Detachable Applicator Head for Shock Wave Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electro-hydraulic shock wave applicators require the entire handset and cable to be replaced when changing the applicator head, leading to increased costs, storage space requirements, and complexity due to fixed mechanical and electrical connections, necessitating special tools for part replacement.
Innovation Solution
An exchangeable applicator head with a detachable electrical and mechanical connection to the handset, featuring a reflector, electrode tips, and a membrane, allowing for easy replacement without needing to change the handset or cable, utilizing an electro-mechanical locking device and communication storage medium for identification and performance data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the entire handset with connection cable is replaced when changing the applicator head, then the wearing parts (electrode tips and liquid medium) can be replaced, but the weight, space required, and costs for storage and transport are considerably increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: a reusable handset containing the power supply and control electronics, and a disposable applicator head containing the electrode tips and liquid medium. This segmentation allows the wearing parts to be replaced independently without replacing the entire handset, significantly reducing the weight and volume of the exchangeable unit while maintaining the ability to replace electrode tips and liquid medium effectively.
2Reliability
If screw, clamp and/or soldered connections are used to couple electrode tips to the voltage-supplying cable, then good electrical connection is achieved, but the applicator head cannot be detached from the handset and special tools are required for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from static permanent connections (screws, clamps, soldering) to a dynamic detachable connection mechanism. The applicator head can be quickly attached and detached from the handset without tools, while maintaining reliable electrical contact through spring-loaded contacts or snap-fit connectors that ensure good electrical connection during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode tips and liquid medium are extracted as separate replaceable components within the applicator head, which itself can be detached from the handset. This hierarchical extraction allows wearing parts to be replaced without affecting the permanent electrical connection infrastructure in the handset.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the applicator head is permanently connected to the handset, then electrical and mechanical stability is ensured, but the replacement of the applicator head and wearing parts becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system enables dynamic reconfiguration: during treatment, the applicator head maintains stable electrical and mechanical connection to the handset; when replacement is needed, the connection can be quickly detached and reattached without tools, significantly reducing replacement time while maintaining operational stability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple applicator heads need to be stored and transported, then different treatment options are available, but the space requirements and costs increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into a permanent handset and smaller disposable applicator heads, multiple applicator heads can be stored in compact containers without requiring significant space. The lightweight, compact design of individual applicator heads allows easy storage of multiple units for different treatment applications.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for generating shock waves, comprising an interchangeable applicator head for generating shock waves for treatment on the human or animal body. The applicator head includes a reflection or focusing device, two electrodes for generating a spark gap, and a membrane that, together with the reflection or focusing device, encloses a liquid medium suitable for generating a plasma when a voltage between 1 kV and 30 kV is applied. According to the invention, the applicator head is detachably connected electrically and mechanically to a handheld device.