Mechanical wave generating apparatus having sound output monitoring function

Abstract

The present invention relates to a mechanical wave generating apparatus for irradiating mechanical waves such as shock waves, ultrasonic waves, or the like. The mechanical wave generating apparatus comprises: a mechanical wave generating unit for generating mechanical waves; a mechanical wave sensor for sensing the mechanical waves generated by the mechanical wave generating unit; and a monitoring unit for automatically monitoring sound output information of the mechanical wave generating unit by using a signal recorded by the mechanical wave sensor.

Description

Dynamic wave generator with sound output monitoring function

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mechanical wave generating device for investigating mechanical waves such as shock waves and ultrasonic waves.

[0002] Various therapeutic modalities using mechanical waves, such as shock waves and ultrasound, have been introduced. For example, treatments that utilize shock waves for therapeutic purposes include extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT).

[0003] ESWL utilizes the destructive effects of powerful shock waves to break up stones within the body. ESWT, on the other hand, utilizes shock waves with relatively lower acoustic power than those used in ESWL. Its indications include reducing pain in various degenerative musculoskeletal disorders (e.g., plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder), and promoting the healing of damaged tissue. ESWT's clinical efficacy in treating myocardial infarction, erectile dysfunction, and dementia has recently been proven, demonstrating its continued growth in the medical application of shock waves.

[0004] Shockwave therapy devices include a shockwave generator that generates shock waves. Typically, the shockwave generator includes a shockwave converter, which converts various energies (e.g., electrical, magnetic, chemical, thermal, etc.) into mechanical energy, and a drive unit that supplies energy to the shockwave converter. The shock generation methods used in ESWL are categorized into electrohydraulic (EH), electromagnetic (EM), and piezoelectric (PE) methods, depending on the energy type of the drive unit. In addition to the three methods used in ESWL, ESWT often uses a ballistic shockwave generation principle, which is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to operate. Ballistic shockwave generation methods are categorized into pneumatic and electromagnetic. Electric or electromagnetic energy is typically used to drive the shockwave generator, but ballistic shockwave therapy devices may also use electromagnetic or pneumatic energy.

[0005] Shock waves emitted from shock wave converters are often controlled by a focuser or waveguide located around the shock wave converter. Depending on the focuser or waveguide, the shock wave's wavefront varies, and the sound field formed in front of the shock wave generator is classified into focused, radial, and planar types.

[0006] The effectiveness of shockwave therapy is primarily determined by the acoustic output of the shockwaves applied. The output of a shockwave generator can be measured using a hydrophone in accordance with standards such as IEC61846. When applying for regulatory approval for clinical use, shockwave therapy devices must submit technical documentation containing shockwave acoustic output measured by an accredited testing laboratory. These measurement and testing methods require expensive measuring equipment, skilled technicians, and significant time.

[0007] To ensure the therapeutic efficacy of shockwaves, the shockwaves delivered to the patient must maintain the approved acoustic output range. However, as the shockwave generator ages after manufacture, i.e., as the number of shockwaves generated increases, the acoustic output or performance of the shockwave deteriorates. The shockwave transducer, a key component of the shockwave generator, has a short lifespan and is prone to wear. Typically, shockwave transducers are replaced regularly or after a certain number of shockwaves are generated, ensuring a consistent acoustic output.

[0008] Regular replacement requires replacement even when the shock wave converter's performance remains intact, and the converter's output may begin to decline even before replacement. In situations where Quality Assurance (QA) monitoring and management of the shock wave generator's performance is not implemented, the replacement period for the shock wave converter may be missed. If the shock wave generator's performance deteriorates due to issues other than the shock wave converter, such as changes in the energy supplied by the drive unit, simply replacing the shock wave converter will not resolve the issue.

[0009] When performance degradation of a shock wave converter or generator is identified, practical techniques for monitoring or testing the acoustic output or performance of a shock wave generator at the user level are needed to replace the converter or to have the shock wave generator inspected by a professional in a timely manner.

[0010] The matters described in the technical background of this invention are written to enhance understanding of the background of the invention and may include matters that are not already known in the field to which this technology belongs.

[0011] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a dynamic wave generating device that automatically monitors changes in the acoustic output or performance of a dynamic wave generating device to maintain the acoustic output of the dynamic wave generating device within a normal range, and allows a user to irradiate a patient with a dynamic wave of the intended acoustic output, thereby obtaining an expected dynamic wave therapeutic effect.

