below:

[0107] Maximum speed (m / s) Dynamic pressure (kPa) Force (uN) 5 12.5 50 10 50 200 20 200 800 40 800 3200 80 3200 12800

[0108] 4) It was verified that the intermittent acoustic beam has a water hammer effect and its energy utilization efficiency is higher than that of the continuous acoustic beam.

[0109] The short-pulse, high-speed, discontinuous acoustic beam generated in this application can achieve rapid, multiple, and high-pressure continuous impacts, thus creating a water hammer effect. The dynamic pressure of the water hammer effect is much higher than the steady-state pressure (steady-state pressure refers to the pressure formed by the impact of a continuous acoustic beam). Therefore, the pulsed, intermittent acoustic beam can significantly increase pressure and improve transdermal efficiency. The principle behind the water hammer effect, where the initial pressure is much higher than the steady-state pressure (such as a continuous acoustic beam), is explained below:

[0110] The water hammer pressure in the initial stage can be derived based on Bernoulli's equation, which is: p = ρ·c·v, where p is the pressure of the fluid at a certain point, and ρ is the density of the fluid (water), approximately 1000 kg / m³. 3 Where c is the wave velocity of the fluid (water), approximately 1400 m / s in the pipe, and v is the velocity of the fluid (water). Since water hammer pressure is composed of a discontinuous sound beam, the formula for water hammer pressure, derived from Bernoulli's equation, is: ΔP = ρ·c·Δv, where Δv is the change in water velocity (which can be understood as the velocity change between two sampling points). For example, if Δv is 0.5 m / s at a certain location in the experiment, then the water hammer pressure at that location in the experiment is ΔP = 1000 kg / m². 3 1400m / s 0.5m / s = 700kPa.

[0111] During the stagnant phase, i.e., the steady-state pressure phase (such as the pressure generated by a continuous sound beam), the pressure can be calculated based on the kinetic energy theorem, where the formula for the kinetic energy theorem is: Where P is the impulse of the fluid (water), i.e., pressure, ρ is the density of the fluid (water), and v is the velocity of the fluid (water). When v is also 0.5 m / s at this location, P = 125 Pa can be calculated, which is much smaller than the water hammer pressure in the initial stage.

[0112] In further experiments, the initial pressure at different distances relative to the interface of the ultrasonic device was calculated. When the ultrasonic device was driven by 16W, the initial pressure within a distance of 1mm was in the MPa range. The initial pressure gradually increased as the distance decreased and was much greater than the pressure during the stagnant phase.

[0113] As described above, high-pulse (i.e., intermittently generated) sound beams exhibit a water hammer effect, with higher energy utilization efficiency than continuously driven sound beams, and the resulting pressure is significantly higher than that generated by continuous sound beams. Consequently, the resulting water hammer effect acts on the flexible interface of this application, causing the flexible interface to reciprocate outward. This reciprocating motion can generate intermittent impacts, which can achieve effects such as vibration and hammering.

[0114] The above discussion focused on the water hammer effect generated by intermittent acoustic beams. Similarly, intermittent jets can also generate a water hammer effect on flexible interfaces, causing the flexible interfaces to reciprocate outward. This reciprocating motion can generate intermittent impacts, which can achieve effects such as vibration and hammering, but are not as significant as those generated by acoustic beams, such as the vibration and hammering force generated by acoustic beams.

[0115] The device described in this application can control the intensity of intermittent impacts by controlling the drive power, and therefore can be used for skin stimulation and massage, as well as for stimulation and massage of subcutaneous fascia. The following comparison with a conventional fascia gun (mechanical type with a motor) illustrates its ability to stimulate and massage fascia.

[0116] The pressure applied to the skin by a conventional fascia gun typically ranges from 10-50 kPa, with a typical impact force of 5-30 N (depending on the setting and motor power). The contact head diameter is usually 15-30 mm (approximately 1.77-7.07 cm²). 2 From this, the aforementioned pressure range can be calculated. When the fascia gun impacts at a high frequency (20-50Hz), the actual peak pressure can reach 80-

[0117] 120 kPa (especially in hard muscles or bony prominences). Because fascia guns have a large amplitude, improper use can cause tissue damage. See the table below for fascia gun pressure data and tissue tolerance thresholds:

[0118]

[0119] The characteristic of this application's solution is that it applies high pressure to the flexible interface but has a small amplitude. Therefore, the pressure transmitted from the flexible interface is significantly reduced at the site of action due to the small amplitude and the fact that it is mainly transmitted to the skin or subcutaneous fascia and muscles, making it safer. The following shows a comparison between this application's solution and a fascia gun in some scenarios:

[0120]

[0121] In summary, the high pressure (especially peak value) combined with high amplitude (compared to the solution in this application) of fascia guns easily exceeds the safety threshold of skin and soft tissue, leading to bruising and inflammation. In contrast, the higher frequency and lower amplitude of this application, under different power controls, not only provide vibration massage to the skin, muscles, and fascia, but also significantly reduce the risk of mechanical injury while achieving deep treatment. This difference is particularly crucial in scenarios requiring high safety (such as vibration massage near the heart, bones (knees, etc.), and the treatment of chronic diseases).

