Acoustic Wave Tip Mechanism Using Cam-Spring Energy Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional acoustic wave treatment devices are costly, fragile, and complicated, limiting their widespread availability and effectiveness for self-administered treatments.

Innovation Solution

A low intensity acoustic wave treatment device utilizing a helical cam mechanism driven by a DC motor to accelerate a driveshaft, which transfers kinetic energy to a moveable tip through a compression spring and intermediate member, allowing efficient energy transfer without mechanical interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional acoustic wave treatment devices are used, then treatment effectiveness is achieved, but device cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a motor assembly that generates rotational motion, a cam mechanism that converts rotation to linear motion, a compression spring that stores and releases energy, and a tip assembly that delivers the acoustic wave. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing and assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A compression spring is introduced as an intermediary energy storage element between the cam mechanism and the tip. The spring absorbs kinetic energy from the cam during compression and releases it during expansion, enabling efficient energy transfer while decoupling the motor from direct mechanical connection to the tip, thereby reducing mechanical stress and interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional acoustic wave treatment devices are used, then treatment effectiveness is achieved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs simple, inexpensive components that can be manufactured at low cost: a standard DC motor, a molded cam, a compression spring, and a disposable or replaceable tip. These components are designed to be economically replaceable, reducing overall device cost while maintaining treatment effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The complex piezoelectric or electromagnetic transducers used in conventional devices are replaced with a purely mechanical energy transfer system consisting of a motor, cam, and spring. This substitution dramatically reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while achieving the same acoustic wave generation function through kinetic energy conversion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Use of energy by moving object

If a motor-driven cam mechanism is used to accelerate the driveshaft, then energy transfer efficiency improves, but mechanical interference and stress increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidmechanical stress

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The compression spring acts as a cushioning element that absorbs the impact forces generated during energy transfer. By compressing the spring during the acceleration phase and allowing it to expand during the delivery phase, the system reduces peak mechanical stresses on the motor, cam, and tip while maintaining high energy transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The compression spring serves as an intermediary that decouples the motor-cam assembly from the tip. This intermediary absorbs and releases energy in a controlled manner, eliminating direct mechanical interference between the driving mechanism and the tip, thereby reducing wear and mechanical stress on all components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Power

If the tip is moveable within the nose cone, then acoustic wave generation improves, but device precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic wave energyVSAvoidtip positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The tip is designed to be moveable rather than fixed within the nose cone, allowing it to respond dynamically to the energy input from the compression spring. This dynamic positioning enables the tip to achieve optimal alignment and contact with the treatment area automatically, reducing the need for high-precision manufacturing tolerances while maximizing acoustic wave energy delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 device provides a simple, inexpensive, and robust solution for self-administered low intensity acoustic wave treatments, effectively transferring energy to generate acoustic waves for soft tissue treatment and cellulite reduction, while avoiding energy loss and mechanical stress.

Implementation Method 1

transfers kinetic energy to a moveable tip through a compression spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKinetic energy transfer:

Implementation Method 2

accelerate a driveshaft, which transfers kinetic energy to a moveable tip through a compression spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring compression and expansion: Spring

Implementation Method 3

utilizing a helical cam mechanism driven by a DC motor to accelerate a driveshaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS12508197B2Personal use extracorporeal low intensity acoustic or shock wave mechanical tip and methods of use

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 MOON POOL LLC

AI summary

A treatment device includes a housing having a longitudinal axis extending between a proximal end and a distal end, a striking element disposed within the housing and moveable along the longitudinal axis, a tip disposed adjacent the distal end, and a nose cone disposed about at least a portion of the tip, the tip being moveable within the nose cone.