[0012] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0013] A dynamic wave generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a dynamic wave generating unit that generates a dynamic wave, a dynamic wave sensor that detects the dynamic wave generated by the dynamic wave generating unit, and a monitoring unit that automatically monitors acoustic output information of the dynamic wave generating unit by utilizing a signal recorded by the dynamic wave sensor.

[0014] The above-mentioned dynamic wave generating unit may include a dynamic wave converter configured to generate a dynamic wave, a driving unit that supplies energy to the dynamic wave converter, and a dynamic wave guide that controls the propagation of the dynamic wave generated from the dynamic wave converter.

[0015] The above dynamic wave sensor is triggered to start measurement at the point when the dynamic wave generating unit operates, and can detect a dynamic wave generated by the dynamic wave converting unit and convert it into an electrical signal to transmit it to the monitoring unit.

[0016] The above monitoring unit can use the signal measured by the dynamic wave sensor to evaluate the acoustic output or change in acoustic output of the dynamic wave generated from the dynamic wave generating unit and use it as a basis for monitoring the performance or change in performance of the dynamic wave generating unit.

[0017] The above monitoring unit can extract the characteristics of the time and frequency domains of the signal measured by the above dynamic wave sensor and compare them with the characteristics of the signal when the above dynamic wave generating unit is normal, thereby monitoring whether the dynamic wave generated from the above dynamic wave generating unit is within the normal range.

[0018] The above dynamic wave sensor can be installed on the surface of the dynamic wave guide in a manner that does not interfere with the role of the dynamic wave guide or minimizes interference.

[0019] The above dynamic wave sensors may be provided in multiple numbers, and the monitoring unit may be configured to provide information on whether an intended sound field can be formed through the dynamic wave guide from relative phase information of signals measured by the plurality of dynamic wave sensors.

[0020] A dynamic wave generating device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a dynamic wave generating unit that generates a dynamic wave, a dynamic wave sensor that measures the dynamic wave generated by the dynamic wave generating unit, and a monitoring unit that automatically monitors the acoustic output of the dynamic wave generating unit using a signal recorded by the dynamic wave sensor. The dynamic wave sensor measures the dynamic wave generated by the dynamic wave generating unit in synchronization with an operating signal of a driving unit that drives the dynamic wave generating unit. The monitoring unit is configured to monitor at least one of the acoustic output, acoustic output change, acoustic performance, and acoustic performance change of the dynamic wave generating unit using the signal measured by the dynamic wave sensor.

[0021] According to the present invention, by measuring a mechanical wave generated from a mechanical wave converter through a mechanical wave sensor when a mechanical wave generating device is in operation, changes in the acoustic output or performance of the mechanical wave generating device can be automatically monitored, and accordingly, the user of the mechanical wave generating device can irradiate a target with an acoustic output or radiation dose intended by the user, and thus, effects planned by the mechanical wave irradiation, such as therapeutic effects, can be expected.

[0022] In addition, various effects that can be obtained or expected due to embodiments of the present invention are disclosed directly or implicitly in the detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] The accompanying drawings, which are intended to aid in understanding the present invention, provide embodiments of the present invention along with a detailed description. However, the technical features of the present invention are not limited to any specific drawings, and the features disclosed in each drawing may be combined to form new embodiments. The embodiments of the present specification may be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals designate identical or functionally similar elements.

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a dynamic wave generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a dynamic wave generating unit and a dynamic wave sensor of a dynamic wave generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 is a front view showing a dynamic wave generating unit and a dynamic wave sensor of a dynamic wave generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 is a graph showing a typical shock wave signal emitted from a shock wave converter of an electromagnetic shock wave generator measured underwater using a pressure wave sensor and an example of a discharge signal of electrical energy charged in a driving unit to drive the shock wave converter.

[0028] Figure 5a is a graph showing a typical pressure wave signal and frequency spectrum emitted from a shock wave converter measured underwater using a shock wave sensor when the electric energy of the driving unit of the electromagnetic shock wave generator is set to the minimum value.

[0029] Figure 5b is a graph showing a typical pressure wave signal and frequency spectrum emitted from a shock wave converter measured underwater using a shock wave sensor when the electric energy of the driving unit of the electromagnetic shock wave generator is set to an intermediate value.

[0030] Figure 5b is a graph showing a typical pressure wave signal and frequency spectrum emitted from a shock wave converter measured underwater using a shock wave sensor when the electric energy of the driving unit of the electromagnetic shock wave generator is set to the maximum value.

