Flow Modulator Rotor for Non-Invasive Muscular Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-invasive treatment devices for muscular and neuromuscular pathologies are limited by high cost due to multiple actuators required, restricted frequency range, wear and tear of pneumatic components, noise generation, and inability to treat moving patients, among other issues.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a single-chamber flow modulator with a rotor element generating mechanical-sound waves over 30 Hz, quick couplings for actuators, and adjustable frequency control, allowing treatment of various anatomical regions with reduced actuators and enabling patient movement during therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used to treat different anatomical regions, then the treatable anatomical regions increase, but the device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single actuator design that can be applied to multiple anatomical regions through different application techniques. The actuator is universally applicable to muscular, neuromuscular, and aesthetic treatments across various body parts including back, neck, shoulders, limbs, and facial regions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized actuators while maintaining treatment effectiveness
2Power
If pneumatic membrane components are used to generate mechanical-sound waves, then the device can produce therapeutic vibrations, but the components suffer from wear and deterioration over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional pneumatic membrane system with an electromagnetic actuator that generates mechanical-sound waves through electromagnetic forces. This substitution eliminates the pneumatic membrane and its associated wear problems, providing a more reliable and maintenance-free solution while maintaining the ability to generate therapeutic frequency vibrations
3Speed
If the device generates high-frequency mechanical-sound waves, then therapeutic effectiveness improves, but excessive vibrations cause breakage of transmission means
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuator directly generates high-frequency mechanical-sound waves without requiring mechanical transmission means such as pneumatic tubes or linkages. The electromagnetic field directly couples to the treatment applicator, eliminating mechanical transmission components that could break under excessive vibration while maintaining high therapeutic frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the power source and the mechanical-sound wave generation. This electromagnetic intermediary allows for precise control of vibration frequency and amplitude while eliminating the need for mechanical transmission components that are susceptible to breakage
4Ease of operation
If pneumatic connections are used between actuators and transmission means, then mechanical-sound waves can be transmitted, but the connections are delicate and prone to breakage during patient movement
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic actuator system eliminates pneumatic connections entirely by using electromagnetic fields for energy and signal transmission. The direct electromagnetic coupling between the actuator and applicator provides a robust connection that is not susceptible to disconnection or breakage during patient movement, while maintaining effective mechanical-sound wave transmission
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
Enhances treatment efficiency with reduced noise and vibration, supports multiple anatomical regions with fewer actuators, and allows therapy during patient movement, improving hygiene and maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
producing means (20) of the mechanical-sound waves comprising a flow modulator (30)
Implementation Method 2
a rotor element (70) arranged between the first (61) and second (62) portions of the pneumatic chamber (60). In an operating configuration of the device, the rotor element (70) is rotatable around a symmetry axis
Implementation Method 3
able to induce adaptive responses of the metabolic and neurophysiological types in the neuromuscular chain and in the osteoarticular structures of a patient
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A device (1) for the non-invasive treatment of muscular and neuromuscular pathologies by applying a succession of mechanical-sound waves to a muscle, comprising: production means (20) of the mechanical-sound waves comprising at least one flow modulator (30); application means (40) of the impulses; transmission means (50) of the impulses from the production means (20) to the application means (40). The flow modulator (30) comprises an outer casing (31) inside which a pneumatic chamber (60) is defined and subdivided in a first portion (61) and in a second portion (62), and a rotor element (70) arranged between them. The casing (31) comprises a central body (32) and an upper cover (33) coupled to define the first portion (61) of the pneumatic chamber (60) and a lower cover (34) coupled to the central body (32) to define the second portion (62) of the pneumatic chamber (60) which the rotor element (70) is facing.