Multi-Element Energy Delivery Angular Control Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy delivery systems, such as ultrasound systems, face limitations in adjusting the direction and focus of energy without physically moving the energy-delivery devices, restricting their range and efficiency in targeting specific areas.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a mechanism with rotatable joints and sliding connections between energy delivery devices and plates, allowing for angular adjustments of energy emission while maintaining the ability to geometrically focus energy on a target point, enabling wider area coverage without physical movement of the devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If beam steering is used to adjust the direction of energy without physically moving the energy-delivery elements, then the adjustment speed is improved, but the adjustment range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically combines two adjustment mechanisms: beam steering for rapid electronic adjustment within a limited range, and physical repositioning of energy-delivery elements via robotic manipulators for extending the adjustment range. The system switches between these mechanisms based on the required adjustment magnitude, achieving both fast response and wide coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy-delivery system integrates multiple functions into a single platform: electronic beam steering capability, robotic repositioning capability, and a hybrid mode that combines both. This multi-functional approach allows the system to handle both small rapid adjustments and large range adjustments without requiring separate systems.
2Productivity
If the energy-delivery devices are geometrically focused on the target point, then the energy delivery efficiency is improved, but the angular area coverage is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the geometric configuration of energy-delivery elements based on the treatment requirements. For high-intensity focused ultrasound applications, the system positions elements to achieve geometric focus on the target point for efficient energy delivery. For broader coverage applications, the system reconfigures the element positions to expand angular area coverage, achieving both focused and diffuse delivery modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the energy-delivery system is physically moved to target regions outside the beam steering range, then the coverage range is improved, but the treatment time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning of energy-delivery elements to optimal locations before initiating energy delivery. The robotic manipulators pre-position the elements based on the treatment plan, allowing subsequent rapid beam steering adjustments without requiring physical movement during the actual treatment, thereby minimizing treatment time while maintaining wide coverage capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling the angular direction of energy emitted from a plurality of energy delivery devices. The apparatus includes a plurality of rods, each rod mechanically coupled to one of the energy delivery devices, to a stationary plate, and to a moveable plate. The stationary plate includes holes that are configured to receive a portion of a first rotatable joint that is mechanically coupled to each rod. The moveable plate includes holes that are configured to receive a portion of a second rotatable joint, the second rotatable joint slidingly engaging a portion of the respective rod. The angle of each rod changes when the moveable plate is moved in any direction with respect to the stationary plate. Changing the rod angle changes the angular direction of the energy emitted from the energy delivery devices such that the energy passes through an intended focal position.