[0031] It should be understood that the drawings referenced above are not necessarily drawn to scale and are intended to provide brief representations of various features that illustrate the fundamental principles of the present invention. For example, specific design features of the present invention, including specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will be determined in part by the specific intended application and usage environment.

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0033] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," as used herein, indicate the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The term "coupled" indicates a physical relationship between two components in which the components are directly connected to one another or are indirectly connected through one or more intervening components.

[0034] In describing the components of the present invention, when it is described that a component is “connected,” “coupled,” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected, coupled, or connected to the other component, but another component may also be “connected,” “coupled,” or “connected” between each component.

[0035] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a dynamic wave generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The dynamic wave generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a shock wave generating device that generates a shock wave. Referring to Fig. 1, the dynamic wave generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a dynamic wave generating unit (11). The dynamic wave generating unit (11) includes a dynamic wave converter (15), and a driving unit (13) that supplies energy for driving the dynamic wave converter (15). For example, the dynamic wave converter (15) may be a shock wave converter that generates a shock wave, and the driving unit (13) may be a device that supplies electric energy for generating the shock wave.

[0036] The mechanical wave guide (17) controls the propagation of the mechanical wave generated by the mechanical wave converter (15) to suit a given investigation purpose. For example, the mechanical wave guide (17) may be a focusing device that focuses the mechanical wave, a wave guide that controls the propagation echo of the mechanical wave, etc.

[0037] The dynamic wave sensor (19) is located near the dynamic wave generator (11) and detects the dynamic wave generated from the dynamic wave generator (11) and outputs a corresponding signal. The dynamic wave sensor (19) measures the dynamic wave generated from the dynamic wave converter (15) in synchronization with the signal emitted from the dynamic wave converter (15) or the operating signal of the driving unit (13). The dynamic wave sensor (19) is triggered to start measurement when the dynamic wave generator (11) operates, and detects the dynamic wave generated from the dynamic wave converter (11), converts it into an electric signal, and transmits it to the monitoring unit (21).

[0038] One or more dynamic wave sensors (19) can be installed on the surface of the dynamic wave guide (17) in a way that does not interfere with the function of the dynamic wave guide (17) or minimizes interference. Fig. 2 is a drawing showing a dynamic wave generator and a dynamic wave sensor of a dynamic wave generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 3 is a front view showing a dynamic wave generator and a dynamic wave sensor of a dynamic wave generating device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the dynamic wave guide (17) can have a concave curved shape and can be arranged to surround the dynamic wave converter (15). The dynamic wave guide (17) can have various shapes, and can have a shape capable of focusing a dynamic wave generated from the dynamic wave converter (15) to a focus (F), as exemplarily illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0039] The monitoring unit (21) monitors whether the output and performance of the dynamic wave generator (11) are within a normal range based on the signal of the dynamic wave sensor (19). For example, the monitoring unit (21) can secure the characteristics of the time and frequency domains of the signal measured when the dynamic wave generator (11) is operating normally, and compare them with the characteristics of the signal measured when the dynamic wave generator (11) is actually used, thereby monitoring whether the output and performance of the dynamic wave generator (11) are within a normal range. The monitoring unit (21) automatically monitors changes in the acoustic output and performance of the dynamic wave generator (11) by utilizing the signal of the dynamic wave sensor (19).

[0040] The monitoring unit (21) extracts the characteristics of the time and frequency domains of the signal measured by the dynamic wave sensor (19) and compares them with the characteristics of the signal when the dynamic wave generating unit (11) is normal (the signal measured when normal or the signal embedded as data in the dynamic wave generating device) to monitor whether the dynamic wave generated by the dynamic wave generating unit (11) is within the normal range.

[0041] The display unit (23) may be a display device that displays the monitoring results of the monitoring unit (21). For example, the display unit (23) may display the pressure of the dynamic wave generated from the dynamic wave generator (11) in real time or display whether the dynamic wave generator (11) is operating normally.

