Acoustic Wave Generator for Predictable Shockwave Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating therapeutic shockwaves are unpredictable due to the nonlinear nature of skin tissue, making it difficult to consistently produce high-frequency shockwaves suitable for medical and aesthetic therapies.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an acoustic-wave generator emitting frequencies between 1 MHz and 1000 MHz, coupled with a shockwave housing containing a nonlinear shockwave medium such as silicone with bubbles or fluid, designed to form and direct shockwaves with controlled intensity and frequency, using a controller to adjust wave parameters and optimize shockwave formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If acoustic waves are generated through skin tissue to form shockwaves, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but the process becomes unpredictable due to nonlinear tissue properties
Solution Approach 1:
A water-filled coupling medium is introduced between the acoustic wave generator and the skin tissue. This intermediary medium provides a predictable, linear acoustic environment for shockwave generation, eliminating the unpredictability caused by direct interaction with nonlinear skin tissue while still enabling effective therapeutic shockwave delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the shockwave generation process into distinct stages: acoustic wave generation in a controlled water medium, followed by shockwave formation at the water-tissue interface. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each stage, ensuring predictable shockwave characteristics.
2Power
If high-frequency acoustic waves are used to generate shockwaves, then therapeutic intensity is improved, but consistent shockwave formation becomes difficult due to tissue variability
Solution Approach 1:
The water-filled coupling medium serves as a standardized intermediary that ensures consistent acoustic wave propagation regardless of variations in skin tissue properties. This allows high-frequency acoustic waves to be converted into consistent, high-intensity shockwaves at the water-tissue interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the acoustic medium from variable skin tissue to controlled water, fundamentally altering the propagation parameters to achieve consistent shockwave formation. The water medium provides stable acoustic impedance and speed of sound, enabling precise control over shockwave characteristics.
3Length of moving object
If shockwaves are formed deep in tissue, then treatment depth is improved, but the distance required for shockwave formation varies drastically
Solution Approach 1:
The water-filled coupling medium acts as a predictable intermediary that standardizes the shockwave formation distance. By controlling the acoustic properties of the water medium, the system achieves consistent shockwave formation at a predictable distance from the transducer, enabling reliable deep tissue treatment.
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 apparatus consistently generates predictable and intense shockwaves, capable of delivering therapeutic effects by inducing nonlinear distortion and pressure impact fronts that can deform and treat tissue effectively, improving tissue treatment outcomes in medical and aesthetic applications.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic-wave generator configured to emit acoustic waves having at least one frequency between 1 MHz and 1000 MHz
Implementation Method 2
the shockwave medium is configured such that in the presence of acoustic waves from the acoustic-wave generator the shockwave medium will exhibit nonlinear properties
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses and methods for generating therapeutic shock waves. Some embodiments comprise: an acoustic-wave generator configured to emit acoustic waves having at least one frequency between 1 MHz and 1000 MHz; a shock wave housing coupled to the acoustic-wave generator; and a shock wave medium disposed in the shock wave housing; where the apparatus is configured such that if the acoustic-wave generator emits acoustic waves then at least some portion of the acoustic waves will travel through the shock wave medium and form one or more shock waves.