[0122] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed apparatus and methods are not limited to the above embodiments and can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection between apparatuses or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0123] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0124] Furthermore, the terms "first, second, third, etc." or similar terms such as module A, module B, and module C used in the specification and claims are only used to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of objects. It is understood that, where permissible, a specific order or sequence may be interchanged so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0125] In the above description, the labels of the steps involved, such as S10, S20, etc., do not mean that the steps will necessarily be executed. The order of the steps can be interchanged or executed simultaneously if permitted.

[0126] The term "comprising" as used in the specification and claims should not be construed as limiting itself to what follows; it does not exclude other elements or steps. Therefore, it should be interpreted as specifying the presence of the mentioned feature, integral, step, or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the statement "device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to a device consisting solely of components A and B.

[0127] The terms "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" as used in this specification mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, the terms "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but may refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the particular features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

[0128] Note that the above are merely preferred embodiments and the technical principles employed in this application. Those skilled in the art will understand that this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, although this application has been described in detail through the above embodiments, this application is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of this application, all of which fall within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A device capable of generating intermittent impacts, characterized in that, Including flexible interfaces and ultra-sonic devices: The flexible interface and the ultrasonic device include a liquid environment; When the ultrasonic device is working, it generates ultrasonic waves of 0.5-30 GHz that act on the liquid environment to generate directional fluid motion toward the flexible interface in the liquid. The directional fluid motion includes an acoustic beam or jet. The ultrasonic device is driven to operate for at least one driving cycle with a first power. Each driving cycle includes a first stage and a second stage. In the first stage, the ultrasonic device is driven to operate and generate ultrasonic waves of 0.5-30 GHz. In the second stage, the driving of the ultrasonic device is stopped. The magnitude of the first power causes the ultrasonic device to generate the acoustic beam or jet during the first stage. The proportion of the second stage in at least one driving cycle is adjusted to intermittently generate acoustic beams or jets, and the duration of the intermittent interval is greater than a threshold, below which the intermittently generated acoustic beams or jets produce a micro water hammer effect. At least a portion of the flexible interface responds to the micro water hammer effect, generating a reciprocating displacement toward its outer side.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device includes a cavity having an open end, the open end being closed by the flexible interface, and the cavity containing liquid to form the liquid environment; The ultrasonic device is disposed on the inner wall of the cavity facing the flexible interface.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device includes a patch on which the ultrasonic device is mounted; The patch has a flexible interface with a gap between it and the ultrasonic device at least at the portion including the ultrasonic device, and the flexible interface and the space formed therein contain liquid to form the liquid environment.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The main body constituting the cavity or the patch is made of a flexible material; The flexible interface includes an adhesive layer on its outer side.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, Includes at least one of the following: The supersonic device comprises multiple devices arranged in an array; The ultrasonic device has a support portion between it and the flexible interface to maintain the gap.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, It includes a relatively separate first part and a second part, which are connected by a signal line; The first part includes the flexible interface, the ultrasonic device, and the liquid environment; The second part includes a drive circuit for driving the ultrasonic device to operate.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, It includes a first and second part that are assembled together and detachable; The first part includes the flexible interface, the ultrasonic device, and the liquid environment; The second part includes a drive circuit for driving the ultrasonic device to operate.

8. A method for generating intermittent impacts, using the apparatus for generating intermittent impacts according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The method includes: The flexible interface of the device that can generate intermittent impacts is made to fit tightly against the target object; A supersonic device is driven to operate for at least one driving cycle with a first power. Each driving cycle includes a first stage and a second stage. In the first stage, the supersonic device is driven to operate and generate supersonic waves of 0.5-30 GHz. In the second stage, the driving of the supersonic device is stopped. The magnitude of the first power causes the supersonic device to generate an acoustic beam or jet during the first stage. The proportion of the second stage in at least one driving cycle is adjusted to intermittently generate acoustic beams or jets, and the duration of the intermittent interval is greater than a threshold, below which the intermittently generated acoustic beams or jets produce a micro water hammer effect. At least a portion of the flexible interface responds to the micro water hammer effect, generating a reciprocating displacement toward its outer side to produce intermittent impacts toward the target object.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The micro-water hammer effect can be controlled by at least one of the following methods to adjust the intermittent impacts toward the target object: The strength of the micro water hammer effect is controlled by the first power level to adjust the strength of the intermittent impacts toward the target object. The strength of the micro-water hammer effect is controlled by the proportion in the second stage to adjust the strength of the intermittent impacts toward the target object. The interval of the micro-water hammer effect is controlled by the length of the driving cycle, thereby adjusting the frequency of intermittent impacts toward the target object.

10. A component used in the device for generating intermittent impacts as described in claim 6 or 7, characterized in that, The component includes a first part, which includes a flexible interface, an ultrasonic device, and a liquid environment. The component also includes an interface for enabling signal connection between the ultrasonic device and the drive circuit included in the second part.

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