[0042] A plurality of dynamic wave sensors (19) may be provided. Information on whether a sound field is normally focused through a reflector (17) can be obtained from the relative phase information of signals measured by a plurality of dynamic wave sensors (19). As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, a plurality of dynamic wave sensors (19) may be arranged at regular intervals around a dynamic wave converter (15). The state of focusing of a dynamic wave can be evaluated from the phase information of signals measured by a plurality of dynamic wave sensors (19), and a change in output can be detected from a change in a signal waveform to independently monitor whether the performance of the dynamic wave converter (15) is normal. The monitoring unit (21) may be configured to provide information on whether an intended sound field can be formed through the dynamic wave guide (17) from the relative phase information of signals measured by a plurality of dynamic wave sensors (19).

[0043] Fig. 4 is a graph showing a typical shock wave signal emitted from a shock wave converter of an electromagnetic shock wave generator measured underwater using a pressure wave sensor and an example of a discharge signal of electric energy charged in a driving unit to drive the shock wave converter. In Fig. 4, the discharge signal of electric energy charged in the driving unit of the shock wave generator is also shown, so that it can be seen that the pressure wave sensor is automatically triggered at the time of operation of the driving unit and the signal is measured. The value of the charging voltage of the driving unit is recorded in the measurement system as an initial value of 0 and the degree to which the voltage decreases during discharging increases to a positive value. Therefore, the voltage (16 kV) indicated as a constant value after discharging in Fig. 4 is actually the charging voltage of the power supply of the driving unit.

[0044] FIGS. 5a, 5b, and 5c are graphs showing typical pressure wave signals and frequency spectra emitted from a shock wave transducer measured underwater using a shock wave sensor when the electrical energy of the drive unit of an electromagnetic shock wave generator is set to minimum, medium, and maximum values, respectively. Referring to FIGS. 5a to 5c, typical signals and frequency spectra measured using a shock wave sensor can be seen when the output of the shock wave generator, i.e., the electrical energy of the drive unit, is increased to minimum, medium, and maximum.

[0045] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A mechanical wave generator that generates mechanical waves; A dynamic wave sensor that detects the dynamic wave generated from the above dynamic wave generating unit, and A dynamic wave generating device including a monitoring unit that automatically monitors acoustic output information of the dynamic wave generating unit by utilizing signals recorded from the dynamic wave sensor.

2. In paragraph 1, The above dynamic wave generating part A dynamic wave converter configured to generate dynamic waves, A driving unit for supplying energy to the above-mentioned dynamic wave converter, and A mechanical wave generating device including a mechanical wave guide that controls the propagation of a mechanical wave generated from the above mechanical wave converter.

3. In paragraph 1, The above dynamic wave sensor is a dynamic wave generating device that is triggered to start measurement at the time when the above dynamic wave generating unit operates, and detects the dynamic wave generated from the above dynamic wave converting unit, converts it into an electric signal, and transmits it to the monitoring unit.

4. In paragraph 1, The above monitoring unit is a dynamic wave generating device that uses the signal measured by the dynamic wave sensor to evaluate the acoustic output or change in the acoustic output of the dynamic wave generated from the dynamic wave generating unit and uses it as a basis for monitoring the performance or change in the performance of the dynamic wave generating unit.

5. In paragraph 1, The above monitoring unit is a dynamic wave generating device that extracts the characteristics of the time and frequency domains of the signal measured by the dynamic wave sensor and compares them with the characteristics of the signal when the dynamic wave generating unit is normal, thereby monitoring whether the dynamic wave generated from the dynamic wave generating unit is within the normal range.

6. In paragraph 2, The above-mentioned dynamic wave sensor is a dynamic wave generating device installed on the surface of the dynamic wave guide in a manner that does not interfere with the role of the dynamic wave guide or minimizes interference.

7. In paragraph 6, The above dynamic wave sensors are provided in multiples, The above monitoring unit is a dynamic wave generating device configured to provide information on whether an intended sound field can be formed through the dynamic wave guide from relative phase information of signals measured from the plurality of dynamic wave sensors.

8. A dynamic wave generator that generates dynamic waves; A dynamic wave sensor for measuring the dynamic wave generated from the dynamic wave generating unit, and It includes a monitoring unit that automatically monitors the acoustic output of the dynamic wave generator by utilizing the signal recorded from the dynamic wave sensor. The above dynamic wave sensor measures the dynamic wave generated from the dynamic wave generating unit in synchronization with the operating signal of the driving unit that drives the dynamic wave generating unit. The above monitoring unit is a dynamic wave generating device configured to monitor one or more of the acoustic output, acoustic output change, acoustic performance, and acoustic performance change of the dynamic wave generating unit by utilizing the signal measured by the dynamic wave sensor.

Images